ASHRAE is seeking papers for a conference focused on research in building design and system technologies for energy efficiency.

Organized by ASHRAE, the American University of Beirut, and the ASHRAE Lebanon Chapter, the International Conference on Efficient Building Design: Materials and HVAC Equipment Technologies, will take place Oct. 2-3, 2014, in Beirut, Lebanon.

Abstracts (400 words in length) are due Jan. 6, 2014. If accepted, papers are due April 14, 2014. Authors of accepted papers are responsible for travel and registration. Hotel accommodations are free for authors presenting papers. Submittal information can be found at www.ashrae.org/Beirut2014.

The conference presents the latest research and development to improve building designs and state-of-the-art technologies in building materials and systems.

Reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, implementing energy efficiency standards, and introducing new equipment and technologies are areas seeking improvement in the Arab region, according to Nesreen Ghaddar, conference chair.  

“This conference will serve as a platform for presenting advanced research in these topics with the intent to make recommendations for decision makers to implement,” she said. “Specifically, direction is sought on what technology is optimal and can be adopted when phasing out HCFC refrigerants in equipment and systems in developing countries.”

Topics include, but are not limited to, sustainable building designs; energy efficiency standards; building materials; indoor air quality systems; HVAC and different technologies; solar heating and cooling for the built environment; and systems for cooling and water production for hot humid climates.