Prof Chandra Sekhar (Department of the Built Environment) has been honoured with the F. Paul Anderson Award, the highest technical honour from ASHRAE, a global professional society of more than 53,000 members that aims to advance human well-being through sustainable technologies for the built environment.
Prof Sekhar was presented with the award by William McQuade, the ASHRAE president, at the Plenary Session of the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas on 1 February.
Presenting the award, Mr McQuade described Prof Sekhar as “a globally respected leader in the industry” who has made “lasting contributions through his technical expertise, research leadership, and dedicated service to ASHRAE.”
Over a career to date of more than 35 years, Prof Sekhar is internationally recognised for his work in indoor environmental quality, ventilation, and energy-efficient, sustainable building performance.
Accepting the award, Prof Sekhar said he was “deeply honoured” to be recognised for his contributions.
“I’m passionate about ASHRAE’s vision statement: healthy and sustainable built environment for all,” he said. “Passion and curiosity lead to innovations for the betterment of society and for the greater good. Let us continue working together towards realising this goal. Let us continue to push boundaries, explore uncharted territories, and strive for excellence.”
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE works across building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability, shaping practice through research, standards, publishing, certification and continuing education.


