Standardization News

Memorandum of Understanding Will Lead to Standards for Thermal Energy

ASTM International and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials signed a memorandum of understanding on Dec. 20, 2011, to establish a framework of cooperation for the development of ASTM standards for heat metering. The MOU resulted in part from a meeting hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in October 2011 to facilitate industry discussion and collect stakeholder perspectives on the need, application and use of a heat meter standard within the U.S. market.

On Jan. 20, EPA officially delegated and presented the newly forged partnership of ASTM and IAPMO with the heat metering standard framework.

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency supports the development of a U.S. heat meter standard as a means to both credibly and accurately measure the environmental, energy and financial benefits generated by distributed clean heating and cooling technologies nationwide," said James Critchfield, director of EPA's Renewable Energy Technology Market Development. "This effort corresponds well with the increased focus on thermal energy at the federal, state and local levels as our nation transitions to a cleaner and more energy efficient economy."

Heat meters measure the heat quantity that is absorbed or given up by a heat conveying liquid across a heat exchange circuit. The standardization of metering instrumentation would enhance the energy, financial and environmental benefits generated from thermal energy sources and technologies.

"ASTM International welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with IAPMO to strengthen energy efficiency and improve the supply of heating energy through the development of heat metering standards. In our experience, cooperative efforts in emerging areas bolsters technical coordination and better serves the needs of our stakeholders," says James Thomas, president, ASTM International.

According to the terms of the MOU, ASTM will serve as the standards developing organization for the activity on heat metering. IAPMO will participate within the ASTM process and provide technical expertise.

"Under the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, which directs federal agencies to consult with private sector standards bodies, EPA is committed to working with voluntary consensus organizations in order to assist in the development of standards that support environmental, conservation and health needs," said Mary McKiel, Ph.D., standards executive for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and vice chairman of the ASTM International board of directors. "Where measurement or other technical standards are lacking, EPA recognizes the value of a public-private sector alignment in the standardization process, especially when such collaboration avoids duplication of effort and results in credible, applicable standards that benefit private sector needs as well as support public policy goals."

The heat metering standards activity described in the MOU will be conducted by a subcommittee to be formed within ASTM International Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources. Upon completion, the portfolio of heat metering standards will be published as a compilation by ASTM.

"IAPMO is delighted to lend our expertise to the development of this heat metering standard and we look forward to collaborating with ASTM through the E44 committee. This initiative illustrates the benefits that can be derived when industry responds to the needs of our nation through the development of emerging technologies," noted GP Russ Chaney, CEO of the IAPMO Group.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials has worked with government and industry for more than 85 years to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world. IAPMO's Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code are developed through an open consensus process that includes scientific research, debate and analysis.