ATLANTA - Improving the efficient use of energy while minimizing its impact on the environment is the goal of a partnering agreement signed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"ASHRAE energy standards have guided the efficient use of energy resources in buildings for more than 20 years," said Richard Rooley, FREng, ASHRAE president. "Partnering with the Department of Energy will allow us to improve on our efforts in achieving substantial energy savings without sacrificing comfort, air quality, or productivity."

DOE and ASHRAE have agreed to work toward the following goals:

Promoting and supporting the continuing development of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, "Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings," ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62, "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality In Commercial, Institutional, Industrial and High-rise Residential Buildings," and Standard 62.2, "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality In Low-Rise Residential Buildings."

Promoting and supporting implementation of Standard 90.1 through training programs, including self-directed learning, building code interaction, and ASHRAE chapter-oriented training.

Promoting and supporting the development of guidance for exceeding the minimum efficiencies set by Standard 90.1, and new metrics for building energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Cooperating in and supporting research into clean and renewable sources of energy, energy efficiency in buildings and equipment, and environmental impact of energy and material use.

Cooperating in promotion of ANSI/ASHRAE standards adoption in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.

Working within the building community and related professions to encourage the interoperability of building related software and integrated solutions among design disciplines, manufacturers, contractors, building owners, and operators, to increase energy efficiency, health, and productivity in new and existing buildings.

Ensuring sufficient numbers of qualified building design professionals by promoting and encouraging the study of mathematics and science to pre-college students, the study of building design within college curricula, and the pursuit of continuing education by practicing design professionals.

Providing and supporting technology transfer to building owners and management about the interrelationships between mechanical systems and building operating costs, workplace performance, client satisfaction, and public safety.

Monitoring the operational, energy, and environmental impacts of new counter-terrorism design features and promoting minimization of those impacts.

Publication date: 11/10/2003