The organizer of the Belgrade’s HVAC&R Congresses (organizer – Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning of the Union of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and Technicians of Serbia, www.smeits.rs, www.kgh-hvac.org, office@smeits.rs), since its first years of organization was accompanied with the exhibitions of products, new technologies, equipment and successful practice as an inherent part of the congress. This was always an opportunity for all participants to be at the same time and same place – meeting architects, designers, producers, scientists, representatives of companies – all dedicated to the HVAC and Buildings systems advancement.

New IT – Green exhibition part – Exhibition of Software, Information Technology and Green Programs and Networks as a special segment of the exhibition devoted to software has been for the first time organized within the 41st HVAC Congress in 2010. It was displayed, with an intention to be an integral part of the Congress and the accompanying exhibition permanently, due to the fact that the role of software and IT has become irreplaceable in all scientific and professional fields of HVAC&R. Well positioned guide marks made it easy for the congress attendees to find a well- organized area of this “Green IT Exhibition”. Its stand layout were created in a very dexterous and imaginative manner, leaving the central part open for communication, while the remaining part was formed as a small sitting area intended for program demonstrations, consultations and meetings.

IBPSA-Danube members and Tehran University Guests (left) and IBPSA-Danube members from Romania and Serbia (right) at the IBPSA stand in 2010

The idea for this new exhibition program was born in October 2010, during the first conference on Building Performance Simulation in Belgrade, which had been held on the occasion of the foundation of the Danube Regional Chapter of the IBPSA – Danube under the auspices of SMEITS, the Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning. IBPSA – Danube was the main exhibitor, and was a huge success, thus confirming that software and IT, along with green programs and networks and that their diligent creators, deserve special attention and special program within the HVCA&R congress. The role of Green Programs and Networks became increasingly important and it may become a key factor in information transfer and education of investors and users, i.e. in the recognition and distinction of exemplary valuable solutions, thus contributing to spreading applications of HVCA&R energy efficient, environmentally clean and sustainable systems – „Sustainable Green Buildings”.

IBPSA-Danube posters (left) and discussion and presentations corner (right) in 2010

The HVAC&R congress was the first meeting of the newly established IBPSA Danube with the wide audience of their colleagues, mechanical engineers. The reactions during that meeting were positive. Four conference days passed in alternating discussions at the IBPSA stand. Satisfaction was mutual and IBPSA-Danube participated also at the Second (2011) and third (2012) Exhibition of Software, Information Technology and Green Programs and Networks. In addition to the presentation of the Association program and activities, at all three meetings, the discussions on cooperation between mechanical engineers and architects were of special importance. These discussions resulted in positive energy and elimination of stereotypes. The events ended in exchanging cooperation offers and desire to stay in touch in order to continue discussions and knowledge exchange. Numerous contacts were established, and as a result the IBPSA – Danube admitted more than 100 new members. At the Exhibition in 2011 IBPSA-Danube prepared and distributed CD-s with all earlier IBPSA Conferences papers (CD production was the donation of Energoprojekt Entel company., Belgrade, which became the first Corporate member of the IBPSA-Danube.

CD’s distributed at the HVAC&R and Exhibition of Software, IT and Green Programs at the IBPSA-Danube desk 2011

In 2012 at the HVAC&R Green Exhibition IBPSA_Danube was for the third time present, and the Chamber of Commerce from Belrade for the first time – celebrating at the exhibition closure great success. Thus, the Green Exhibition 2012 was marked as the year with starting Green Exhibition’s commercialization. The beginning of commercialization was marked by the appearance of one of the leading software companies, “Bentley”, whose presentation and distribution of advertising publications was especially greeted by students and young engineers.

University of Belgrade students award winner of the ASHRAE student design competition (category ISBD in 2012)

University of Belgrade students were award winner of the ASHRAE student design competition (category ISBD in 2012). Owing to the excellent use of BPS software EnergyPlus and the skills regarding simulations using EnergyPlus and CFD, the Danube Chapter won an award for the third time, at the annual meeting of ASHRAE held in San Antonio, for Integrated Sustainable Building Design, the student competition category introduced in 2009 as a new category. At the ASHRAE 2012 competition 47 universities participated in three categories (HVAC–System Design, HVAC-System Selection, and ISBD – Integrated Sustainable Building Design).