Robert Thornton and Sheila J Hayter

Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 26 May 2019: ASHRAE and the International District Energy Association (IDEA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the organisations’ relationship. ASHRAE said through a Press communiqué.

The MoU was signed by 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J Hayter and IDEA President and CEO Robert Thornton on May 22, the communiqué said. The agreement defines parameters on how the two organisations will collaborate more closely to continue to advance and promote the mutual interests of their respective members, the communiqué added.

Both organisations seek to collaborate on the following:

• Identifying and advancing industry best practices
• Enhancing opportunities for education and awareness
• Shaping and advocating policies to achieve a more sustainable future
• Cultivating a global community of leaders, who are better prepared to address the economic, environmental and climate challenges facing society

“IDEA is committed to optimizing the integration of buildings with both thermal and electrical district energy systems, which aligns well with ASHRAE’s priorities,” Hayter said. “This dedication makes IDEA a natural fit as an ASHRAE strategic partner and will strengthen both societies’ members to continue striving toward a healthier built-environment and a more sustainable world. I am pleased to sign this MoU on ASHRAE’s behalf and look forward to working with IDEA.”

According to the communiqué, areas of potential collaboration include, but are not limited to: General advocacy, publishing, education and training programmes, coordination of technical activities, and research.

Thornton said: “For over a century, ASHRAE members have contributed to advancing research, expertise and awareness on how best to shape our built-environment for energy efficiency and economic productivity. As energy professionals, we face increasing urgency to solve the complex challenges of climate change, especially in our cities, communities and campuses, where energy density enables solutions like district energy to maximize energy recovery, strengthen resiliency, reduce emissions and optimize integration of electricity and thermal energy. This partnership will strengthen collaboration on designing and building the energy solutions we will need for the future that we seek.”