Beirut, Lebanon, October 8, 2026 – The Munib & Angela Masri Institute of Energy and Natural Resources at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with the Lebanese ASHRAE Chapter and the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, opened the 7th International ASHRAE Conference on Efficient Building Design, Materials & HVAC Equipment Technologies.
The two-day conference brings together researchers, industry professionals, academics, and students to exchange knowledge and explore developments in building systems, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable technologies for the built environment.
Omar M. Masri, a member of the Advisory Council and Steering Committee of the Masri Institute and the International Advisory Board of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA) at AUB, was among the speakers delivering remarks during the conference’s opening ceremony.
Representing Edgo Founder and AUB Trustee Munib R. Masri, Omar spoke alongside AUB Provost Dr. Zaher Dawy, ASHRAE President Sarah Maston, Lebanese ASHRAE Chapter President Mohammad Takkoush, and Dr. Alan Shihadeh, Dean of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.
In his address, Omar reflected on how the conversation around efficient buildings has evolved beyond reducing energy consumption to focus on how buildings can adapt to a changing climate and remain safe and comfortable during extreme heat while responding intelligently when energy systems are under pressure.
Omar emphasized that a smart building should be defined not by how much technology it contains, but by how intelligently it serves people. He also addressed the growing importance of resilience across the Middle East and Mediterranean, where extreme heat and increasing cooling requirements are placing greater demands on buildings and energy systems.
Turning to the work of the Masri Institute, Omar noted the importance of research that responds to real-world challenges and education that prepares the next generation, supported by stronger connections between academia and industry. He highlighted the Institute’s work in thermal storage, smart neighborhoods, interconnected microgrids, and AI-enabled energy systems.
The Masri Institute continues to expand its research and impact through initiatives in energy efficiency, decarbonization, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management. Its work has supported new research collaborations and attracted international funding, while helping translate academic research into practical applications on the AUB campus and beyond.
Omar encouraged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to exchange knowledge and build collaborations that can turn promising research into practical solutions.
In closing, Omar thanked Dr. Nesreen Ghaddar and the organizing team, ASHRAE and its Lebanese Chapter, the Maroun Semaan Faculty, sponsors, speakers, researchers, students, and Sandrine Assaad for their contributions to the conference. He also reaffirmed his family’s longstanding commitment to AUB.
The 7th International ASHRAE Conference continues the collaboration between the Masri Institute, ASHRAE, and AUB, advancing research and practical solutions for more efficient, resilient, and people-centered buildings and cities.
