Student Workshop
Climate Tech & the Role of ASHRAE in Decarbonizing the Built Environment
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is a leading global organization that sets standards and advances technologies related to energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) systems, refrigeration, and sustainable building design. From the perspective of climate technology (Climate Tech), ASHRAE plays a central role in the following areas
1. Providing Technical Standards for Building Decarbonization
ASHRAE supports the transition to Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Carbon Neutral Buildings by developing design guidelines and operational standards (e.g., ASHRAE Standards 90.1, 189.1, 62.1). These standards help reduce energy consumption in buildings and accelerate the adoption of decarbonization technologies.
2. Accelerating Climate-Friendly HVAC & Refrigeration Technologies
ASHRAE leads research and validation of low-carbon HVAC solutions such as high-efficiency heat pumps, ground-source heat pump systems (GHP), and heat recovery ventilators (HRV). It also provides guidance for transitioning to low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, supporting both system designers and manufacturers (e.g., ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34).
3. Enabling Smart Building and Energy Management Technologies
ASHRAE fosters innovation in smart building systems through the application of IoT, AI, and Machine Learning. It provides technical foundations for energy simulation tools (e.g., OpenStudio, EnergyPlus) and advanced energy management systems (e.g., BEMS, CEMS), facilitating the development of Climate Tech-based startups and energy-saving solutions.
4. Integrating Indoor Environmental Quality and Climate Adaptation
ASHRAE continuously develops and promotes indoor environmental technologies that address climate adaptation needs, including enhanced ventilation performance, virus filtration, and personal comfort modeling. These efforts align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG initiatives, positioning ASHRAE as a key collaborator in global climate technology efforts (e.g., ASHRAE Global Building Decarbonization Initiative, Task Force for Building Decarbonization).
This student workshop offers an exciting opportunity for university and graduate students from around the world who are passionate about sustainable architecture and building technologies to explore future career paths and startup opportunities in the rapidly growing field of climate tech, with a focus on carbon reduction and energy efficiency. This program is supported by the Asan UniverCT initiative for promoting a culture of climate tech entrepreneurship.
Join us in exploring how ASHRAE is shaping the future of Climate Tech in the built environment.