ASHRAE, CIBSE Issue Statement on Climate Change
Feb 3, 2006		  Print this page
Continued reductions in emissions, guidelines leading to reduced energy consumption and responsible refrigerant use are encouraged in a joint statement on climate change issued yesterday by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). The statement was signed at ASHRAE's 2006 Winter Meeting held Jan. 21-25 in Chicago. Read the full text of statement at the bottom of this page.

"The use of HVAC&R technologies is an essential element of contemporary life," said ASHRAE President Lee Burgett. "Yet, HVAC&R systems contribute to greenhouse gas releases through energy-related effects and through the effect of refrigerant losses. Together, ASHRAE and CIBSE are emphasizing improved energy efficiency in HVAC&R technology, low or zero emission energy technologies and responsible refrigerant use."

"This joint statement makes very clear how our two bodies are determined to use the expertise of our members internationally to address the challenges of climate change and sustainability," said CIBSE President Donald Leeper.

CIBSE and ASHRAE provide building design, operation, and energy efficiency standards used globally. Since energy production often contributes greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, these standards potentially reduce emissions. Energy-related impacts are addressed by reducing the equipment system and building energy consumption, and by modifying user behavior, thereby reducing emissions including CO2.

ASHRAE and CIBSE are implementing the following:

  • coordinated approaches to environmental issues at all stages of building and component life cycles
  • adoption and development of designs, materials, components, systems and processes that minimize environmental impacts, including climate change
  • promotion of practices that encourage energy efficiency by building users
  • encouragement of renewable energy supply into buildings and building engineering systems when economically feasible
  • education of building owners, operators and engineers on the importance of energy efficiency and climate change
  • providing of advice, information and assistance related to energy efficiency and climate change to governments and other influential bodies

"ASHRAE and CIBSE reaffirm their joint commitment to developing and adopting energy efficient practices and resources, and call upon their members, governments, and colleagues in the buildings and related industries to likewise respond," Burgett said.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
and the
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
Joint Statement on Climate Change
 Approved by ASHRAE Board of Directors January 26, 2006

Worldwide concern for the global climate has emerged with the recognition of increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) and increased average global temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Third Assessment Report, 2001) noted that a signal of human-induced change is emerging from the noise of climate variability.

CIBSE and ASHRAE provide building design, operation, and energy efficiency standards used globally. Since energy production often contributes GHGs to the atmosphere, these standards potentially reduce emissions. Energy-related impacts are addressed by reducing the equipment, system and building energy consumption, and by modifying user behavior, thereby reducing GHG emissions including C02.

The public has indicated its concern about global warming and climate change. This must be supported by sound business practices, and government incentives where appropriate.

CIBSE and ASHRAE specifically support:

  • The goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • Government and industry leadership in technology and atmospheric research.
  • Development of low-or zero-emission energy technologies.
  • Long-term reductions in emissions based on life cycle environmental design, economics and operation.
  • Design and operating guidelines leading to reduced energy consumption.
  • Responsible refrigerant use, including emissions reduction technologies and practices.
  • Building and systems design, and their operation and maintenance, to minimize total GHG emissions.
  • Membership education and actions based on environmental responsibility and ASHRAE/CIBSE standards and publications.
  • Maintaining economic growth without compromising the needs of future generations.

CIBSE and ASHRAE are implementing the following:

  • Coordinated approaches to environmental issues at all stages of building and component life cycles from conception, design, construction, and through operation, maintenance and refurbishment.
  • Adoption and development of designs, materials, components, systems and processes that minimize environmental impacts, including climate change.
  • Promotion of practices that encourage energy efficiency by building users.
  • Encouragement of renewable energy supply into buildings and building engineering systems when economically feasible.
  • Education of building owners, operators and engineers on the importance of energy efficiency and climate change.
  • Providing of advice, information and assistance related to energy efficiency and climate change to governments and other influential bodies.

CIBSE and ASHRAE reaffirm their joint commitment to developing and adopting energy efficient practices and resources, and call upon their members, governments, and colleagues in the buildings and related industries to likewise respond.

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