February 8, 2012

Co-operation planned on codes and standards

ASHRAE and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) specifically detailing ways the two organizations can work together to advance and promote mutual interests in built environment codes and standards.

The MOU was signed during ASHRAE’s 2012 Winter Conference in Chicago.

“With ASHRAE’s expertise in HVAC&R engineering, and IAPMO’s expertise in plumbing and mechanical codes, our joint efforts will ensure that the design, construction, reconstruction and operation of buildings meet the built environment needs in codes and standards,” said ASHRAE president Ron Jarnagin.

Dan Daniels, IAPMO president, also weighed in.

“IAPMO and ASHRAE enjoy a long history of working together in the interests of promoting health, safety and sustainability through the codes and standards that govern mechanical systems,” he said.

“I am pleased that this MOU will ensure our two organizations continue to strengthen each other and subsequently strengthen our industry.”

Russ Chaney, CEO of IAPMO, is looking forward to the new arrangement.

“IAPMO is delighted to be working more closely with ASHRAE in our efforts to promote our standards and services throughout the world,” he said.

The agreement outlines several areas where the two associations will work together. These include:

Collaborating on common public affairs goals, such as joint promotion of codes and standards at the local, state and federal levels; and promotion of mutually beneficial positions during the development and passage of state and federal legislation;

Exploring opportunities to co-develop new courses or other training programs that take advantage of overlapping and complementary expertise;

Fostering technical co-operation in areas of common interest by providing opportunities to participate in and comment on proposed standards, guidelines, policies and position statements developed on technical subjects as they relate to buildings and community developments;

Exploring ways to use ASHRAE standards in IAPMO codes, including derivative documents developed for use outside the U.S., and investigating the feasibility of creating a coalition of U.S. codes and standard organizations to promote the international use of standards and codes developed by coalition participants.

JOC NEWS SERVICE

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