New Certification Focuses on Facility Operations and Performance

Sept. 3, 2008
A new certification program from Atlanta-based American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) will help facilities professionals and consultants take advantage of energy-saving operational strategies. According to a study by the Energy Systems Lab at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, energy use in buildings can be reduced by 10 to 40 percent by improving operational strategies.

The Operations and Performance Management Professional Certification (OPMP) program helps earners demonstrate their knowledge of the management of facility operations and maintenance, and their impact on HVAC/R system performance. The program will launch at the ASHRAE Winter Meeting in January and will be available via electronic testing centers worldwide starting in March 2009.

"With buildings using 40 percent of all energy in the United States, it's essential that their energy consumption be reduced," says Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president. "Every building, new or old, must be operated at its own optimum level. To do so, we must apply advanced knowledge and skills to building operations."

Developed with input from the Alexandria, VA-based APPA and the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. General Services Administration, the OPMP certification program is intended for those working in facilities operations, management, construction, design, or consulting, and for those who have experience in facility operations and performance. OPMP certificants will demonstrate a well-rounded understanding and knowledge of the management of facility operations and maintenance, and the impact of O&M on HVAC/R performance.

For more information on the OPMP certification, visit www.ashrae.org/certification.

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