ASHRAE has announced its first cohort of Certified Decarbonization Professionals (CDPs), a pivotal move in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in building environments.
The CDP program, funded by the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization, offers international certification validating the expertise of professionals in reducing the lifecycle carbon footprint of buildings. The certification was developed in just 11 months and enables industry specialists to showcase their competency in essential decarbonization tasks to peers, employers, and building owners.
Since its launch earlier this year, it has become the most sought-after ASHRAE certification, underscoring its significance in the building and energy sectors.
"Decarbonization is essential to our global sustainability goals, and ASHRAE is committed to empowering professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the charge," stated ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight. "The Certified Decarbonization Professional program is not just a milestone for ASHRAE, but a much-needed tool for the industry as we work toward a net-zero future."
The CDP program targets professionals responsible for decarbonizing new and existing buildings. Requirements include education and work experience, adherence to a professional code of conduct, and passing a certification exam covering eight domains, such as decarbonization drivers, project planning, construction, passive and active efficiency, facility management, and distributed energy resources.
The ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization played a crucial role in realizing this certification, supporting initiatives like education, research, and developing innovative tools to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.
For more information about the ASHRAE Certified Decarbonization Professional program and how to apply, visit
ashrae.org/certification.