ASHRAE and GSO sign a MOU for sustainable design and operations

ASHRAE and GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on global building standards for sustainable design and operations.

ASHRAE and the GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO), the standards organisation for Gulf Cooperation Council member nations and Yemen, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise their cooperation.

The agreement defines ASHRAE and GSO’s goal to collaborate to advance the development and use of global building standards to support sustainable building design and operations.

“This collaboration signifies a step towards achieving integration and harmonization in our global standardization activities,” expressed Ginger Scoggins, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, 2023-24 ASHRAE President. “ASHRAE is delighted to partner with GSO in our shared commitment to fostering a more sustainable global built environment and driving technical innovation. By adopting common positions at international levels, we aim to benefit global trade, consumers, and building occupants worldwide.”

“This MOU with ASHRAE will support the establishment of cooperative and constructive working relationships between GSO and ASHRAE, as well as improved communication and coordination in many areas of mutual interest, emphasized H.E Eng. Nawaf Al Mana, GSO President. “This MOU will contribute positively to meet the needs of Member States and the GSO’s objectives aiming at advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment, focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability within the industry.”

The MOU includes:

The goal is to foster open communication, cooperation, and information exchange regarding standardization and related activities, allowing individuals to participate and provide feedback on proposed standards, technical regulations, and guidelines.

Cooperate in organizing seminars, workshops, conferences, joint awareness programs, and symposia on public policy and mutual issues.

Promote joint research in areas where research results will add to the body of knowledge in fields of mutual interests. Harmonizing both parties’ standards related to HVAC, heat pumps between the two regions.

ASHRAE and GSO are exploring potential collaboration in areas such as Standards, Technical Regulations, Conformity Assessment, Research and Statistics, Capacity Building, Information Exchange, and Expert Exchange.