SOLAR 2008 Participating Organizations

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has represented the professional interests of American architects since 1857. The Committee on the Environment is the Institute’s forum for the compilation, exchange and dissemination of environmental information integral to the design and practice of architecture.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international organization of more than 55,000 people with chapters throughout the world. ASHRAE is organized for the sole purpose of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration for the public’s benefit through research, standard writing, education and publications.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has been working for over two decades as a non-profit organization committed to moving renewable energy resources into the marketplace by focusing on state and local governments and communities. IREC emphasizes education and outreach, stakeholder coordination, technical assistance, workforce development, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, consumer protection, and building networks to share experiences and information.

The Rahus Institute is a 501c3 non-profit, research and educational organization with a focus on resource efficiency. The primary goal of The Rahus Institute is to accelerate the implementation of resource efficient technologies and practices through research, development, demonstration, education and policy change. The Insititute is currently developing projects that aim to promote the use of renewable energy in California.

The San Diego Roofing Contractors' Association (SDRCA) has been serving the Roofing Industry for over forty years. It is the intent of this Association to establish and maintain professional standards and practices in the Roofing Industry through education and public awareness. Our members are committed to excellence and they use the benefits offered by the Association to help obtain this goal. The SDRCA encourages you to become fully aware of the potential problems of dealing with an unlicensed, uninsured roofer.

The Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE) is an international association of university educators and practitioners in architecture and related disciplines who support excellence in the teaching of environmental science and building technologies. SBSE publishes a newsletter and conducts annual retreats and workshops.

The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is a collaboration of utilities, energy service providers and the photovoltaic industry, working together to create and encourage commercial use of new solar electric power business models. SEPA helps to establish standards for photovoltaic systems and their interconnection to the utility grid, hosts cross-industry workshops, and manages educational and outreach campaigns.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, marketers and end users.

The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) provides independent certification, national recognition, product credibility and standardized comparisons of solar energy products. SRCC programs serve three primary constituencies—the solar energy industry, solar consumers and state and federal regulatory bodies.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our more than 9,000 member organizations and our network of 75 regional chapters are united to advance our mission of transforming the building industry to sustainability.