Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 12 September 2018: ASHRAE has announced the launch of an updated and improved online standards review database that allows members and non-members access to public review drafts, for standards, guidelines and addenda, as well as to submit comments, the organisation announced, via a Press communiqué.

Commenting on the launch, Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President, ASHRAE, said: “The online standards review database has been updated to provide greater functionality than our previous system. The new system improves efficiency for staff and volunteers by providing information in a faster and a more meaningful way. We’re excited to present such a well-integrated database to our standards development community.”

According to ASHRAE, the new system offers a single sign-in feature, keeping the user logged in, if already logged into ashrae.org, and a new dashboard to easily access and highlight those items that require attention. The dashboard provides quick links to individual and committee comments, committee responses to comments, continuous maintenance proposals and outstanding ballots, the communiqué said.

According to ASHRAE, additional features of the improved database include:

• Complete letter balloting within the system, with downloadable reports that demonstrate procedural compliance with ASHRAE ANSI approved standards development procedures
• The ability to hold committee votes on motions to approve public review publication interpretations, minutes and any other committee business
• Voting rules that are compliant with ASHRAE procedures, allowing for reduction of errors and minimising the need for members to maintain excessive documentation
• Automated notifications, warnings and reminders directly from the system, when deadlines are approaching
• Continuous maintenance proposals entirely online, and
• The ability to view proposals online and download proposals to work offline.

Sheila J Hayter, President, ASHRAE, said: “We’re pleased to bring this improved innovative tool to our members and non-members alike. This updated database will be an invaluable resource toward ensuring that ASHRAE’s rigorous examination of standards is strengthened.”

According to ASHRAE, the new online standards review database can be accessed at: ashrae.org/publicreviews.