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Shaping Tomorrow's Global Built Environment Today
July 16, 2026
New York has become the first U.S. state to halt construction of large new data centers, imposing a one-year moratorium as concerns grow that the facilities driving the artificial intelligence (AI) boom are raising power costs, straining water supplies and burdening local communities. The moratorium positions New York at the forefront of a growing national debate over how to manage the infrastructure needed to support AI. Read more
At Saarland University in Germany, researchers are testing nickel-titanium alloys that generate a cooling effect when stretched and released, a process known as elastocaloric cooling. Early results suggest the approach could lower indoor temperatures by 41°F to 50°F (9°C to 19°C)  and operate more efficiently than conventional systems. The research team is developing refrigerant-free heat pumps and expects initial deployment in new buildings within the next few years. Read more
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Researchers from the Technical University of Munich found that residential air-to-water heat pumps retain significant operational flexibility even during extreme winter conditions, as they rarely operate at their maximum capacity. The study of 761 systems in southern Germany shows that intelligent control and thermal storage strategies could enable grid-friendly load shifting while reducing peak electricity demand. Read more
Before 2020, GFCI protection was not required for outdoor condenser connections. But in the 2020 National Electrical Code, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)—which publishes the code—included a GFCI protection requirement for outdoor air conditioners and heat pumps. However, in August 2022, following an appeal led by ACCA and AHRI and backed by the National Association of Home Builders, the NFPA exempted outdoor HVAC equipment from the requirement until Sept. 1, 2026. Read more
Join Rebecca Norris and Max Sherman as they discuss the history of environmental tobacco smoke on IAQ and health—and what ASHRAE is doing next.
 
Hot Air Podcast
ASHRAE Journal
By Joseph Schwartz
The STEM Teaching and Learning Facility at Michigan State University is an integrated learning center that achieves university goals for student learning, campus planning and sustainability. A renovation of a decommissioned power plant, two STEM teaching lab wings and an atrium addition will make room for undergraduate teaching labs for chemistry, biology, physics and materials science. Download here

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ASHRAE News
Great buildings start with great design. ASHRAE’s HVAC Design Level I & II courses equip engineers with the fundamentals and advanced practices needed for efficient, high-performing systems. Attendees will also experience the NEW HVAC Design Level II course, which has been completely revamped and enhanced with new examples, improved course content, and current standard references to deliver an even better learning experience. Gain practical knowledge you can apply right away while learning directly from industry experts. Register today! 
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In Case You Missed It
A global review led by UNSW Sydney argues that keeping buildings cool without relying solely on air conditioning will be critical for adapting to climate change. Published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology, it examines the latest advances in passive cooling technologies, from emerging materials for radiative, evaporative and combined radiative/evaporative cooling to sophisticated solar control systems and intelligent ventilation technologies that can help buildings shed heat without consuming electricity. Read more
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