"In recent years, as the society began to write standards intended for adoption by code models, ASHRAE's activities in codes interaction moved from a fairly passive monitoring of codes to a much more proactive interaction with the model code bodies," Bruce Hunn, ASHRAE's director of technology, said.

As a result, ASHRAE has a created a new staff position primarily to handle its work in codes. The assistant manager of standards - codes will be responsible for interaction with model code organizations and represent the society at code hearings, working directly with ASHRAE's Code Interaction Subcommittee (CIS).

The subcommittee's activities include interacting with model codes organizations, such as the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to ensure proper reference to ASHRAE standards and other documents in building codes.

"ASHRAE has become active in not only proposing changes to the ICC and NFPA model codes, but in monitoring dozens of proposals and comments made by others that affect ASHRAE standards," he said.

Besides its active involvement in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), ASHRAE participates in the International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.

In addition, in 2002 ASHRAE began a program of Standard 90.1 training for ASHRAE chapters, with course offerings two to three times per year. Chapter members attending these train-the-trainer workshops then conduct training for local code officials. CIS also is beginning to more proactively address codes issues related to code-intended standards that are not currently referenced in codes.