ASHRAE Raises More Than $2 Million for Research Promotion
Announcing a record-breaking year in terms of raising funds for research, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers announced Tuesday it has exceeded its goal of raising $2 million for in fiscal year 2007-2008 by instead raising exactly $2,081,422.
”Surpassing our goal for Research Promotion truly signifies the dedication of our volunteer base,” said ASHRAE President Bill Harrison, noting that there were 6,000 total donations for the year, nearly half coming from individual ASHRAE member donations and corporate donations comprising the remainder. With an increase of nearly $300,000 over the previous year, the money raised will fund research projects beginning in FY 2008-2009.
The society said it conducts about $8 million in research in any given year, with projects often spanning several years. Currently, there are 92 active research projects, including ones focusing on hospital operating room air distribution and air quality on board commercial aircraft.
Individual chapters raise funds in a variety of ways, including golf tournaments, auctions, and educational seminars. ASHRAE’s Region VIII, which covers Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, led the regions in total funds raised with $375,591, the society noted.