ASHRAE has been recognized by the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) for its educational efforts related to sustainability.

In early December, ASHRAE received a Best Sustainable Practice Award in the Educational Initiatives category, which recognizes products, processes, educational tools, and outreach initiatives. The award centered on the presidential challenge made by Terry Townsend regarding ASHRAE’s promise for a sustainable future. To fulfill that challenge, ASHRAE is using its expertise and tools to provide cost-effective solutions in designing, operating, and maintaining energy efficiency and sustainable buildings.

“The sustainability initiative is stimulating conversation inside ASHRAE about what it means to be sustainable and the importance of protecting today’s natural resources for future generations,” Townsend says. “We are pleased to be recognized by SBIC for our efforts.”

The awards program was established in 2001.

“The Best Sustainable Practice category recognizes the excellent innovations and unique contributions SBIC members are making toward building a sustainable future in America,” says Douglas K. Schroeder, associate director of SBIC. “This year’s competition was exceptionally competitive, but for the second consecutive year, the SBIC jury recognized the valuable contributions ASHRAE is making to the buildings industry.”

Realizing that sustainability cannot be accomplished without measurable goals, ASHRAE has put in place some 35 specific challenges, ranging from a proposed water conservation standard, development of building performance metrics, research and design guidance resulting in net zero energy-use buildings, and the greening of ASHRAE meetings.

For more information: Visit www.ashrae.org or www.engineeringforsustainability.org.