Refrigeration Code Changes: What Designers Need to Know

EVENT DETAILS

“Refrigeration Code Changes: What Designers Need to Know.” With evolving standards around refrigerants and HVAC systems, staying up-to-date on code updates is essential for sustainable design:

– Recent updates in California & national refrigeration codes
– Environmental impacts of refrigerant types
– Design strategies to align with the new
– Q&A session with industry professional

SPEAKERS

George Reilly, Hon. AIA|LA – Principal | US BEnv Lead – West Coast Region, Buro Happold

George Reilly is a seasoned MEP engineer with over 20 years of experience.

He began his career in the UK and has been working in California since 2009. His expertise spans projects across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, with significant experience in laboratory, cultural, higher education, and adaptive reuse sectors.

George’s passion for engineering is driven by a desire to understand how systems work and to enhance building efficiency. He aims to add value to projects by maintaining strong client relationships and delivering design solutions that align with clients’ aspirations and budgets. His commitment to Net Zero Carbon and addressing climate change is a key focus of his work.

As a member of the AIA Committee on the Environment (LA) and an AIA Honorary status awardee, George is recognized for his dedication to sustainability and his contributions to the field.

Andrew James – Senior Associate | Mechanical, Buro Happold

Andrew James is an associate mechanical engineer on the Los Angeles MEP engineering team.

Andrew brings technical expertise in HVAC mechanical design and energy analysis, spanning higher education, commercial, healthcare, and arts & culture sectors. He excels in the delivery of coordinated multi-discipline projects in BIM. He also supports project code compliance and construction administration.

Andrew has an interest in low-energy mechanical design using passive conditioning strategies, as well as an interest in district-level heating and cooling systems, as used in both the Building for the Permanent Collection at Los Angeles County Museum Art and at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

AIA CES: 2 LU|HSW Approved

1. Identify recent changes to California and national refrigeration codes and explain their implications for sustainable building design.

2. Evaluate the environmental impacts of various refrigerant types, including global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP).

3. Apply design strategies that align HVAC systems with updated refrigerant standards while maintaining occupant comfort and building performance.

4. Integrate code-compliant, low-impact refrigeration solutions into design projects to support health, safety, and welfare goals.

PARKING

Public Parking available at Central Library and Pershing Square.