Expected to provide information, generate ideas and comments

Saying that through ASHRAExCHANGE, it is providing both its members and others in the industry with an online platform for real-time discussion and information exchange for design, construction, operation and support of the built environment, ASHRAE has announced launching www.ASHRAExCHANGE.org.

The online platform, which was launched at ASHRAE’s 2013 Annual Conference being held in Denver from June 22 to 26, provides a place for users to post and generate discussion on either a general or specific topic without requiring any registration or special software, ASHRAE said, but highlighted that users who want to become active participants and be able to post both initial messages and responses to posts are required to register.

With thousands of ASHRAE members and non-members checking the ASHRAExCHANGE 24/7, the hope is that the online discussions will generate plenty of thoughts and comments from many knowledgeable people, believed Spencer Morasch, incoming Chair of ASHRAE’s Electronic Communications Committee.

“Many ASHRAE members felt there was a need for a place where both ASHRAE members and non-members alike can freely and openly exchange information focused on the built environment. The information exchange is informal and takes place in real time. So if you have a question at 3am on a Tuesday night, you can post that on the ASHRAExCHANGE, and chances are, have a reply posted back to you within 24 hours,” Morasch said, but added, “However, no one should use any information posted on the ASHRAExCHANGE as the basis of a design. The intention is to help get participants pointed in the right direction or open the thought processes.”