ASHRAE currently has some 7,000 student members. However, only about 100 of those transfer to Associate Member or Member status each year. The new grade will help bridge that gap, according to Vallort. In addition, the new grade will be used to attract members in countries outside North America. ASHRAE currently has members in 134 countries.
The affiliate grade is open to new members under age 30 and can only be held for up to three cumulative years. Annual dues are $40. Benefits include access to members-only pages of ASHRAE.org, ASHRAE Journal and ASHRAE Insights, HVAC&R Industry and Society Connections newsletters and a 20 percent discount on publications, ASHRAE Learning Institute courses and meeting registrations.