ASHRAE will convene in San Antonio, Texas, to not only “remember the Alamo,” but look toward a greener future. The 2012 ASHRAE Annual Conference, taking place June 23-27, focuses on everything from the basics of HVAC maintenance to integrated building design.

The Technical Program features focused tracks on Integrated Energy Systems, Building Modeling Applications, Refrigeration Applications and Indoor Environmental Applications and general tracks addressing HVAC&R Systems and Equipment and Fundamentals and Applications.

“Interoperability of Smart Building Systems and Smart Grid” is the topic of the Technical Plenary, presented by Lawrence Jones, Ph.D., Alstom Grid Inc. (Washington), on Sunday, June 24.

Also, an Integrated Building Controls “mini-conference” addresses the extension of building controls from just mechanical systems to lighting, water consumption, security and other building systems, working toward the goal of “intelligent buildings.” Sessions related to this topic are scheduled on Sunday and Monday.

The technical program begins Sunday, June 24, and ends Wednesday, June 27, with all sessions at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Complete program details are available at www.ashrae.org/sanantonio.  The entire technical program is approved for PDHs, and the majority of sessions are also approved for NY PDHs, AIA LUs and LEED AP credits.

The ASHRAE Learning Institute offers eight instructor-led training opportunities. Participants may choose from two full-day and six half-day courses to stay current on HVAC trends, including a new offering on understanding ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2011, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings.

The Conference keynote speaker is Ryan Dorsey, the Gen Y Guy®. Dorsey will focus on “Crossing the Generational Divide,” explaining how four generations are currently working side-by-side in the workplace and the strengths, weaknesses, and different perspectives of each. The Plenary session takes place Saturday, June 23 at Grand Hyatt San Antonio.

ASHRAE technical tours offer an inside view of how technology developed by members is practically applied in building environments. Tours at the Annual Conference include the SAWS Chiller Plant and the Blue Wing Solar Farm.

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio will serve as the headquarters hotel. Visit www.ashrae.org/sanantonio for more information.