The new effort will give the Society a stronger voice in legislative and regulatory policy development. ASHRAE’s areas of expertise include energy efficiency, indoor air quality, codes and standards, and guidance for a safe environment during extraordinary incidents.
Terry Townsend, P.E., who will chair the new Government Advocacy Committee and who serves as ASHRAE president-elect, agreed. ASHRAE has a history of providing technical guidance for the government.
During the energy crisis in the 1970s, ASHRAE was asked by Federal agencies to develop an energy conservation standard for buildings that would save energy and provide a uniform basis for doing so. This original energy standard, now named Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, influences building designs worldwide. It has become the basis for building codes in all 50 states and for Federal building construction.
According to the Society, ASHRAE’s advocacy efforts are designed to improve access to its expertise. ASHRAE develops environmental control technologies through standards, research and engineering education.
ASHRAE’s Government Advocacy Committee will provide responsible and balanced input and advice to policy makers in a matter that will be the most beneficial to ASHRAE members and the public.
For more information, go to www.ashrae.org.
