Mark Vender
ASHRAE has announced a new Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD) that will aim to accelerate the adoption of climate change mitigation policies and reinforce ASHRAE’s commitment to achieving net zero GHG emissions in operation for all new buildings by 2030. The centre replaces the ASHRAE Task Force for Building Decarbonization.
The CEBD has four primary activities:
Strategy
Guide ASHRAE’s building decarbonisation efforts and integrate relevant goals into the Society’s strategic plan. Develop, lead, and collaborate on strategic initiatives with partner organisations to accelerate and advance global building decarbonisation.
Thought leadership
Track emerging issues and trends to showcase ASHRAE’s leadership position.
Collaboration
Coordinate joint initiatives, events and projects with US and international organisations that complement ASHRAE’s building decarbonisation efforts.
Public advocacy
Provide reliable technical information on decarbonisation to policymakers, media, and the public.
“Our decision to establish the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization represents a strategic move towards amplifying our impact on climate change mitigation in the built environment,” says 2024-25 ASHRAE President Dennis Knight.
“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.”
The CEBD is releasing two new technical guides:
Decarbonizing Hospital Buildings (available now)
This guide offers advice on reducing GHG emissions in hospitals. It is specifically for use by hospital facility managers, capital planners, hospital architectural and engineering teams, sustainability leaders, contractors and other building stakeholders.
Decarbonizing Building Thermal Systems: A How-To Guide for Heat Pump Systems and Beyond (coming soon)
Supports design engineers and building operators in commercial and multifamily buildings with decarbonisation efforts. The guide covers application and sizing for various climate zones, system configuration, refrigerants, electrical requirements, and control strategies for space and hot water applications.
The ASHRAE Decarbonization Challenge Fund, a year-long competitive grant program to implement decarbonisation projects within local ASHRAE chapters, has also been reinstated for a second year.
More information about the ASHRAE CEBD and the Society’s building decarbonisation initiatives are available at the ASHRAE website.
Image courtesy of ASHRAE.
Leave a Reply