There are many associations that roofing manufacturers, contractors and other industry professionals can be involved with. Some are technical and engineering-oriented; others are sales and networking associations; and some deal with each of these aspects in the roofing and construction industries.
This is the first in a series of posts that will discuss the various associations that benefit roofing manufacturers, contractors, and other industry professionals.
AIA
Since 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been a leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners.
Each year, the AIA sponsors hundreds of continuing education programs to help architects maintain their licensure; sets the industry standard for Contract Documents with more than 100 forms and contracts used in the design and construction industry; provides countless web-based resources for emerging architecture professionals; helps members connect with one another in more than 20 knowledge communities, 300 local and state components, as well as several blogs; conducts market research and provides analysis of the economic factors that affect the business of architecture; and serves as an advocate for the architecture profession.
ASHRAE
Founded in 1894, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is a nonprofit technical organization whose 50,000 members influence the direction of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) technology by creating industry standards and recommended procedures and guidelines, as well as developing research, and writing technical information.
ASHRAE’s areas of expertise include:
• Energy-efficiency
• High-performance buildings
• Indoor air quality
• Green building design
• Building codes and standards
• Saving energy during blackouts
• Data center air conditioning and ventilation
• Health concerns such as Legionnaire’s disease and mold growth
• Guidance for a safe environment during extraordinary events
The ASHRAE sets the energy code standards for various materials used in the roofing and construction industries, including insulation thickness and the R-value of a product.
ASQ
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a leading authority on quality. This professional association advances learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange to improve business results, and to create better workplaces and communities worldwide.
The ASQ offers technologies, concepts, tools, and training to quality professionals and practitioners, along with everyday consumers, encouraging all to Make Good Great®.
Globally, the ASQ has formed relationships with other nonprofit organizations that have similar missions and principles. Its international strategic alliances help meet the quality needs of companies, individuals, and organizations worldwide.
