About

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. 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 tomorrow’s built environment today. ASHRAE was formed as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers by the merger in 1959 of American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) founded in 1894 and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) founded in 1904.

The 2025-26 ASHRAE Society Year Theme is “Healthy Buildings: Designing for Life.”

“Balancing energy efficiency with good IEQ ensures that buildings are not only environmentally sustainable but also conducive to the health and productivity of their occupants, creating a win-win situation for both people and the planet.” - Bill McQuade, ASHRAE President

McQuade’s theme highlights the interplay between energy efficiency and IEQ and presents practical solutions to enhance air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting and water quality in buildings.

For more information on the current theme, click here.

MISSION & VISION

Mission

To serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.

Vision

A healthy and sustainable built environment for all.

Strategic Plan

ASHRAE publishes a new strategic plan every 5 years.  You can find the latest strategic plan for 2025-28 here. 

Learn more

Visit

Discover all there is to ASHRAE by visiting the main society's ASHRAE website to learn more about its history, leadership, core values and to find resources for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.