For Release:
March 23, 2007

Contact: Jodi Dunlop
Public Relations
678-539-1140
jdunlop@ashrae.org
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

ATLANTA – Opportunities to limit greenhouse gases via energy efficient buildings will be highlighted in an upcoming Congressional staff briefing hosted by ASHRAE. 

The briefing takes place March 26 in the Rayburn House Office Building. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL), a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, is scheduled to speak.

In the past few decades, the U.S. has made considerable progress in reducing the energy and carbon intensity – the ratio of carbon emissions to economic activity – of its building stock and operations.

Despite increases in the average size of homes and the use of building equipment, such as air conditioners and computers, energy use in buildings since 1972 has increased at less than half the rate of the nation’s economic growth.

“Great potential exists to further reduce energy use,” Terry Townsend, ASHRAE president, said. “With a modest level of investment, energy efficient building designs and equipment can provide a short pay back period through reduced energy bills. Other positive outcomes attributable to the reduction in energy use include a more competitive economy, cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Speakers include:

• Christine McEntee, executive vice president, American Institute of Architects, who will focus on contributions of the built environment to greenhouse gas emissions; 
• Jeff Haberl, professor of architecture, Texas A&M University, who will discuss achieving quantifiable emissions reductions in the built environment; and
• Jared Blum, Policy Committee chair, Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, and president, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, who will talk about energy efficiency and the sustainable building.

For more information on ASHRAE's work in government affairs, visit www.ashrae.org/governmentaffairs.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

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