In the past, building occupants were primarily concerned with facilities being healthy and comfortable. Following September 11, 2001, safety also became a major focus not only for occupants, but for owners and designers, as well.

Findings from a report on safeguarding people in their environment, whether under normal or extraordinary incidents, will be presented at the ASHRAE 2003 Winter Meeting. Environmental Security: An Added Value in Engineering Services will take place at 3 p.m. January 27, 2003, in Chicago, at the Palmer House Hilton. Admission is free.

The report will address health, comfort, and environmental security issues involving air, food, and water. "This report will provide good solid guidance to designers and owners of new and existing buildings to improve security and environmental quality under normal and extraordinary conditions," ASHRAE president Donald Colliver, Ph.D., P.E., said.

The report is a follow-up to the report released in January 2002 by ASHRAE, Risk Management Guidance for Health and Safety under Extraordinary Incidents. The Office of Homeland Security has nationally recognized that document as one of the four most important guidance documents published since September 11, 2001. The first report from the group is available at no cost at www.ashrae.org/ABOUT/Task_Force_Rpt_12Jan02.pdf. The session is held during the ASHRAE 2003 Winter Meeting and the co-sponsored AHR Expo, held January 27-29 at McCormick Place.