ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers), founded in 1894, is a building technology society with more than 50,000 members worldwide. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrowโs built environment today. ASHRAE was founded in 1894 at a meeting of engineers in New York City, formerly headquartered at 345 East 47th Street, and has held an annual meeting since 1895. Until 1954 it was known as the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHVE); in that year it changed its name to the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE). Its current name and organization came from the 1959 merger of ASHAE and the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE). The result, ASHRAE, despite having โAmericanโ in its name, is an influential international organization. Amongst other international activities, it helps organize international events. The society promotes the design and installation of HVAC systems at the highest levels, through publication of Data Books and Handbooks covering all relevant topics, legislative involvement, establishment and support of a research foundation, and standardization of design qualifications. The Florida West Coast Chapter of ASHRAE was chartered in February 1956 to promote industry standards and best practices at the local level. The local chapter enjoys a strong chapter meeting participation and generates operating revenue through chapter activities like the annual golf tournament, sporting clay shoot, and specialized learning opportunities with visiting lecturers. A large portion of the proceeds from these activities goes to establish and maintain various local college scholarships, to promote further interest in the HVAC engineering profession following graduation.
