Key Takeaways

• ASHRAE launches the Gordon Holness Presidential Fund, offering grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for innovative building projects.
• The initiative aims to empower local chapters to develop solutions addressing critical building issues, promoting energy efficiency.
• Success stories highlight collaboration between ASHRAE chapters and local schools, leading to significant cost reductions in infrastructure upgrades.

ASHRAE’s New Grant Program for Innovative Building Solutions

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has introduced the Gordon Holness Presidential Fund, an annual grant initiative to assist local chapters in implementing innovative solutions for various building challenges. The grant program, reported on February 12, allocates a total of $50,000 annually, with individual chapter awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight emphasized the fund’s potential to empower members in creating effective responses to pressing energy issues.

The new grant program builds on previous initiatives like the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Decarbonization Fund, which has already provided between $50,000 and $75,000 for chapter-led projects in prior years. ASHRAE boasts nearly 200 chapters globally, including 120 in the United States. The Presidential Award of Excellence (PAOE) system incentivizes members to engage in various activities, such as knowledge sharing and community support, enhancing the society’s collaborative spirit.

Chapters earn PAOE points through different activities, including presenting topics on building environmental quality and conducting assessments. Recent initiatives showcase how chapters can provide crucial technical support for local educational institutions and municipalities. For instance, students from the University of Cincinnati undertook energy audits of two churches and found that a significant portion of energy costs was dedicated to heating. They applied funding from the YEA Decarbonization Challenge to install localized heating solutions, achieving notable energy savings in the process.

In another example, the ASHRAE Miami Chapter worked with public schools to secure the Renew America’s Schools Prize grant. Haleh Moghadassi, a senior energy manager, shared how local engineers, through consistent collaboration, facilitated comprehensive energy audits that allowed schools to prioritize their renovation projects effectively. Moghadassi recommended that chapters seeking similar success engage with engineering firms willing to offer pro bono services for energy audits.

Alan Deal, a past president of ASHRAE’s Detroit chapter, noted that his chapter’s efforts resulted in significant cost savings for local districts addressing aging infrastructure. By optimizing building management systems and adjusting boiler sizes, they reduced the projected funding needed for a large bond request from $35 million to just over $5 million. This approach allowed schools to avoid additional taxpayer funding requests.

Overall, ASHRAE’s initiatives foster collaborative efforts that lead to innovative solutions in the building sector, highlighting the impact of energy efficiency in existing infrastructures. The society’s commitment to supporting its chapters through grant funding and knowledge sharing is essential for driving progress in sustainable building practices.

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