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Memorandum of Understanding
ASHRAE and AABC / ACG / EMA

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE, Atlanta, Georgia serves humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. The ASHRAE vision is a healthy and sustainable built environment for all.
Founded in 1965, the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC) establishes industry standards for total system balance of building environments, and is the only Association that exclusively certifies independent agencies. Members receive certification, technical training, continuing education, marketing, business resources, professional networking, and industry advocacy.
The AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), founded in 2005, and the Energy Management Association (EMA), founded in 2014, promote independent, third party, building systems commissioning and energy management services by providing members with industry leading certification, technical guidelines, education, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
ASHRAE and AABC, ACG and EMA agree to support the Memorandum of Understanding to advance and promote the mutual interests of their respective members. We are committed to working together toward on the following activities and goals:

Note: When necessary or convenient to reference collectively,  AABC,  ACG and EMA — which are interrelated organizations with common management staff — will be referred to as “the Groups” for the remainder of this document.

consistent leadership communication

Recognizing the importance of communication in organizational collaboration, both organizations commit to hold a liaison meeting annually (either in person or via conference call) of designated ASHRAE / AABC / ACG / EMA senior representatives to:
  • Ensure ongoing advancement of collaborative projects.
  • Keep each respective organization informed of major initiatives.
  • Discuss new opportunities for collaboration.
ASHRAE and AABC / ACG / EMA shall take responsibility for initiating the first annual liaison meeting. Action items with assigned responsibilities shall be recorded at each meeting. The parties responsible for ensuring this MOU is actively pursued through the term of the agreement are:

For ASHRAE

Jeff Littleton

Executive Vice President, ASHRAE

For AABC / ACG / EMA

Raymond Bert

Executive Director, AABC & ACG

conferences and meetings

Each organization agrees to provide the other with a meeting invitation and two complimentary VIP registrations to the primary annual meeting.
ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to explore opportunities to provide speakers at the other organization’s meetings to help provide updates and perspectives on technologies and trends of mutual interest.
Where mutually beneficial, each organization shall help publicize the other organization’s meetings and promote attendance.

advocacy

Where mutually beneficial and to the extent allowed by laws and corporate policies, ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to work together on common public affairs goals and ideologies. During annual liaison meetings, public affairs strategies will be discussed and common goals identified. Collaborative opportunities to be considered include:
  • Joint promotion of codes and standards at the local, state and federal levels.
  • Promoting mutually beneficial positions during the development and passage of state and federal legislation.
  • Education of legislators on issues important to the members of each organization.

publications

Recognizing that electronic and print publications are a primary means of disseminating new technologies, trends and practices, ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to:
  • Provide at least one complimentary subscription to the primary membership periodical to be received at the headquarters location of the other organization.
  • Explore opportunities to jointly produce publications of mutual benefit.
  • Cross-market each organization’s publications where appropriate and with industry standard distributor discounts.
  • Use periodicals including electronic newsletters to promote the other organization’s events, publications and other activities.
  • Explore mutually beneficial ways to translate publications for member benefit.

education

As leading providers of conventional and online educational services and in recognition of the vital role professional development has for our respective members, ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to:
  • Cross-market educational offerings at the regional, national and international levels.
  • Explore opportunities to co-develop new courses or other training programs that take advantage of overlapping and complimentary expertise between ASHRAE and the GROUPS.

technical activities coordination

ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to foster technical cooperation in areas of common interest by:
  • Encouraging members in each organization to participate on technical committees and task forces.
  • Provide opportunities to participate in and comment on proposed standards, guidelines, policies, and position statements developed on technical subjects as they relate to buildings and community developments.
  • Establish liaison representatives to key technical committees where mutually beneficial to do so.

research

Recognizing the importance research plays in accelerating the transformation to a more sustainable built environment, ASHRAE and the GROUPS agree to:
  • Promote research in areas where research results will add to the body of knowledge and support respective Society initiatives.
  • Disseminate research results quickly, focusing on high-impact findings.
  • Identify opportunities for research funding from other sources.

termination

Either party may terminate this MOU, with or without stated cause, upon providing the other party with thirty (30) days written notice of intent to terminate.

Term

The term of this Memorandum of Understanding shall begin when signed by both parties and shall terminate at the end of three (3) years unless extended at that time by written agreement.

legal standing

This MOU reflects a commitment by ASHRAE and the GROUPSto continue and enhance their working relationship and individual efforts toward achieving mutual objectives described above. It does not create a binding obligation or agreement between the two organizations, and neither organization has an obligation to negotiate toward or enter into a binding written agreement. In addition, this MOU does not create a partnership, joint venture, fiduciary relationship or similar relationship between ASHRAE and the GROUPS. Furthermore, it is understood that this Memorandum of Understanding is conceived as a dynamic document, meant to change as circumstances and priorities warrant. It may be modified or amended by written agreement between both organizations.