ASHRAE says it has accepted an invitation from the U.S. Department of Energy to join an effort aimed at improving building performance through a better prepared workforce. The goal is to advance the skill sets of engineers and other professionals involved in building design, operation, and commissioning.

Under DOE leadership, a board of advisors has been created for the Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council (CWCC). This board will be led by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) with the participation of ASHRAE and other credentialing and professional development organizations. They will work to establish a set of voluntary national guidelines to improve the quality and consistency of commercial building workforce credentials.