DUBAI, UAE, 7 December 2023: Dr. William P. Bahnfleth, Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, and Chairperson, ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, won the “Editor’s Choice Award”, at the 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards, on December 6, in Dubai, UAE. The award was to recognize and honor Dr. Bahnfleth’s exceptional services rendered to the cause of Indoor Air Quality, CPI Industry, publishers of Climate Control Middle East magazine, and producers of the Awards, said. It was specifically to acknowledge his stewardship in the drafting of the recently released ASHRAE Standard 241, CPI Industry said.

Dr. Bahnfleth led the team that produced the ASHRAE Standard 241 (pathogen mitigation standard), which is well on its way to becoming a part of the Building Code in the United States, and which can be applied elsewhere, as well. It is future-looking, as it offers guidance on how to minimize the spread of bio-aerosols in the built environment; achieving this would limit the spread of diseases like COVID-19, provided the directions are adhered to without any compromise, oversight or negligence.

Dr. Bahnfleth holds a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and is a Fellow/Presidential Member of ASHRAE, and is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate. He is the author or co-author of more than 170 journal articles and 14 books or book chapters. He has served ASHRAE in a variety of capacities, including as 2013-2014 Society President.

Surendar Balakrishnan, Co-Founder & Editorial Director, CPI Industry, and Editor, Climate Control Middle East, presented the Editor’s Choice trophy to Dr Mark Ereth, Emeritus Professor, Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, who received it on behalf of Dr. Bahnfleth, who was on Fall Semester teaching duties at the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Balakrishnan said: “The Editor’s Choice Award is to honor Dr. Bahnfleth for his leadership in producing the Standard. Such a standard is a shot in the arm for global humanity that is looking to protect itself better against future possible pandemics.”

Dr. Bahnfleth said: “Thank you for this kind recognition of my efforts during the pandemic. I am honoured to accept this significant award on behalf of more than 100 contributors to the Epidemic Task Force and more than 40 members of the committee that developed Standard 241.”

The 13th edition of the Awards saw organisations and individuals vying with one another to win the coveted “CCA Trophy” in 25 categories relating to the HVACR sector, for the impact they have had on socio-economic and sustainable development outcomes in the past year.

Over the years, the Climate Control Awards exercise has stood for a transparent appraisal of efforts to safeguard people and planet and to ensure good health and support for various industries and other wheels of the economy. The Awards evening was about the result of the appraisal.