ASHRAE is a global society that was founded in 1894 which focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability in the HVAC&R industry. They currently have more than 56,000 members worldwide and are still continuing to grow.
Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuous education, the organization completely embodies their tagline “shaping tomorrow’s built environment today”. By continuous improvement, strives to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to be able to serve and create a sustainable world.
Here are 10 reasons why you should join ASHRAE today:
1. Networking
ASHRAE is an excellent networking platform since your ASHRAE membership directly connects you with over 56,000 peers around the globe. You will be able to connect with engineers and other professionals who are part of the organization at local, regional, as well as international levels in person, and online.
This will not only lead you to discussions with like-minded engineers, but will also help you improve your social skills as well.
2. Knowledge
The entire organization has deep knowledge about the HVACR Industry. Because of their commitment to continuous learning and conducting updated researches, the organization is always up to date with the latest HVACR news and trends.
All ASHRAE Members and Associates are given the ASHRAE Handbook, a four-volume resource for HVACR technology, every June. The new members are also given a complimentary one-year subscription to the ASHRAE Handbook Online that gives them instant access to all four volumes. The four volumes are entitled Fundamentals, HVAC Applications, HVAC Systems and Equipment, and Refrigeration. Members also have access to articles and research papers in the Technology Portal.
The organization also publishes a set of standards and guidelines that relates to HVAC&R systems and issues. These guidelines are usually referenced in building codes and are used by consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, architects, as well as government agencies. These standards are regularly reviewed, revised and republished as needed.
For additional supplemental knowledge, ASHRAE also publishes two magazines namely the ‘ASHRAE Journal’ which is issued monthly and ‘High Performing Buildings Magazine’ which is issued quarterly. These magazines have articles on related technology, news on upcoming meetings, as well as editorials and case studies. The Society also publishes books like ‘ASHRAE Transactions’, and the ‘International Journal of HVAC&R Research’.
3. Lectures
ASHRAE gives lectures that will surely pique the interest of the listeners since the topics are based on actual experience, thorough research, and textbooks. The Society is a house that is fully-packed with knowledge from quality lectures and will always leave the audience motivated and inspired to learn more. The Society is filled with members who are continuous learners and have endless resources to help accelerate their career.
4. Speakers
The Society has an array of credible speakers whose goal is to inspire and motivate their audience by sharing their knowledge. From professors to students, from HVACR company owners to engineers and scientists. Distinguished Lecturers often speak at the events and Chapters.
5. Global
ASHRAE is a global society. They have 187 chapters in 15 Regions covering different countries across the world.
6. Online
In the age of technology, everyone can now be found online. What better and more efficient way to connect with other members and share information than through the internet. Most of the members can be contacted through social media including LinkedIn and Facebook. Many ASHRAE Chapters also have pages on Facebook.
7. Helpful
All of the members are always willing to give a helping hand whenever you have any HVACR related problems. In addition the Society offers programs specific to the needs of young engineers (35 and under). Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) offers scholarships to HVAC Design Training courses, Leadership Weekends, and much more.
8. Active
ASHRAE is an active society. Members come together through Regional and Chapter events for networking and learning. You can participate in ASHRAE Conferences, share knowledge in a technical committee, as well as volunteer at the chapter level.
9. Fun
Learning is always more fun when you do it with people who have the same mindset. You are able to share your knowledge and skills with others, and at the same time, you can also learn from other members’ experiences and knowledge.
10. Collaboration
The organization collaborates with different organizations, agencies as well as individuals who share their ideals of helping create sustainable built environments.
These are only a few reasons why you should join ASHRAE, there are surely a lot more to add to the list once you become a member.
For information about programs for Young Engineers in ASHRAE, click here.
Did You Know?
ASHRAE celebrated the grand opening of its new Global Training Center in Dubai, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 19, 2017 at the Dubai World Trade center. The Global Training Center will serve members and other building systems professionals in the Gulf Region and surrounding areas. They are offering courses, which has been scheduled out through April 2018, you can visit their website for a full list of courses.
