ASHRAE Sets Goals for Workforce Development

A highlight of the conference was a the 2023-24 Decarbonization Challenge Project Review. Through the Decarbonization Challenge, introduced by Presidential Member Ginger Scoggins, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, and administered by the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA), selected chapters were awarded grants to assist with the implementation of community-based decarbonization projects. During the livestreamed review session, the nine awarded chapters shared updates and project lessons learned. The Challenge awarded a total of $65,850, with additional matching funds from partnering organizations of the selected projects and is expected to save 2.3 million kilograms of CO2. Details and photos are available on the Decarbonization Challenge projects.

The outstanding achievements of ASHRAE members were highlighted during an honors and awards program. In her final State of the Society address, Presidential Member Ginger Scoggins provided an overview of the accomplishments made during the 2023-24 Society Year.

“Reflecting on the past year, we have made significant strides in our efforts to advocate for expanded decarbonization of buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Scoggins. “We wanted to provide an understanding of how climate change affects building planning, design, construction and operation and how building decarbonization will be necessary to properly execute projects going forward. I’m pleased to say that ASHRAE committed – YOU committed – to equipping yourselves the knowledge and tools needed to design and operate low-carbon buildings. ASHRAE members worldwide have accepted the challenge of providing meaningful leadership, action, resources, and advocacy to the global built environment. I am very proud of what we have accomplished during this Society Year.”