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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," said Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president. "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."
By signing the statement, ASHRAE and AIRAH resolve to:
* Support R&D to reduce buildings’ energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
* 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
* Encourage the supply of renewable energy into buildings and building engineering systems when economically feasible
* Develop and implement sustainable building designs, materials, components, systems, and processes that minimize environmental impacts, including climate change, while maintaining indoor environmental quality
* Provide advice, information, and assistance to governments and other influential bodies on energy efficiency and climate change emissions in both new and existing buildings
* Encourage responsible refrigerant use, including emissions reduction strategies and technologies and encourage development of energy efficient refrigerants with low or zero global warming potential
* Support the development and implementation of standards, building codes, incentive programs, and voluntary initiatives aimed at reducing building environmental impacts
* 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.
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