ATLANTA — ASHRAE has announced that papers are being sought for 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).

Abstracts (400 or less words in length) are due July 12, 2013. If accepted, papers are due Oct. 18, 2013.

The conference addresses the challenges developing countries face in sustainable construction, including 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,” he said.

Some of the themes on which papers are being sought are:

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 air 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

For additional details and submittal information, go to www.ashrae.org/Developing2014.

Publication date: 5/27/2013