Chile. The GAC of the Chile Chapter of ASHRAE contributed to the development of the new Chilean ventilation standard NCh 3308, which includes portions of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
The Chilean standard was published on May 31, 2024. This milestone represents a significant advance in improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency in buildings nationwide. By adopting the fundamental principles of the ASHRAE Standard 62.1 in the Chilean ventilation standard, it is ensured that these regulations not only meet high international standards, but also adapt to the climatic and cultural particularities of Chile.
In Chile, the NCh 3308 and 3309 standards, dedicated to IAQ, arose as a need to translate and adapt the ASHRAE Standard 62.1, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, and as well as Standard 62.2, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings.
Some of the parameters of Standards 62.1 and 62.2 that are in line with the reality of the United States could not be replicated in Chile. In addition, both Standard 62.1 and 62.2 had updates that culminated in 2022, and the process led by INN (National Institute for Standardization) and supported by the GAC of the Chile Chapter had begun in 2020.
However, due to the experience gained in the first years of adaptation of parts of Standards 62.1 and 62.2 to NCh 3308 and 3309, respectively, this time the process was faster and the Chilean ventilation standard NCh 3308 was published on May 31, 2024. In addition, this standard is incorporated into the Chilean construction standard, making it mandatory for building owners and engineers.
Historically, Chile has been a country that has traditionally adopted regulations from Spain for various areas, due to European influences and the use of the same language. However, due to globalization, many professionals have found themselves needing to adopt different types of regulations from different countries over time.
2013 saw widespread use of ASHRAE standards throughout South America. Chile was one of the most prominent countries in the compilation and promulgation of these regulations. In 2013, the first LEED-certified building in Chile and Latin America was built. It uses ASHRAE standards. This event was in addition to the creation of the Chilean Chapter of ASHRAE in 2015.
The participation of the Chilean Chapter as a government team (President Leandro Astorga and Co-President René González) in this project, which included collaboration with various governmental, academic and private sector entities, allowed for an effective integration of knowledge and experiences. This joint effort has resulted in regulations that not only improve health conditions in indoor spaces, but also promote sustainable and energy-efficient practices in the construction industry.
"We view this achievement as a testament to our dedication and commitment to technical excellence and the well-being of our community. We are honored to have worked closely with the INN and to have been able to apply their benchmark standards to our local regulations. We look to the future with optimism, convinced that NCh 3308 will mark a before and after in the construction industry 
in Chile. This experience strengthens us and motivates us to continue collaborating in the development of standards that benefit both our society and the environment," said Leandro Astorga and René González, members of ASHRAE.
