ASHRAE’s Task Force for Building Decarbonization (TFBD) was formed in Spring 2021 as an initiative of President Chuck Gulledge and President-Elect Mick Schwedler. Jurisdictions globally are confronting climate change and recognizing that building decarbonization is an important component in their efforts. The worldwide building sector accounts for about 40% of energy-related carbon emissions and buildings remain a major sector that lacks sufficient mitigation policies. As the standards authority for energy usage in buildings, ASHRAE recognizes that our long-standing initiatives in energy efficiency should be expanded to building decarbonization.
Through its Working Groups with over 100 volunteers from around the world, the TFBD is:
- Determining and engaging with other organizations with pertinent skills, knowledge and expertise
- Providing information to policy makers on how they might achieve the goals they have established
- Providing recommendations and best practices for industry stakeholders by:
- Identifying existing portfolio of technical resources
- Packaging these technical resources in a useful way
- Providing tools for energy efficiency, embodied carbon, and reducing operational carbon
- Identifying knowledge gaps and developing resources to address those gaps
The Process
The TFBD will achieve these objectives through its Working Groups (WG), which will identify key areas of concern to address and will deliver recommendations and practices for industry stakeholders. A Public Policy Issue Brief that describes ASHRAE’s role in building decarbonization has been created. A more comprehensive ASHRAE Position Document on Building Decarbonization is being developed.
The TFBD has been holding bi-weekly meetings, and Working Groups also meet regularly. To provide input or contribute to any of these efforts, please email decarb@ashrae.org.