October 1, 2007 Last month, ASHRAE continued to build the community of HVAC&R with chartering of ASHRAE’s first chapter in Spain. Our chapters, no matter where they are located, highlight the uniqueness of ASHRAE in that it cuts a slice across the HVAC&R industry – government officials, teachers, engineers, owners. Our chapters enable you to gain access to other groups and other people around the world. I encourage you to become active at your chapter level. By doing so, your knowledge becomes global, not just local.

Shown at the chartering ceremony are (from left) Felipe C. Quesada, treasurer; Jose Juan Dominguez, secretary; Francisco Mari-Pino Garcia, president; Samir Traboulsi, director and regional chair; Society President Kent Peterson; Nicolas Gomez Gil, president-elect; and Juan Travesi, vice president.

September 18, 2007

I had the privilege of attending the ASHRAE Region-at-Large Chapters Regional Conference in Goa, India. Our Region-at-Large encompasses all areas of the world not currently covered by our other regions and includes 17 chapters.

It always amazes me how ASHRAE can bring together so many different cultures where our quest for excellence in HVACR transcends both political and religious boundaries. This conference reinforced the fact that most countries, whether developed or developing, are struggling to provide adequate energy to maintain the built environment. Numerous attendees discussed how their countries are evaluating options to require more sustainable buildings that limit their energy consumption. There was an excitement in the air at this conference about the positive difference each of us could make within our own parts of the world if we work together.

I believe that our Society must help integrate the tremendous knowledge of our members that exists outside North America if we are to expand our global HVACR knowledge base.