Focus on design, construction and operation of buildings in developing economies

ASHRAE has announced that papers are being sought for a conference it is organising, titled “Efficient, High Performance Buildings for Developing Economies Conference”, along with the Philippines Chapter, which will take place on April 24 and 25, 2014, in Manila, Philippines. The event is being co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and endorsed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), ASHRAE said

ASHRAE gave the following details regarding paper submission:

Abstracts of 400 words or less are due by July 12, 2013. If accepted, papers are due by October 18, 2013. Submittal information can be found at www.ashrae.org/Developing2014.

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 programmes in developing countries
• Energy efficiency standards
• Indoor Air Quality and comfort regulations

Refrigeration

• Refrigerants: Limitations and opportunities for applications, for example, improved food preservation

Rural communities

• Water use
• Lack of energy infrastructure
• Combustion using low-grade fuels

According to ASHRAE, the conference addresses the challenges developing countries face in sustainable construction, such as rapidly growing energy demand and population density and urbanisation, and focuses on aspects relating to design, construction and operation of high-performance buildings, including the HVACR industry’s role in meeting this objective. A key motivation behind the conference is reportedly to utilise traditional construction practices.

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. “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,” he said.

In addition to paper presentations, invited speakers from around the world will focus on the most critical challenges facing developing economy countries, ASHRAE revealed.