29 April 2025
The University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch was officially inaugurated during the Healthy, Net-Zero Housing and the Role of Digitisation Symposium, marking a significant milestone in strengthening student engagement with the global ASHRAE community.
The inauguration ceremony was led by ASHRAE President Dennis Knight, who formally welcomed the University of Strathclyde Student Branch alongside several newly established branches across the United Kingdom. This recognition reflects ASHRAE’s continued commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R), and to fostering strong links between academia and industry.
The symposium provided a full-day programme exploring the intersection of housing, health, and digital innovation in the built environment. It brought together academics, researchers, industry professionals, and students to share knowledge and discuss pathways towards healthier and more energy-efficient housing systems.
Symposium Programme and Key Contributions
The event opened with a welcome address from the Head of Department, followed by a keynote presentation from ASHRAE President Dennis Knight, who discussed the role of technology and innovation in achieving net-zero carbon and energy goals.
A series of academic presentations followed, featuring leading researchers and practitioners in the field:
- Prof Mahroo Eftekhari (Loughborough University) – Global perspectives on net-zero housing and integrated building control systems
- Prof Lori McElroy (University of Strathclyde) – Pathways towards net-zero housing and policy-aligned design approaches
- Dr Olivia Swann (University of Edinburgh) – Linking housing, healthcare, and environmental data to understand children’s health outcomes in Scotland
- Prof Sonja Dragojlovic-Oliveira (University of Strathclyde) – Socio-spatial dynamics of energy behaviour in low-energy housing communities
- Dr Dan Bowers (University of South Wales) – Technology acceptance and occupant interaction in social housing contexts
- Emily Dorrian (West Dunbartonshire Council) – Evaluation of connected response controls and tenant experience in housing systems
- Andy Law (Home Energy Scotland) – Practical insights into digitisation and energy services within communities
The programme also included an industry showcase session, featuring organisations working at the forefront of building innovation, including iOpt, John Gilbert Architects, Think.Air, Nooku, and Hugo.
Following the presentations, a panel discussion brought together experts from academia, industry, and policy to reflect on the future of healthy, net-zero housing and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in delivering impactful solutions.
Student Branch Inauguration
A key highlight of the day was the formal inauguration of the University of Strathclyde ASHRAE Student Branch. This ceremony marked the official entry of the branch into the global ASHRAE network, providing students with access to professional resources, technical knowledge, and international engagement opportunities.
The launch also represented part of a wider initiative celebrating the establishment of new ASHRAE student branches across six UK universities, strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange within the next generation of HVAC&R professionals.
A Step Forward for Student Engagement
The newly formed Student Branch aims to support students through technical events, guest lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry and academic experts. It will serve as a platform for developing skills, sharing research, and engaging with pressing challenges in the built environment.
The branch extends its sincere thanks to the Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde, the ASHRAE UK Chapter, all speakers, industry partners, and volunteers whose contributions made the event a success.
The Student Branch looks forward to an active programme of events and continued collaboration within the ASHRAE community.