ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to further their long-term relationship.

The MOU was signed by 2021-22 ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP and DOE Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelly Speakes-Backman, in early June. The agreement defines parameters on how ASHRAE and the DOE will collaborate more closely to continue to advance and promote mutual interests.

"With ASHRAE's focus on building decarbonization and resilience, we are pleased to continue our partnership with the Department of Energy as we share our knowledge base in the built environment on a larger scale and work towards a more sustainable world," Schwedler said.

ASHRAE and DOE seek to work cooperatively on the following:

• Advance decarbonization of the building sector by increasing the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings beginning with the construction phase throughout the building's life, including operation and maintenance;
• Increase the grid-interactivity of buildings by advancing grid-flexibility, flexible energy storage, and renewables integration into buildings;
• Promote more resilient, efficient buildings through the adoption of advanced building standards and codes, including supporting innovative code approaches in the model code development, building performance standards, and zero energy codes;
• Increase compliance with the latest building energy codes by supporting States in understanding the latest codes;
• Improve building resiliency and keeping occupants safe;
• Develop the workforce of the HVACR and associated sectors including through increasing diversity and advancing training to support decarbonization; and
• Improve overall building performance, including for occupants' health and well-being.