About Us
Introduction
The University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch is part of the global network of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers — one of the world’s foremost professional societies dedicated to advancing human wellbeing through sustainable technology in the built environment.
Our branch brings together students and researchers at Strathclyde who share a passion for HVAC&R engineering, indoor environmental quality, and the design of healthy, low-energy buildings. We connect our members with technical knowledge, industry professionals, and an international community working at the forefront of building services and sustainable design.
Our Story
The University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch was formally inaugurated on 29 April 2025 during the Healthy, Net-Zero Housing and the Role of Digitisation symposium, held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. The inauguration was officiated by ASHRAE President Dennis Knight, marking the branch’s official entry into the global ASHRAE network.
Our establishment was part of a coordinated initiative to create new student branches across several leading UK universities, driven by the ASHRAE UK Chapter’s wider student engagement programme. The programme aims to strengthen links between academia and industry, and to support the next generation of HVAC&R professionals as they enter a rapidly evolving built environment sector.
What We Do
Since our inauguration, the branch has focused on fostering interdisciplinary engagement across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable building design. Through technical seminars, research events, and industry-linked activities, we provide a platform for students and researchers to share knowledge, develop professional skills, and contribute to the challenges of healthy, low-energy, and net-zero buildings.
Our Objectives
Guidance
Providing career guidance to students of the sciences
Education
Continuing education of members through lectures, demonstrations, and publications
Advancement
Advancing the sciences of heating, refrigerating, and air-conditioning engineering
Research
Encouraging scientific research in the built environment
Our Themes
HVAC&R and Indoor Environmental Quality
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems that regulate indoor temperature, air quality, ventilation and occupant comfort.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R)
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Thermal Comfort and Human Health in Buildings
- Refrigeration and Cold Chain
Building Energy Systems and Performance
Research on how buildings consume, model, manage and optimise energy to improve efficiency and reduce energy demand.
- Energy Efficiency and Energy Management
- Building Energy Modelling and Simulation
- District Energy and Heat Networks
- Renewable Energy Integration*
Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Climate Resilience
Research focused on reducing buildings’ environmental impacts through sustainable design, carbon reduction and adaptation to climate change.
- Sustainability and Green Buildings
- Net Zero Buildings and Decarbonisation
- Renewable Energy Integration*
- Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Building Physics and Engineering Fundamentals
The engineering principles governing building performance, including heat transfer, airflow, materials and other physical processes.
- Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Building Materials and Construction
- Acoustics and Noise Control*
Lighting, Acoustics and Environmental Comfort
Research on lighting, visual conditions, acoustics and noise control to enhance occupant comfort, wellbeing and building performance.
- Lighting and Visual Comfort
- Acoustics and Noise Control*
Digital Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Buildings
Digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automated control systems that enable intelligent, connected and data-driven buildings.
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Buildings
- Smart Buildings, Building Automation and Controls*
Building Services, Operations and Facilities Management
Building systems and operational practices that support the safe, efficient and reliable functioning of buildings throughout their lifecycle.
- Building Services and Building Systems
- Facilities Management and Building Operations
- Fire Safety and Smoke Control
- Healthcare Facilities and Hospital Engineering
- Water Efficiency and Plumbing Systems
* Sub-categories marked with an asterisk appear across multiple themes.