With buildings accounting for 40 percent of primary energy use in developed nations, ASHRAE announced it would work with the International Facility Management Association to make structures more efficient.

A memo of understanding between the two organizations calls for sharing resources and collaborating on projects, publications, sustainability research and educational offerings. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and IFMA will also work together on legislative and regulatory issues through their Washington, D.C., offices.

“Engineers and facility managers share an important relationship in creating and maintaining buildings that are safe, healthy and energy efficient,” said Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president. “Now, ASHRAE and IFMA are seeking to take that cooperative relationship to the next level. This agreement strengthens the existing partnership between our two organizations. By working together on issues in the built environment, we can enhance our respective efforts to create a sustainable future.”

“ASHRAE’s indoor air quality standards have long provided benchmarks and guidelines for facility managers to use in keeping workers comfortable, safe and productive,” said David J. Brady, IFMA president and CEO. “In the new era of triple bottom line accountability on financial, social and environmental contributions, the need for energy vigilance and conservation is greater than ever.”