Although this meeting is showcasing the strength of the Women in ASHRAE, HiSHE and in our community, ALL are welcome. We look forward to seeing you at this fun and informative event

Come join us for the October monthly meeting of the ASHRAE Hawaii Chapter

Women in ASHRAE (WIA) x HISHE 

invite you to a Pau Hana Presentation with

🌿 Renée Jacobs, CHFM, CHC, FASHE
Healthcare Business Development Manager, Distech Controls

Sponsored by Distech Controls and Hawaii Energy

Topic:
Smarter Air Quality, Standards, and Energy Strategies in Healthcare Environments

📅 Thursday, October 9
📍 Safe Harbor Storage
670 Auahi Street #12A

🚗 Parking:
Discounted validated parking available at SALT, Keauhou Lane (Down to Earth), and H Mart.
No parking at Coral Commercial Center.

🕞 Schedule:
3:30 PM – Check-in
4:00 PM – Presentation begins

💵 Registration: $40
Includes heavy pupus and drinks

REGISTER NOW

Presenter Bio:

Renée Robison Jacobs, CHFM, CHC, FASHE is a nationally recognized leader in smart building technologies, air quality, healthcare construction, facilities management, and sustainability. With 30+ years of experience, she has overseen billions in healthcare and technology projects, including the $330M New Saint Luke’s Hospital. Renée has held senior leadership roles at Saint Luke’s Health System, Johnson Controls, and RJ Consulting, and now serves as Healthcare Business Development Manager for Distech Controls. A Certified Healthcare Facility Manager and ASHE Fellow, she continues to advance innovation and leadership in healthcare facilities nationwide.

Presentation Abstract:

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts patient safety, staff wellness, and healthcare facility performance. Once treated as a background concern, IAQ is now recognized as central to infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

This session will review upcoming updates to ASHRAE 170 and FGI standards, with a focus on air pressure relationships, protective environments, and room classifications. Attendees will learn how building automation systems (BAS) and modern sensing technologies can improve IAQ, support real-time flexibility, and reduce airborne transmission risks.

The session will also explore the link between IAQ and energy use, showing how smart building strategies can enhance safety while cutting costs and carbon emissions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the impact of indoor air quality on patient safety and healthcare outcomes.

• Explain what negative pressure, positive pressure, and protective environments are in healthcare spaces and the critical nature of the BAS in monitoring and maintaining these relationships.

• Identify updates to ASHRAE 170 and new FGI standards related to IAQ and air pressure relationships.

• Discuss the dual benefits of IAQ strategies for both infection prevention and energy savings.