ASHRAE announces new president

ASHRAE has announced M Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, as the new President for the 2024–25 term.

Knight is a Fellow Life Member at ASHRAE and the founder of Whole Building Systems in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He has previously served on the ASHRAE Board of Directors as President-Elect, Treasurer, Vice President and Director-at-Large.

Knight said during his inaugural presidential address that the theme for the 2024–25 Society Year will be “Empowering our workforce: Building a sustainable future.”

The theme aims to highlight the impact that the industry is making to address climate change, sustainable development and indoor air quality, and the emergence of new technologies to HVAC&R and building sciences.

“We need to highlight our industry in a way that celebrates the ideas and innovations that emerge when we embrace and encourage greater diversity, equity and inclusion,” says Knight.

“Rapidly changing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming the building science industry and presenting numerous career opportunities. By strategically leveraging the power of technology alongside the power of human creativity, both experienced professionals and new talent can collaborate to drive progress within our entire industry.”

Knight’s experience in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of high-performance buildings spans over 46 years. He has commissioned hundreds of new buildings; and audited or retro-commissioned over 9 million square metres of existing commercial, federal and industrial building stock.