ASHRAE/AIRAH issue joint resolution on climate change.
Press Release Summary:
By signing statement, ASHRAE and AIRAH resolve to encourage supply of renewable energy into buildings, encourage responsible refrigerant use, and support R/D activities to reduce buildings' energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. They also agree to develop and implement sustainable building designs, materials, components, and systems, and support development and implementation of standards, building codes, incentive programs, and voluntary initiatives to reduce building environmental impacts.
Original Press Release:
ASHRAE/AIRAH Issue Joint Resolution on Climate Change
ATLANTA - Use of renewable energy, education of the building industry and responsible refrigerant use are encouraged in a new joint statement on climate change issue by ASHRAE and the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH).
"The use of HVAC&R technologies is an essential element of contemporary life," Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president, said. "Yet, HVAC&R systems contribute to greenhouse gas releases through energy-related effects and through the effects of refrigerant losses. ASHRAE and AIRAH are emphasizing a variety of measures to decrease emissions associated with energy use and its effect on global climate."
"I see this joint statement as an acknowledgement of the role we affiliated organizations must play to address the complex challenges we collectively face," John Bosci, AIRAH president, said. "AIRAH is committed to creating awareness and acceptance through further education and to the promotion of sustainable building practices and the responsible development of alternative technologies within the Australian market."
By signing the statement, ASHRAE and AIRAH resolve to:
o Support research and development activities designed to reduce buildings' energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
o Educate building owners, operators, users, designers, and constructors on the importance of building energy efficiency, corresponding climate change impact, and proper operations and maintenance measures
o Encourage the supply of renewable energy into buildings and building engineering systems when economically feasible
o Develop and implement sustainable building designs, materials, components, systems, and processes that minimize environmental impacts, including climate change, while maintaining indoor environmental quality
o Provide advice, information, and assistance to governments and other influential bodies on energy efficiency and climate change emissions in both new and existing buildings
o Encourage responsible refrigerant use, including emissions reduction strategies and technologies and encourage development of energy efficient refrigerants with low or zero global warming potential
o Support the development and implementation of standards, building codes, incentive programs, and voluntary initiatives aimed at reducing building environmental impacts
o Implement holistic and coordinated approaches to identifying and resolving environmental issues at all stages of a building's life cycle-from conception, design, and construction through operation, maintenance, refurbishment, and deconstruction.
Contact: Jodi Dunlop
Public Relations
678-539-1140
jdunlop@ashrae.org
