About Us

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. ASHRAE was formed as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers by the merger in 1959 of American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) founded in 1894 and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) founded in 1904.

2026-2027 ASHRAE president's theme

Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP, is ASHRAE’s President for the 2026–27 term. Maston previously served on the ASHRAE Board of Directors as president-elect, treasurer, vice president and director-at-large. Throughout her Society service, Maston has held numerous leadership and volunteer roles across ASHRAE’s membership, technical and communications initiatives

Maston’s theme for the 2026-27 Society Year is “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution or game plan for retrofitting buildings. Every building has its own constraints – mechanical systems, budgets and operational needs. Also, financial constraints, or utility infrastructure, plays a part in deciding the game plan or resilience strategy of a building. That’s why teamwork is absolutely essential.”

Her theme focuses on how the building industry can work together to improve the efficiency, performance and resilience of existing buildings in the face of growing climate and infrastructure challenges. She compares retrofitting buildings to developing a winning “game plan,” highlighting the importance of modern building codes, retro-commissioning and cross-functional collaboration among owners, operators, engineers, manufacturers, code officials and commissioning providers.

For more information on President Maston’s theme for 2026–2027, visit: https://www.ashrae.org/about/leadership/ashrae-president

MISSION

To serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.

vision

A healthy and sustainable built environment for all. 

Core values

Excellence 
ASHRAE education, technical information and all other activities and products will always reflect the best practices that lead our industry. We strive for continuous improvement and innovation in all our practices and products.

Commitment 
ASHRAE and its members are passionate about serving the built environment, creating value, and recognizing the accomplishments of others.

Integrity
ASHRAE is committed to the highest ethical standards. We work transparently, observing essential requirements for due process and peer reviews to assure our members and stakeholders that we do the right things the right way.

Collaboration
ASHRAE seeks and embraces collaborative efforts with organizations, agencies, and individuals sharing our commitment to sustainable built environments.

Volunteerism 
Members lead ASHRAE at every level, serving ASHRAE and helping ASHRAE serve society.

Diversity
ASHRAE is committed to providing a welcoming environment. Our culture is one of inclusiveness, acknowledging the inherent value and dignity of each individual.

cHAPTER History

The Connecticut Chapter is one of ASHRAE’s oldest chapters, dating back to June, 1940, when it was originally chartered as a chapter of the ASHVE. In 1959, the Connecticut Chapter of ASHVE merged with the Connecticut Valley Chapter of ASRE to become the Connecticut Chapter of ASHRAE. In 1961, the Southern Connecticut Chapter of ASHRAE also became part of the Connecticut Chapter. In 1989, a portion of the Western Massachusetts Chapter was added to the Connecticut Chapter. Today, the Chapter geographically serves the State of Connecticut (except Fairfield County) plus three counties in Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin). The Chapter has grown to be one of ASHRAE's largest with over 500 Society members.

Rich in the traditions of participation, leadership, and contribution, the Connecticut Chapter is proud of its many members who have made significant contributions to the Society and the state of the art in our industry. The Connecticut Chapter is the one of the largest out of 15 chapters in ASHRAE’s Region I. Region I is ASHRAE’s largest region, comprising nearly eleven percent of ASHRAE’s world wide membership.