In an effort to better align with a changing industry and the expanding expertise of its members, the International Association for Cold Storage Construction (IACSC), a core partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), Alexandria, Va., transitioned to a new name—the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA).

CEBA’s mission is to represent the expert builders who specialize in the design and construction of controlled environment buildings, including cold storage warehouses, food processing facilities, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical facilities and foodservice and retail distribution centers.

“Our new name reflects the full scope of what our members specialize in, and that is the design and construction of controlled environment facilities,” says Tim Nguyen, chairman of CEBA and regional vice president of ESI Group USA, Hartland, Wis. “CEBA members have the expertise and experience in designing and building facilities that take into account product integrity, quality and safety. Our breadth of expertise provides a full service to our global cold chain network, consisting of retailers, foodservice, third-party logistics and processors.

The association was founded in 1978 as the National Association of Cold Storage Insulation Contractors to represent specialty vapor barrier insulation contractors. In 1987, the name was changed to International Association of Cold Storage Contractors, and in 2002, the name transitioned to the International Association for Cold Storage Construction to invite a broader membership.

“Our members do so much more than just cold storage, and so our old name was a bit misleading,” says Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of GCCA and its core partners, including CEBA. “We hear from companies that they hire a general contractor without controlled environment experience and must bring in a CEBA member down the road to fix mistakes. CEBA members are the go-to place for expertise in the thermal envelope.”