International. Through the initiative, ASHRAE strengthens its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in built environments.
From the new Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD), ASHRAE will work to drive the adoption of climate change mitigation policies and reinforce ASHRAE's goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions in the operation of all new buildings by 2030.
"Our decision to establish the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization represents a strategic step in expanding our impact on mitigating climate change in the built environment," said ASHRAE 2024-25 President Dennis Knight, PE, BEMP, life member. "By making building decarbonization a focal point of our technical and advocacy resources, we are expanding our capacity to drive systemic change. CEBD signifies ASHRAE's dedication to empowering stakeholders with essential resources and educational opportunities and underscores our critical role in shaping a more sustainable future."
The CEBD does not have a specific physical location, as it is a global initiative that operates virtually, with the participation of experts and ASHRAE members located around the world.
The main activities of the CEBD are as follows:
- Strategy: To guide ASHRAE's building decarbonization efforts and integrate relevant objectives into the Society's strategic plan. Develop, lead, and collaborate on strategic initiatives with partner organizations to accelerate and promote the decarbonization of buildings globally.
- Thought Leadership: Track emerging issues and trends to showcase ASHRAE's leadership position.
Collaboration: Coordinate joint initiatives, events, and projects with U.S. and international organizations that complement ASHRAE's building decarbonization efforts. - Public advocacy: Providing reliable technical information on decarbonization to policymakers, the media, and the public.
The CEBD publishes two new technical guides:
- Decarbonizing Hospital Buildings: This guide, available now, helps hospital facility managers, planners, architectural and engineering teams, and other stakeholders reduce GHG emissions.
- Decarbonizing Building Thermal Systems: A Practical Guide to Heat Pump Systems and Beyond. Coming soon, this guide assists design engineers and building operators in decarbonization efforts and covers application, size, system configuration, refrigerants, electrical requirements, and control strategies.
ASHRAE's Decarbonization Challenge Fund, a year-long competitive grant program to implement decarbonization projects within local ASHRAE chapters, has also been reinstated for a second year. CEBD also accepts donations to boost impact initiatives.
