ATLANTA, GA — Building energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) should be considered simultaneously, according to a new American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) IAQ position document.

The society approved its IAQ Position Document at its recent 2001 Summer Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH. The document replaces the IAQ Position Statement and Paper approved by ASHRAE in 1989.

“The new IAQ position document addresses current building construction and maintenance practices and applies the society’s guidance in ventilation and indoor air quality to them,” said ASHRAE president William Coad, P.E. “ASHRAE seeks to provide for occupants’ well-being and comfort by improving indoor air quality and achieving efficient building operation.”

The document notes that premature occupancy, before commissioning or completion of construction, is now recognized as a major contributor to building problems. It also commits the society to continuing its influence on building design, operation, and maintenance through standards.

Publication date: 08/20/2001