The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has issued a call for presentations relevant to a conference focused on the design, construction and operation of buildings in developing economies.
Organized by ASHRAE along with the Philippines Chapter, the Efficient, High Performance Buildings for Developing Economies Conference will take place April 24-25, 2014, in Manila, Philippines. It is co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and endorsed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
Call for presenter proposals are due Jan. 31, 2014. A 400-word abstract addressing a specific topic and speaker background information are required. Presentations of case studies, preferably with actual performance data, are of most interest. Notifications will be issued in February 2014.
The conference addresses the challenges developing countries face in sustainable construction, such as rapidly growing energy demand, population density and urbanization, and focuses on aspects relating to design, construction and operation of high performance buildings, including the HVACR industry’s role in meeting this objective.
The conference seeks to bring people from diverse cultures and climates together to share building design approaches that are responsive to local needs, said Ashish Rakheja, conference co-chair. A key motivation behind the conference is to utilize traditional construction practices.
“The papers and presentation will provide examples of how to apply the latest technology to achieve cost effective solutions to support high performance buildings in developing economies,” Rakheja said.
Papers are sought on the following themes:
- Design criteria for developing countries: Hot and humid climates; Thermal comfort preferences and cultural expectations; impact of thermal design criteria on energy use and occupant well-being
- Indoor air quality: impacts of outdoor air quality issues; potential application of natural ventilation
- Energy efficiency: indoor environmental quality constraints on energy efficiency; reductions in emissions of global warming gases through use of renewable energy; energy impacts associated with water use.
- Standards and government regulations: green building programs in developing countries; energy efficiency standards; indoor air quality and comfort regulations.
- Refrigeration: refrigerants limitations and opportunities; applications, e.g. improved food preservation.
- Rural communities: water use; lack of energy infrastructure; combustion using low-grade fuels
In addition, presentations based on papers and invited speakers from around the world will focus on the most critical challenges facing developing economy countries.