Sustainability is promoted in all aspects of life in Seattle, which according to ASHRAE, makes it a perfect location for its 2014 Annual Conference. The conference takes place June 28-July 2

The technical program kicks off June 29, with interactive programs and a networking coffee break, and concludes July 2. The program addresses broad topics in the application of technology to practice, specific applications in ground source heat pumps, operations and maintenance and indoor environmental quality, as well as new reports on research taking place worldwide.

Featured is a track on “Ground Source Heat Pumps State of the Art: Design, Performance and Research,” which addresses all aspects of design that lead to optimally performing systems in addition to avoiding common pitfalls that lead to poorly performing systems.

The conference will also feature the second annual ASHRAE Research Summit, which presents innovations in HVACR research with particular emphasis on high performance building design and its role in a clean energy economy, and brings together researchers to present and discuss the latest research. Researchers present papers, seminars, and forums or participate in panel discussions. Also, highlights on ongoing ASHRAE funded research are presented.

Attendees also can take part in courses offered by the ASHRAE Learning Institute, including two full-day professional development seminars and seven half-day short courses. New is a course on building demand response and the coming smart grid.

ASHRAE also offers its Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP) and Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) exams on July 1.

The keynote speaker is Robert Bryce, an energy journalists and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He serves as the keynote speaker at the opening plenary session, held Saturday, June 28. Registration is not required to attend the session, which also features the honors and awards program.

Denis Hayes, president and CEO of the Bullitt Center, serves as keynote speaker at the technical plenary, Sunday, June 29. Conference registration is required to attend. In his remarks, Hayes will discuss the problems and opportunities associated with “net positive” commercial construction, using the Bullitt Center as an illustration of what is currently possible.

Technical tours at the conference include Federal Center South Building 1202; The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center 1100 Eastlake Facility; The Bullitt Center; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Headquarters; the University of Washington Molecular Engineering & Sciences Building; and the University of Washington Power Plant.

The conference takes place at the Sheraton Seattle and the Washington State Convention Center. To register or more information, visit www.ashrae.org/seattle.