"Energy is a fundamental consideration in most everything ASHRAE does," Mark Case, chairman of the committee writing the document, said. "This document will explain our views, based on our knowledge of energy use in buildings and the societal and economic impacts of that energy use. It is intended to reach policymakers at all levels of government and help them make informed decisions - decisions that will improve our quality of life and our ability to sustain that quality for future generations."

A draft of the document may be submitted to ASHRAE's Board of Directors at the 2002 Winter Meeting, Jan. 12-16, in Atlantic City, NJ. If approved by the board, the document would replace ASHRAE's Energy Position Statement and Paper approved in 1990.