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ASHRAE Celebrates its 125th Anniversary
We hope you have enjoyed all of the recent posts about ASHRAE's 125th anniversary!
To finish the celebration, please take the time to read the article below about how the HVAC&R industry has changed our lifestyles.
View/download "How HVAC&R Changed the Word" article here
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November 2020 Government Affairs Updates:
China Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2060
On September 22, China announced at the U.N. General Assembly that it would achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 by implementing "more vigorous policies and measures." China is currently the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions and has said that it is seeking a "green recovery" to the current pandemic.
European Commission Pushes for Tougher Climate Targets
The European Commission has stated that the European Union should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, against 1990 levels. They argue the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 won’t be possible with the EU’s current 2030 emissions target of a 40% cut. To do this, the EU would expand carbon pricing including to buildings. Specific proposals will be debated further in summer 2021.
U.K. and U.N. Schedule Virtual Climate Summit
The United Kingdom has announced it will hold a virtual summit on December 12 with United Nations in order to drive more ambitious national goals. The summit will coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement and comes after the United Nation’s decision to postpone this year’s U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP 26) to November 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.
Push for Legislation to Decarbonize the Power Sector
Congressmen David McKinley (R-WV) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) have drafted bipartisan legislation to decarbonize the power sector. A discussion draft has been circulated that aims to create a clean energy standard for the electric power sector that would reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, support carbon capture and storage, and provide tax credits for advancing renewables. A "Section-by-Section" of the discussion draft legislation can be found here. The two Congressmen are members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
DOE Announces $80 Million for Innovative Building Technologies and Practices
On September 25, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Building Technologies Office, announced that it will provide up to $80 million for the Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) 2020. This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance energy demand flexibility across buildings, including advanced building construction, workforce development and a variety of building technologies, such as HVAC and thermal energy storage.
To be eligible for consideration, a concept paper must be submitted no later than November 5, 2020 by 5:00 p.m. ET. Full applications must be submitted by January 20, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. ET. More information on submittal requirements and instructions can be found on the EERE Exchange website.
DOE Announces Analysis on Energy Conservation Standards for Air Conditioners
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking public input for an analysis it is conducting on computer room air conditioners (CRACs) and air-cooled, three-phase, small commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment with a cooling capacity of less than 65,000 Btu/h. DOE is required to conduct an analysis under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) when changes are made to ASHRAE Standard 90.1. All written comments and information from the public must be submitted on or before November 9, 2020. For more information, click here.
City of San Antonio School District COVID-19 Plan Includes ASHRAE Schools Guidance
To minimize the risk of viral transmission through building HVAC systems, the San Antonio Independent School District has been testing HVAC systems for their viability to operate using MERV-13 filters and has purchased these filters to be used where systems allow. These improvements are consistent with ASHRAE guidance and this August San Antonio referenced ASHRAE guidance in its school opening plan, which can be found here.
The School District has also extended the operation schedule for the air conditioning system to start earlier in the morning prior to school start and later in the evening after dismissal to allow for additional air exchanges, bringing fresh air into the schools.
California Assembly Bill Including ASHRAE Guidance to be Signed Into Law
California Assembly Bill 841, which has passed both the House and Senate, has been presented to the Governor for signature. The bill, known as the School and State Building Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program, includes requirements for previously unoccupied school buildings to make them safer for reopening. The legislation includes ASHRAE’s Building Readiness Guidance and Guidance for Reopening Schools and Universities. In July, ASHRAE President Chuck Gulledge had written to bill sponsor Assembly Member Ting in support of the inclusion of ASHRAE’s guidance in the legislation. The full text of the enrolled bill can be found here.
California Department of Public Health Website Includes ASHRAE Guidance
The California Department of Public Health, Indoor Air Quality Program has added new information on Airborne Disease to its website, including a paper titled "The Role of Building Ventilation and Filtration in Reducing Risk of Airborne Viral Transmission in Schools, Illustrated with SARS-CoV-2." The paper has 18 total references to ASHRAE, including the Guidance for Reopening Schools and Universities and ASHRAE Standard 52.2. The full paper can be found here.
Michigan Governor Signs Executive Order on Climate Change, Aiming for Decarbonization by 2050
On Wednesday, September 23, Michigan Gov. Whitmer signed an Executive Order combating climate change, aiming to make Michigan's economy carbon-neutral by 2050. The decarbonization-by-2050 goal includes an interim target of a 28% reduction from 1990 greenhouse gas emission levels by 2025. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) will be overseeing this effort with the help of a newly formed Council on Climate Solutions. The council will include the directors or director-designated representatives from nine state agencies and 14 state residents appointed by the governor. The council will advise EGLE in formulating and implementing a "Michigan Healthy Climate Plan," the state's action plan for greenhouse gas emissions. Gov. Whitmer also issued an accompanying executive directive requiring EGLE to provide her with the climate plan in draft form by Sept. 1, 2021, with a final plan by the end of that year.
ASHRAE Member speaks at ASBO Roundtable on HVAC in School Facilities
On October 1, ASHRAE member Corey Metzger spoke at a virtual roundtable hosted by the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) that focused on HVAC and Air Quality during the pandemic. Mr. Metzger leads the Schools Team for ASHRAE’s Epidemic Task Force. To learn more about ASHRAE’s technical resources for schools and universities, click here.
IEA Releases "World Energy Outlook 2020"
Yesterday, the International Energy Agency released its flagship publication, "The World Energy Outlook 2020." The report focuses on forecasts over the next decade: strong growth in renewables are expected, but these investments need to be paired with investment in electricity grids to ensure reliability and security of the electricity supply. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered deep cuts in energy demand, with an expected global drop of 5 percent this year. To view the full report click here.
Rep. Williams Introduces Bill to Permanently Extend Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction 179D
On October 6, Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) introduced H.R. 8547, the Incentivize Energy-Saving Improvements Act, which would make the Section 179D tax deduction permanent. The 179D tax deduction sets incentives for building owners that reduce their building's total energy and power cost by 50% or more in comparison to past versions of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. 179D needs to be reauthorized by Congress annually and is currently set to expire on December 31, 2020. To learn more about 179D, click here.
CDC Adds Back Guidance Regarding Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its website to acknowledge possible airborne transmission of the coronavirus, especially in enclosed spaces. This information was published after similar guidance was initially removed a few weeks ago since the language was not yet finalized. To read the updated guidance from the CDC, click here. ASHRAE’s position on possible airborne spread of the coronavirus can be found here.
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ASHRAE Celebrates its 125th Anniversary
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ASHRAE Celebrates its 125th Anniversary
We hope you have enjoyed all of the recent posts about ASHRAE's 125th anniversary!
To finish the celebration, please take the time to read the article below about how the HVAC&R industry has changed our lifestyles.
View/download "How HVAC&R Changed the Word" article here
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