Stars of Our Community: Megan Hardman
Posted by jteo on Feb. 1, 2026 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Meet our featured member, Megan Hardman, a principal at AEI/Affiliated Engineers, Inc. A vital and dynamic team leader, Megan was instrumental in establishing AEI San Francisco’s Building Performance Practice, extending a core firm service to the West Coast while building the firm’s national footprint. As principal, Megan collaborates and inspires passion within her team to guide and assist clients in achieving holistic, tangible goals around carbon reduction, energy, water, and cost savings. She brings experience and leadership in the analysis, design, and engineering of complex mechanical systems supporting science and technology, healthcare, and higher education spaces. Her work in building performance simulation and innovative conservation measures supports sustainable design and LEED-aligned project goals, enabling informed decision-making and consistently successful project outcomes.
How long have you been involved with ASHRAE in years? Describe the roles or capacities in which you are involved with ASHRAE.
I have been involved with ASHRAE since 2013, becoming an official member in 2015. While my level of participation has evolved over the years—particularly since becoming a parent—my commitment to the organization remains strong. Throughout my involvement, I have actively participated in local technical meetings and social events, presented at chapter meetings (including topics on Laboratory Electrification in June 2022 and Energy Modeling in September 2019), and attended the ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference multiple times, including as a presenter in October 2019. Most recently, I submitted two projects for the 2025 ASHRAE Technology Awards, both of which received first place honors at the Chapter and Region levels. My involvement has consistently focused on energy efficiency, energy analysis, and decarbonization initiatives.
Innovative, Supportive, Leaders
What has been your favorite ASHRAE memory, event, or experience, and why?
My favorite ASHRAE experiences were the YEA events during my early career. These gatherings, whether technical chapter meetings or casual outings like cheering on the San Francisco Giants, provided invaluable opportunities to connect with industry peers. The relationships I built during those early years have evolved into lasting friendships and professional partnerships that continue throughout my career. I cannot overemphasize how instrumental ASHRAE was to my development as a young professional, and I strongly encourage all emerging professionals to engage with the organization in whatever capacity they can!
How has your involvement with ASHRAE influenced your career and personal growth?
ASHRAE has provided me with a platform to share my passion for sustainable design and leadership. Through numerous public speaking opportunities at both local and national conferences, I have developed my voice and gained confidence in communicating my enthusiasm for energy-efficient design. I genuinely love presenting, whether five people or five hundred, about my work making high-energy-intensive building types, such as laboratories and hospitals, more energy efficient. These experiences have been transformative for both my professional development and personal growth.
Do you hold any ASHRAE or other professional certifications/licenses? If so, how have they benefited your career?
I hold a California mechanical PE license and a LEED AP BD+C certification. I previously held a WELL AP certification but allowed it to lapse when it was no longer directly applicable to my project work. My PE license has been instrumental in my career advancement and would not be where I am today without it. Being a licensed engineer carries both privilege and responsibility, I take seriously the professional and ethical obligation to ensure engineering excellence in every project I undertake. My LEED AP certification has also been highly valuable, as the majority of my projects pursue LEED certification. I find great satisfaction in leading the MEP design for LEED projects and pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. I am especially proud of my LEED v4 Platinum certified project which was also the 2025 ASHRAE Golden Gate and Region X Technology Award winner for Commercial Buildings!
What initially drew you to ASHRAE, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
I was initially drawn to ASHRAE through the YEA events, which provided an excellent way to meet fellow young professionals in a new city who were at similar stages in their careers. I have remained engaged to continue learning and advancing my expertise, particularly in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainable design. With each new project, I find myself asking, "Could this be the next ASHRAE Technology Awards winner?"
Where do you see the industry heading in the next 5-10 years, and what developments are you most excited about?
The industry has made remarkable progress in new construction energy efficiency and decarbonization over the past 5-10 years. Looking ahead, I anticipate a significant shift toward existing buildings, exploring how we can decarbonize and improve their efficiency. There are substantial opportunities for retro-commissioning and implementing simple energy conservation measures to reduce energy consumption in existing facilities. I am particularly excited about continued advancements in heat pump technology, especially developments that enable higher hot water temperature production for easier retrofitting of existing buildings, as well as expanded alternative refrigerant options.
0 Comments