Add ASHRAE to the list of industry groups voicing a commitment to energy efficiency regardless of the White House decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

"Our member-established mission underscores our mandate to serve humanity and create a more sustainable world," said American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers President Tim Wentz. "ASHRAE is a global society of 57,000 dedicated professionals in more than 130 countries, committed to reducing the environmental impact of buildings by making them more energy efficient. Our mission will not waiver as geopolitical tides rise and fall.

"Now, more than ever, ASHRAE affirms its mission to advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world," Wentz added.

He pointed out that the society recently pledged to spend $1.3 million researching refrigerants with low risk of causing global warming.

"Our society remains dedicated to engineering excellence in environmental stewardship,” Wentz said. “In fact, the recent Paris accord announcement makes the critical role of ASHRAE members in reducing the environmental impact of buildings more important than ever before."