.

 .

 .

 .

Bridging the Gap: Financing Resilient HVAC and Energy Upgrades in a Volatile Landscape

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Bull and Bear Roadhouse @ 11:30AM

6402 Collamer Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057

CNY ASHRAE members have free registration the remainder of the year, guests can register per meeting for $40.

Speakers:

Cody Freeman, Trane

Samantha Price, National Grid

Anticipated Timeline of Events:

11:30am – Check-In

11:45am – Buffet Lunch

12:00pm – Start Presentation

1:00pm – Q&A

Presentation Overview

As political and economic uncertainties continue to cloud the U.S. energy landscape, many healthcare and MUSH (Municipalities, Universities, Schools, and Hospitals) sector leaders are struggling to advance critical HVAC and infrastructure upgrades. Capital constraints, rising operational costs, and unclear policy trajectories are making it harder than ever to plan, finance, and implement long-term energy strategies.

This one-hour session will explore how structured financial solutions can help unlock essential HVAC and energy infrastructure projects—even in the face of today’s complex funding environment. Attendees will gain insight into:

• Current Landscape of Energy Uncertainty:

A review of the macroeconomic and political factors contributing to customer hesitation, project delays, and funding shortfalls.

• Overview of Structured Financing Options for MUSH Markets:

A detailed explanation of Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS), performance contracting, municipal lease-purchase agreements, and public-private partnership models—tailored for healthcare and institutional stakeholders.

• Case Studies:

Real-world examples illustrating how different financial structures were successfully applied in healthcare and institutional settings to overcome funding barriers.

• Incentive and Tax Credit Landscape:

An overview of utility incentive programs across New York State, updated guidance on federal tax credits (including elective direct pay provisions), and strategies for stacking funding sources.

• NYSERDA Funding Opportunities:

A deep dive into current and upcoming NYSERDA programs, including how to align project goals with available grant and incentive offerings.

• Q&A Session:

An open dialogue to address audience questions, discuss unique challenges, and explore collaboration opportunities.

Presenter Bio

Cody Freeman has been a Comprehensive Solutions Account Executive for Trane Technologie’s Energy Service team since October 2024.  As an Energy Service Company (ESCO), Trane Inc. provides comprehensive, performance-based solutions that help organizations reduce energy consumption, modernize infrastructure, and achieve sustainability goals, often with no upfront capital investment. Trane assumes accountability for not only designing and implementing efficiency upgrades but also for the long-term energy and operational savings they produce.

Cody has expertise in structured finance solutions for energy efficiency projects as well as a thorough knowledge of NY state incentives and grants as well as federal funding for infrastructure projects.  Prior to his time at Trane, Cody worked closely with orthopedic healthcare providers in NY and the Pacific Northwest, providing care for patients with orthopedic injuries. Cody has a unique perspective on healthcare and their operations, outside of the lens of mechanical systems and plant operations.  Before his professional career, Cody attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY playing four years of Division 1 college hockey, as well as several years of professional hockey following his time at Canisius.  Currently operating out of Buffalo, NY, Cody covers all Upstate NY for Trane’s ES team specifically with Hospitals and Higher Education.

Samantha Price represents all of National Grid’s Energy Efficiency, and Electrification, rebate program offerings for the Western Region of NY. She has supported the vendor community in various rebate projects ranging from lighting, to motors, to fans, to VFD’s, to chillers, and much more! She also specializes in the NYS Clean Heat incentive program, working to collaborate with vendors to ensure customers can capitalize on this program, to increase affordability.

Don’t forget about out 50-50 raffle! Cash only! tickets can be purchased at the check-in table the day of the event.

Registration

Please note that after you submit registration, you will be re-routed to PayPal for payment. If your popup blocker is enabled, this may prevent you from being routed to PayPal.

Registration includes a lunch buffet, please notify a board member when checking in at the front desk of any dietary restrictions and accommodations will be made.