ATLANTA – As the building industry seeks to reduce use of fossil based fuel sources, increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption and the use of natural resources, more efficient, integrated and intra-disciplinary approaches to designing, constructing, operating and maintaining facilities are needed. 

For its 2012 Winter Conference, ASHRAE is seeking papers on how the integrated building design and integrated project delivery processes are currently being applied to build better buildings and how those processes and workflows need to evolve if we are to meet our commitments of net zero energy buildings over the next two decades. Papers discussing actual case studies of real life projects, lessons learned and ongoing research projects studying new project delivery methods are highly encouraged to submit for presentation. 

The conference takes place Jan. 21-25, Chicago.

In addition, papers are sought for tracks on Specialized Applications, Energy Modeling, Operations & Maintenance, HVAC Systems, HVAC Fundamentals and Applications, Professional Skills and Refrigeration.

The deadline for paper submissions is April 18, 2011. For complete information on tracks, contacts and submittal requirements, visit www.ashrae.org/chicago.

Full-length technical papers or conference paper abstracts (400 words or less) should be submitted by April 18. 

For more information about the two types of papers and howto submit a full-length technical paper or conference paper abstract, go to the ASHRAE Chicago Conference webpage: www.ashrae.org/chicago. For accepted conference paper abstracts, the completed conference papers will be due July 8, 2011.

The Conference is expected to attract some 3,000 attendees from 60 countries. The technical program takes place Sunday, Jan. 22–Wednesday, Jan. 25, and includes paper presentations as well as non-paper presentations. Approved papers are published in ASHRAE Transactions.  Held in conjunction with the ASHRAE conference is the ASHRAE-cosponsored AHR Expo, Jan. 23-25.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.