In June 2022, ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue collaborating on shared priorities of decarbonization, resilience, and sustainability within the building sector.
ASHRAE is a professional association with over 50,000 members globally, representing organizations that work within heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) and related industries. Through research, standards writing, publishing, certifications, and continuing education, ASHRAE promotes energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment among its membership. EERE is charged with decarbonizing several sectors in the U.S., including buildings, while considering workforce development opportunities, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and resilience. The MOU between the two entities is an agreement to continue pursuing shared priorities and leveraging opportunities to scale DOE initiatives across the large membership of ASHRAE. The goals laid out by the renewed MOU are as follows:
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Advance decarbonization of the building sector by increasing the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings beginning with the construction phase throughout the building’s life, including operation and maintenance;
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Increase the grid-interactivity of buildings by advancing grid-flexibility, flexible energy storage, and renewables integration into buildings;
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Promote more resilient, efficient buildings through the adoption of advanced building standards and codes, including supporting innovative code approaches in the model code development, building performance standards, and zero energy codes;
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Increase compliance with the latest building energy codes by supporting States in understanding the latest codes;
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Improve building resiliency and keeping occupants safe;
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Develop the workforce of the HVACR and associated sectors including through increasing diversity and advancing training to support decarbonization; and
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Improve overall building performance, including for occupants’ health and well-being.
ASHRAE is a NASEO Affiliate Partner; to learn more about NASEO Affiliate memberships, please click here.