"It's vital that we have a better understanding of our members and others so we can better serve them with valuable products and services," said Kent W. Peterson, P.E., an ASHRAE volunteer leading the program.

The program involves collecting data from current ASHRAE members, former members, and non-members around the world. As part of the assessment, ASHRAE will conduct a survey via e-mail of all current members, as well as conduct focus groups and telephone interviews. The organization plans to ask approximately 50,000 people how they use existing ASHRAE products and services, how those products and services could be improved, and what products and services should be developed to better assist the industry.

The effort focuses on ASHRAE's key stakeholders, including consulting and design engineers, contractors, manufacturers and their sales representatives, and facility managers and building owners.

The results of the research program will be delivered prior to ASHRAE's 2005 Winter Meeting in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 5-9.

Publication date: 09/20/2004