PERSI is an initiative of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) that works to promote and translate sustainable practices into action within its member organizations.
ASHRAE is the first organization to formally join PERSI by signing the memorandum of understanding. By joining the alliance, ASHRAE will work with other PERSI member organizations to assist with educational programs, conduct research, and contribute knowledge about sustainable infrastructure, among other activities.
ASHRAE will also assist PERSI in developing a common language for the definition and achievement of sustainable infrastructure. The alliance currently defines sustainability as the challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter and waste management while conserving and protecting external and internal environmental quality and the natural, economic and social resources essential for human needs.
ASHRAE President Terry Townsend believes that the partnership will help forward ASHRAE’s own mission of energy sustainability by promoting the sharing of ideas and resources.
Other groups that have participated in PERSI’s development include the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association, the American Water Works Association, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
“Sustainable infrastructure is vital to a sustainable human society,” Richard N. Wright, Ph.D., an honorary member of ASCE who is spearheading the effort to establish PERSI, said. “PERSI now will begin its important efforts to advance and incorporate concepts and knowledge of sustainability into the standards and practices used throughout the life cycle of infrastructure systems.”
