A building codes scientist at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been elected to the rank of fellow of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Michael Rosenberg was selected for his substantial contributions to the field of building energy efficiency. In developing the next generation of energy codes and standards for buildings, he led an effort to create and advance new methods for performance-based code compliance. This approach established a baseline and targets that encourage and reward good design choices for energy efficiency. It is considered one of the most significant changes in performance-based energy code compliance in 25 years. He also helped lead development of an energy simulation framework that tracks progress toward achieving ultra-low energy buildings to accelerate energy efficiency at the national level.

Rosenberg leads PNNL's commercial energy code development team that provides technical analysis and support toward cost-effective upgrades to national model energy codes and standards. He is a member of the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Energy Cost Budget Subcommittee, the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Standards Working Group, the Association of Energy Engineers, and a former member of the LEED Energy and Atmosphere Technical Advisory Group. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the Oregon State University and a master's degree in physiology from the University of Oregon. 

ASHRAE focuses on advancing human well-being through sustainable technology in the areas of building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. The organization annually elects fellows who "have attained distinction in the fields of heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or the allied arts and sciences through invention, research, teaching, design, original work, or as an engineering executive on projects of unusual or important scope."

PNNL now has four active staff members who hold the rank of ASHRAE fellow. Rosenberg will be recognized with the rest of the new class of fellows at the ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas in January.