Student Branch Inauguration & Healthy, Net-Zero Housing and the Role of Digitisation Symposium

Overview

The ASHRAE Student Branch at the University of Strathclyde was officially inaugurated during the Healthy, Net-Zero Housing and the Role of Digitisation Symposium, held on 29 April 2025. The inauguration was led by ASHRAE President Dennis Knight, marking the beginning of our Student Branch as part of the global ASHRAE community.

The symposium brought together academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals to discuss the future of healthy, energy-efficient, and net-zero housing. Through keynote presentations, research talks, industry showcases, and panel discussions, participants explored how innovation and digital technologies can support more sustainable buildings and healthier indoor environments.

Programme Highlights

The event included:

• Opening welcome from the Department of Architecture
• Keynote address by ASHRAE President Dennis Knight
• Presentations from leading researchers on net-zero housing, indoor environments, occupant health, and energy behaviour
• Industry showcase featuring innovative organisations working in the built environment sector
• Official inauguration of the University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch
• Expert panel discussion on the future of healthy, sustainable housing
• Networking opportunities with academics, students, and industry professionals

Date

Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Location

Collins Building (Room CL205)
University of Strathclyde
22 Richmond Street
Glasgow G1 1XH

Speakers

The symposium featured presentations from leading experts, including:

• Dennis Knight – ASHRAE President
• Prof Mahroo Eftekhari – Loughborough University
• Prof Lori McElroy – University of Strathclyde
• Dr Olivia Swann – University of Edinburgh
• Prof Sonja Dragojlovic-Oliveira – University of Strathclyde
• Dr Dan Bowers – University of South Wales
• Emily Dorrian – West Dunbartonshire Council
• Andy Law – Home Energy Scotland

Industry Partners

The industry showcase included contributions from:

• iOpt
• John Gilbert Architects
• Think.Air
• Nooku
• Hugo

A Milestone for Our Student Branch

The official inauguration of the University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch was one of the highlights of the day. The event celebrated the launch of the Branch alongside several other UK universities, creating new opportunities for students to engage with ASHRAE through technical activities, professional development, networking, and collaboration with the wider HVAC&R community.