Organized by ASHRAE, the Qatar Oryx Chapter, and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, the inaugural International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates is scheduled for Feb. 24-26, 2014, in Doha, Qatar. It is endorsed by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Abstracts (400 words in length) are due April 30. If accepted, full-length papers are due May 15. Authors of accepted papers are responsible for travel and registration. Hotel accommodations are free for authors presenting papers.

The conference provides a forum for discussion of the latest research and development in the field of indoor environmental quality in high ambient-temperature climates.

Rising energy demand, costs, and the associated environmental problems are causing increased emphasis on the design of energy-efficient HVACR systems, according to Walid Chakroun, conference chair.

“This conference sets the path for better understanding the integration of energy efficiency and IAQ in high ambient-temperature regions,” he said. “The impact of low-energy design on occupant health in different building sectors, for both developed and developing economies, is the focus.”

In addition, panel discussions are included with experts and decision makers where recommendations and ideas for research can be generated for better design and preserving healthy environments. Also, several keynote speeches will focus on different aspects of indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. Submittal information can be found at www.ashrae.org/hotclimates.

Publication date: 3/18/2013