ABOUT ASHRAE
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. ASHRAE was formed as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers by the merger in 1959 of American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) founded in 1894 and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) founded in 1904.
In 2012, as part of a rebranding, ASHRAE began doing business as “ASHRAE” vs. using its full legal name of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Use of ASHRAE reflects the Society’s worldwide membership and that services will continue evolving globally.
2025-2026 SOCIETY PRESIDENTIAL THEME
Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life
Presentation Abstract: Shelter is one of the most fundamental human needs, providing physical protection, emotional stability and a foundation for communities. "Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life" highlights the vital connection between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human well-being, emphasizing that buildings should do more than provide shelter—they should enhance health, comfort, and safety. This theme explores how design, operation, and maintenance strategies can balance energy efficiency with occupant well-being, creating high-performing, sustainable spaces. By integrating IEQ principles, the built environment can minimize environmental impact while fostering healthier, more resilient communities.
To view all the past Society Presidential themes, visit:
https://www.ashrae.org/about/leadership/presidential-members-gallery/ashrae-presidential-themes
2025 ASHRAE ACRONYM GUIDE
Newly Updated and Bigger than Ever!
Have you noticed ASHRAE's fondness for acronyms? Perhaps you have questioned what some of them are short for? Well you are in luck, because they publish a guide each year for reference and translation. There are over 400 on the downloadable pdf below...
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a local, unbiased technical forum for the gathering and sharing of ideas and to advance the education of both our ASHRAE members and members of the community, to foster high school, college and university students' interest in HVAC, engineering and other technical fields, and to raise funds for ASHRAE research to support the established engineering standards utilized in the community which we live and work.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan defines ASHRAE’s goals, objectives and initiatives over the next three years. This plan outlines the Society's commitment to advancing indoor environmental quality, supporting key stakeholders and the industry workforce and enhancing the accessibility of its resources.
