Benjamin Skelton Receives ASHRAE Regional Award Of Merit
June, 2022 — Benjamin Skelton was honored at the recent ASHRAE Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) with the Regional Award of Merit for Region VI, representing the Illinois Chapter. The purpose of this award is to recognize the activities and contributions of members of ASHRAE at the chapter and regional level.
Benjamin served ASHRAE’s Region VI beginning in 2005, helping implement the Region’s website and developing tools for the (at the time) 12 Chapters within the upper Midwest Region. In 2007 he established the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) group within the Region, a group that engages and energizes members under the age of 35 to participate within the Society. From 2012 through 2015 he was the Regional Vice Chair for Membership and in 2016 through 2019 he served as the Regional Director and member of the Society Board of Directors.
In addition to his Regional roles, he held several positions within the Illinois Chapter, including the role of President in 2011-2012. He served on the founding committee for Society creating what is now known as Young Engineers in ASHRAE. Benjamin’s volunteer efforts within the Society extended to reestablishing the Building Energy Quotient (bEQ) program in 2016. He’s also served on several Technical and Standards Project Committees, most notably the Greening of ASHRAE Meetings and Expositions, a special effort focused on sustainability and reducing carbon impact for Society meetings.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition and I’m proud to have been able to make a contribution to the greatest Region in the Society,” said Skelton.
“Benny’s leadership and ascension through the ranks of ASHRAE are what inspired me to pursue the leadership track at the local chapter level. Benny was the IL Chapter President when I moved to Chicago so I was able to see his contributions first hand,” said Dave Lippe, current ASHRAE Illinois President. “It’s great to be able to celebrate his ASHRAE achievements as a friend, employer, and role model in our industry.”
Established in 1906, the Illinois Chapter is ASHRAE’s oldest, and with more than 1,200 members, it is also among the largest chapters. Monthly meetings with technical presentations, tours, advocacy and social events throughout the year offer members opportunities for professional growth, networking and career advancement. ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is a global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration, and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing, and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. There are currently 57,000 ASHRAE members in 132 countries.