Meydenbauer Center: A Case Study for Clean Buildings Retrofit in Practice

Meydenbauer Center, the host for AEE West 2026, wrapped up a significant energy retrofit delivered under a performance contract with guaranteed energy savings. The upgrade focused on electrification and long-term carbon reduction and grew out of an investment-grade audit. The measures included new heat pumps for space heating, a high-efficiency heat pump water heater for domestic hot water, and related work. All this in an active, year-round convention center.

This session shows how the project team turned owner goals and state performance needs into a practical scope of work at a live facility. The presenter will walk through the overall strategy, how it integrates with current systems, the commissioning approach, and early operational feedback. He will focus on what is most important to the energy and facilities teams.

Attendees will gain a high-level framework they can apply to similar public assembly and commercial buildings. The session will end with an optional tour of the mechanical spaces at Meydenbauer Center. Participants can see the upgraded plant in action and ask questions on site.