The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has recently enhanced its commitment to sustainable building practices by transforming its temporary building decarbonisation task force into the ASHRAE Centre of Excellence for Building Decarbonisation (CEBD). This permanent committee will focus on fostering the adoption of policies aimed at mitigating climate change and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in all new constructions by 2030.
The ASHRAE CEBD will have four major activities. Firstly, the Committee aims to develop and lead strategic initiatives alongside partner organisations to advance global building carbon emissions. Additionally, the CEBD emphasises thought leadership by monitoring emerging issues and trends, thereby solidifying ASHRAE’s leadership role in this sector. Collaboration is another key area, where the committee coordinates joint initiatives, events, and projects with both U.S. and international organisations that support ASHRAE’s decarbonisation goals. Lastly, CEBD provides reliable technical information on decarbonisation to policymakers, the media and the public, with an impact on the social benefits of their efforts.
CEBD has also introduced two new technical guides: “Decarbonising Hospital Buildings,” currently available, and the upcoming “Decarbonising Building Thermal Systems: A How-To Guide for Heat Pump Systems and Beyond.”
ASHRAE president Dennis Knight said, “By solidifying this committee’s permanence, we are broadening our capacity to drive systemic change. This transition signifies ASHRAE’s dedication to empowering stakeholders with essential resources and educational opportunities and underscores our pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.”