John Sustar, sponsored by Trane Technologies

Wednesday July 22, 9:00 AM

Electrified water-source heat pump systems (WSHP) offer a practical pathway to decarbonize buildings, reduce on-site water use, and simplify maintenance by replacing boilers and cooling towers with an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP). This approach builds on mature distributed water-source heat pump systems, which have long been used in multizone buildings.

This session examines the design implications of these electrified systems that use an AWHP for both heat addition and heat rejection. It will compare the efficiency of electrified and traditional WSHP systems, including the effects of compressor lift, heating and cooling performance, and potential cooling-efficiency tradeoffs. Design topics will include AWHP sizing, defrost and ambient temperature limits, auxiliary heat, pumping and flow management, and the roles of buffer tanks, glycol, dry coolers, economizers, and backup boilers. The session will also discuss enhancements such as thermal storage, load shifting, exhaust heat recovery, hybrid systems, and domestic hot water integration.

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John Sustar started in the HVAC industry in 2009, specializing in energy modeling, electrical, mechanical, and hydronic systems. As an HVAC Systems Product Manager at Trane, he leads the development and execution of commercial systems strategies, working closely with engineering and marketing teams. He holds a master’s in building systems engineering from the University of Colorado–Boulder and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

In his current role as Systems Portfolio Product Manager, John develops and implements commercialization strategies across Trane’s commercial businesses, working with product managers, engineering teams, applications experts, sales teams, and marketing partners. He leads market activation plans for new system introductions and supports sales enablement through training, customer engagement, and content development. Previously, he served as the Commercialization Execution Leader for Chillers and held multiple engineering roles supporting water‑cooled chillers, energy modeling software, and customer technical support.

John lives in La Crosse, WI, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys spending time outside with his family, engaging in activities such as skiing, mountain biking, and trail running.

Candice Rogers and David Burks, Paladin, Inc., Sponsored by Bluegrass ASHRAE

Wednesday July 22, 10:00 AM

High-performing buildings do not happen by accident. They begin with clearly defined Owner’s Project Requirements and continue through disciplined design verification, field testing, and operational handoff. This session will explore how an effective OPR establishes both qualitative goals and quantitative performance criteria that guide project decisions from the earliest planning stages through occupancy.

Candice Rogers and David Burks will discuss practical methods for defining OPR criteria that is useful to design and construction teams. The session will then show how those requirements are carried forward through the design and construction process. Attendees will see how the OPR becomes a tool for accountability: first confirming that the design meets the Owner’s goals, then verifying in the field that systems are operating as expected.

The session will conclude by connecting the OPR to Current Facility Requirements, showing how project-phase expectations can transition into long-term operational guidance for facility teams. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how the OPR supports better decisions, clearer verification, and buildings that better serve their owners and occupants.

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Candice Rogers is the President of Paladin, Inc. a leading firm specializing in sustainability consulting, commissioning, and direct-to-owner engineering services. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Candice has been instrumental in driving sustainable practices and achieving significant environmental outcomes across numerous projects in Kentucky and the surrounding areas.

Under her leadership, Paladin, Inc. has partnered with architects and owners to set and achieve ambitious sustainability goals, focusing on reducing CO2e emissions and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Her commitment to sustainability is reflected in her extensive credentials, which include an MBA, Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA), LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP).

Candice’s expertise and dedication to sustainability have made her a respected figure in the industry. She is passionate about creating a positive environmental impact and is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with clients to ensure that their sustainability objectives are met. Her work has not only contributed to the success of individual projects but has also helped to advance the broader goals of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

In addition to her professional achievements, Candice is an advocate for continuous learning and professional development, often sharing her knowledge and insights at industry conferences and events. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire others in the field of sustainability and engineering.

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David Burks is a Principal at Paladin, Inc., where he has served as project manager on hundreds of commissioning projects and led building enclosure testing efforts for more than 350 facilities. He also serves as the President and co-founder of PaladinDTS, a firm specializing in building testing, existing conditions documentation, 3D laser scanning, BIM coordination, and building performance verification services. With extensive experience in commissioning, building testing, and field verification, David has helped owners, architects, contractors, and project teams identify and resolve issues before they impact schedule, budget, or long-term building performance.

As one of Kentucky’s two ABAA-Certified Air Barrier Auditors, David has played a significant role in advancing building enclosure testing and verification services throughout the region. His expertise includes building enclosure performance, air barrier systems, thermography, fenestration, commissioning, and field verification. Known for his practical, field-focused approach, he works closely with project teams to provide clear answers, reliable data, and actionable solutions that support quality construction and reduce project risk.

David holds numerous industry credentials, including ABAA-Certified Air Barrier Specialist, Building Enclosure Commissioning Authority, Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA), Fenestration Master Professional, and Level II Thermography certification. His technical knowledge, attention to detail, and collaborative approach have made him a trusted resource for owners, designers, and contractors across a wide range of building types.

Derick Hobbs, sponsored by KCC

Wednesday July 22, 11:00 AM

The Dedicated Outdoor Air market has been flipped upside down with regulatory changes and new performance requirements, all in a very short period.  In an effort to maximize efficiency of system design, exceed new performance requirements, and deliver a successful project, we can boil it down to a few simple principles.  These basic rules have been used across the HVAC industry for years and are now being incorporating into DOAS systems and standards.

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Derick Hobbs graduated from Indiana University Southeast with his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management.  He is currently the Regional Sales Manager for the Southern Atlantic region at KCC Manufacturing – manufacturer of DOAS and CEA equipment and systems.  Derick has been involved with local ASHRAE and the engineering community since 2021.  He is passionate about continuing to learn and share industry knowledge, specific to the Outdoor Air market.

Rodney Sproul, sponsored by Daikin

Friday July 22, 8:00 AM

Packaged modular HVAC equipment is transforming mechanical system delivery in construction by shifting fabrication, assembly, and testing from the jobsite to controlled factory environments. This approach can reduce installation errors, enhance overall system reliability with consistent/standardized manufacturing and quality control. In addition, modular HVAC systems can shorten project build schedules by shortening unit installation time through offsite fabrication not impacted due to jobsite weather or labor shortages along with field constraints having to work across multiple trades. Some of those ‘hidden’ costs can be almost eliminated with modular systems as this shifts onsite costs to factory costs reducing onsite labor, minimizing material waste, improving productivity, and decreasing rework and schedule disruptions.

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A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Rodney Sproul lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife and four children. As a Sales Engineer with Thermal Equipment Sales, he focuses on air side HVAC products and works closely with customers, contractors, and design engineers to deliver HVAC solutions for projects ranging from small retail spaces to schools, healthcare facilities, and other commercial buildings. He is passionate about improving building performance and efficiency through practical solutions, including the application of modular HVAC systems.

Christian Taber, Distinguished Lecturer, sponsored by Big Ass Fans

Friday July 22, 9:00 AM

Learning Objectives:

1. Advantages of designing with air movement for occupant thermal comfort

2. Basic ceiling fan selection / layout

3. Modifying air distribution design to reduce material usage & cost

4. Increasing building efficiency & resilience via air circulation

Outcomes:

1. Able to incorporate ceiling fans into traditional HVAC systems

2. Able to perform load calculations & equipment sizing that includes ceiling fans & air movement

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Christian Taber is a Principal Engineer of Codes and Standards at Big Ass Fans. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering followed by a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Kentucky. Christian’s graduate work focused on renewable energy and sustainable building design.

Christian has worked as a marketing and applications engineer for Trane, where he trained thousands of customers on building energy modeling. He has also taught several undergraduate engineering courses on HVAC/Environmental Control at the University of Kentucky.

Christian is an active participant in regulations, standards, and building code development and collaborates with ASHRAE, AMCA, US DOE, and the ICC. He is a member of ASHRAE’s Standards Committee/Standards Project Liaison Subcommittee (SPLS), a voting member of SSPC 90.1, a member of GPC 37, and was a voting member of SSPC 189.1. Christian is also an ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional, an ASHRAE High-Performance Building Design Professional (HPBDP), and an AEE Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

Christian’s contributions to the air movement industry include leadership roles on publications, test standards, and codes for fans. He currently chairs AMCA’s North American Air Movement Advocacy Committee and AMCA Standard 340, a new standard being developed for rating the sound performance for large diameter ceiling fans. He is also the Vice Chair of the AMCA Air Movement Division and a member of the North America Region Steering Committee. Christian has served on committees for the recent revisions to ANSI/AMCA test and rating standards 230, 214, 210, 208, 99 and AMCA Publications 211 and 11, which are operating manuals for the AMCA Certified Rating System.

Christian has several articles in the ASHRAE Journal and has presented his work at various national and international conferences. He has been granted a patent for a condensation control system, was part of a team that designed an experiment sent to the International Space Station, and provided technical support to Congress for the proposed and enacted Ceiling Fan Improvement Act of 2020.

In his free time, Christian enjoys outdoor activities with his wife and twin daughters. He currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mike Dixon, PE, sponsored by Patterson-Kelly

Friday July 22, 10:00 AM

Mike will be presenting on aspects for consideration during design, installation, and maintenance of a boiler system which affect the boiler’s operation. This presentation highlights how to avoid potential issues which may occur during start-up that would cause problems and not allow optimal boiler operation. Anyone who is involved in hydronic systems should attend this presentation.

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Mike Dixon, P.E. has been an ASHRAE Member for 16 years and has previously served as Membership Promotion and Refrigeration Chair for the Triangle Chapter. Currently he is a member of the Southern Piedmont Chapter.

Mike obtained his B.S. and M.S. in Engineering from North Carolina State University and has been a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina since 2000. Mike has practiced as both a Civil Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer and has experience in Mechanical Systems (Hydronic, Plumbing, Balancing, Fire Protection, Special Hazards FP), WWTP Design and Installation, Manufacturing, Engineering Design, Underground Pipeline Installation, Retention / Detention Design, and Storm Drainage.

Mike has worked with HVAC systems for the past 20 years. When he returned to Mechanical Engineering, he worked with EPCs on industrial projects with Victaulic and transitioned to MEP before leaving to work as a Regional Sales Manager with EnviroSep. He has been the South Regional Sales Manager for Patterson-Kelley for the last six years.

Mike resides in Black Mountain, NC.