Beirut:Researchers, engineers, industry professionals, and practitioners convened at the 7th International Conference on Efficient Building Design-Materials and HVAC Equipment Technologies to discuss innovative solutions for creating more efficient, sustainable, and resilient buildings and cities.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the conference was organized by the Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the ASHRAE Lebanese Chapter, and AUB's Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.
Held biennially at AUB, the event serves as a platform for dialogue between academia and industry, addressing the evolving challenges in the built environment sector. This year's program focused on smart and energy-efficient buildings, advanced HVAC technologies, sustainable design, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, urban energy, and city resilience, with a particular emphasis on emerging digital and AI-driven solutions.
Over 300 participants registered for the two-day conference, which featured four international keynote speakers, five technical sessions, a panel discussion, and an industrial session. The keynote speakers included Dolaana Khovalyg, Muhyiddine Jradi, Assaad Zoughaib, and Alessia Arteconi, who shared insights on topics such as smart buildings, digital solutions, heating and cooling innovation, and energy flexibility.
Dr. Nesreen Ghaddar, conference chair, opened the event by acknowledging the collaborative efforts behind the conference. ASHRAE President Sarah Maston highlighted the importance of equipping the next generation of building industry professionals through education and knowledge exchange. AUB Provost Dr. Zaher Dawy emphasized the university's role in fostering innovation and translating knowledge into action for a better future.
Omar Masri, from the Masri Institute advisory council, discussed the potential for the Middle East to become a hub for developing solutions needed globally, such as efficient cooling and climate-resilient buildings. Professor Alan Shihadeh, MSFEA dean, addressed the geopolitical implications of energy resources and the significance of intelligent design in reducing energy demand.
The conference also included a panel on urban energy planning and city resilience, offering practical perspectives and innovations from the field, furthering the exchange of knowledge and exploration of pathways toward more efficient and resilient built environments.
