Atlanta, Georgia: ASHRAE and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing them to working together in a variety of built-environment areas. Announcing this, ASHRAE, revealed that the MoU was signed recently by ASHRAE President David Underwood and AIA President Russ Davidson.

As per the agreement, said ASHRAE, the two organisations will work jointly in areas related to development of young professionals, advocacy and public outreach, publications, education, technical activities and research.

According to ASHRAE, the two entities are already part of a group that is developing a new version of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) sponsored by the International Code Council (ICC), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). ASHRAE and AIA have also reportedly joined together with IES, USGBC and the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing the Advanced Energy Design Guide series. 

“ASHRAE and AIA share many common technical interests, including health and safety, energy efficiency and resilience,” Underwood said. “This agreement formalises our plans to foster technical cooperation in these areas, providing needed guidance to the industry.”

Davidson added: “We are at a pivotal juncture as an industry, to address the growing number of design challenges. The extension of this agreement is important for our organisations to continue to work together to further sustainable design strategies, to be active on building codes-related issues, as well as for providing tangible resources that are useful for our respective members in their daily practice.”