ASHRAE Insights

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. standards system is a demand-driven process in which standards are developed in response to specific concerns and needs expressed by industry, government and consumers.

The role of standards in the U.S. economy was examined in a congressional staff briefing on Dec. 4 hosted by ASHRAE, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Code Council (ICC). Congressman Dennis Moore, D.-Kan., served as guest speaker.

ASHRAE has signed on as a supporter of legislation Moore is introducing which would provide grants to code officials to assist in enforcing the Community Building Code Administration Grant Program.

“The U.S. standardization infrastructure reflects a basic national belief that society will benefit, and innovation and creativity will flourish in a system that is free from centralized government control but strengthened through essential governmental participation,” said ASHRAE President Kent Peterson, P.E. “It is an excellent example of how a strong, dynamic partnership between government and the private sector can help the nation achieve its economic and societal goals.”

In addition to Peterson, who spoke on Achieving Energy Efficiency in the Built Environment through Standards, speakers were:
• Joe Bhatia, president and CEO, ANSI, Standards Development: A Consensus Process to Benefit Society
• Steve Shapiro, ICC, Standards and Government: The Nexus.