Brian Hafendorfer is a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in commercial air conditioning, industrial refrigeration, and indoor air quality. Having spent time in the commercial HVAC manufacturing world, as well as the design-build construction industry, Brian has a well-rounded background in the design, development, manufacturing and application of HVAC systems and equipment as well as the hygienic design of Food & Beverage industrial manufacturing facilities. He has a passion for sustainability and is actively engaged in creating innovative solutions for customers that exceed their expectations.
As Director of Mechanical Engineering, Brian leads teams of mechanical engineers and refrigeration engineers to develop, implement, and execute the design and construction administration phases of design-build projects. He facilitates the preparation of design proposal documents, leads the development of cost-effective solutions for major proposal offerings by partnering with engineering and architecture resources, provides accountability for design schedules and project budgets, and coordinates with project management and site management teams on the execution of projects throughout their life cycle.
Brian is an active member of ASHRAE having received the 2018 ASHRAE Chapter Service Award, the 2019 ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award and the 2021 Regional Award of Merit. He has served on multiple ASHRAE committees including SSPC 62.1 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality as voting member and subcommittee chair, past chair of TC 2.9 Ultraviolet Air and Surface Treatment, and as a voting member of TC 2.3 - Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment and TRG4.IAQP - Indoor Air Quality Procedure Development. Brian is a former treasurer for Region VII and served as the advisory panel chair for ISO TC 142 Working Group 2 - UVC technology. Within the Bluegrass Chapter, he held various chapter chair and officer positions, ultimately progressing to Chapter President.
Brian has authored numerous publications and presented on various topics including sustainability, indoor air quality, coil design and application, advanced air handling systems, humidity control, ASHRAE standards, and air cleaning and filtration.
Moisture Management in Buildings
Moisture is an essential part of life on planet Earth. However, when not properly managed it also cancause a host of problems including occupant health & safety, damage to facilities, equipment, andproducts within buildings. Learning the sources, root causes, and solution strategies can help guidedesigners and builders how to properly manage the design, installation, operation, and maintenance ofbuilding systems to prevent potential pitfalls that impact health & safety of the occupants and thebuilding and materials located within.
Learning the sources, root causes, and solution strategies can help guide designers and builders how toproperly manage the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of building systems to preventpotential pitfalls that impact health & safety of the occupants and the building and materials locatedwithin.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 - Where have we been, where are we now and where are we going?
Refrigeration Systems vs Mechanical Systems: What’s the Difference?
The scope delineation between Refrigeration and Mechanical disciplines can be subtle yet detailed and can puzzle even the more experienced of engineers. In industrial facilities, Refrigeration generally takes over when a room sustains a temperature below 65°F down to subzero temperatures. These spaces often require hygienic design features that are ubiquitous in Food & Beverage manufacturing facilities. Specialized equipment and materials of construction are commonplace to allow for frequent hygienic wash down cycles to control microbial growth and prevent food contamination, enhance food safety, maximize shelf life and maintain food quality.
Natural refrigerants including ammonia and carbon dioxide, cascade systems, recirculated refrigeration systems in lieu of direct expansion or flooded systems, and a plethora of process equipment with direct cooling needs further expands the scope commonly presided over by the refrigeration engineer. This course covers specific differences in equipment, applications, performance and design of industrial / commercial refrigeration systems and mechanical HVAC systems. Following this course, a designer should have a deeper understanding of industrial refrigeration, and the nuanced differences of these systems from mechanical HVAC systems.
When it’s Green, It’s Responsible - Sustainability in Industrial Facility Design (intermediate)
Sustainable design is no longer optional in the industrial sector—it is a strategic imperative. This presentation explores how integrating sustainability principles into the planning, design, and operation of industrial facilities delivers long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability category, including energy efficiency, water conservation, material optimization, waste reduction, and emissions mitigation.
The session highlights applicable green building frameworks, and demonstrates how site strategies, high-performance materials, decarbonization methods, and circular economy principles contribute to greener industrial outcomes. Case studies—including a net-zero food & beverage plant and a logistics center using natural ventilation—illustrate measurable impacts such as utility cost savings, GHG reduction, and improved occupant well-being.
Participants will also learn practical tools for modeling, key performance indicators, and lifecycle cost justifications. The presentation concludes with actionable insights on embedding sustainability in A/E workflows—from early charrettes to commissioning—and underscores the importance of starting early, modeling often, and continually improving performance.
Sustainability in industrial facility design is not just responsible—it’s essential.