Papers focusing on heat pump noise, a whole life carbon tool for housing, and post-occupancy evaluation of building envelope systems will be presented at the CIBSE Technical Symposium taking place on 26-27 March.
The theme for the 2026 Symposium, which this year takes place at Loughborough University, is Fit for 2050 – Redesigning spaces for wellbeing, inclusivity, and sustainable performance.
Delegates will hear Katie Salter from the University of Salford, present her case study Heat pump noise in schools: influence of heat pump placement on noise exposure. The study examines the acoustic implications of deploying low‑carbon heating in school environments, demonstrating how the placement of air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can significantly influence noise exposure for both pupils and staff. It highlights the importance of considering ASHP location at the early design stage to better integrate wellbeing and inclusivity considerations into net‑zero retrofit strategies.
Deepak Sadhwani, Energy Systems Catapult will present their case study Bridging the performance gap: a whole life carbon optioneering tool for early‑stage new build housing. The study demonstrates how early design decisions strongly influence long‑term carbon, comfort and cost outcomes, introducing a proof‑of‑concept optioneering tool to support net zero housing at the briefing and concept stage. By testing 1,800 design permutations across construction types, performance standards and future climate scenarios, the work highlights the challenges of achieving whole‑life net zero and shows how optioneering can help housing providers identify resilient, cost‑effective pathways to homes fit for 2050.
Akshit Gupta and co‑authors from Eurac Research, ZAG, and Focchi Spa will present their research paper, From controlled experiments to real‑world insights: a ‘test bed building’ framework for post‑occupancy evaluation of building envelope systems. The paper introduces a Test Bed Building framework that bridges laboratory testing and real‑world building performance. Drawing on post‑occupancy evaluation, it offers insights to support innovation and the scaling of high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) solutions, helping to meet nZEB targets while enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
Also presenting, Bill McQuade, ASHRAE President will present on his theme for the 2025-26 ASHRAE Society Year Healthy buildings: designing for life.
For more information and to book your place visit www.cibse.org/technicalsymposium