SYRACUSE – P. Ole Fanger, a world recognized expert on thermal comfort, has died at age 72.

Fanger, D.Sc., ASHRAE Fellow, died Monday in Syracuse where he was staying in his capacity as a university professor at Syracuse University. He was scheduled to give a public lecture Tuesday on an ASHRAE research project related to the impact of indoor air quality in classroom performance, which was conducted in Denmark.
 Fanger was a senior professor at the International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy at the Technical University of Denmark. He established the centre in 1998. His pioneering work on thermal comfort and indoor air quality provided the scientific foundation for standards across the world.

 “Professor Fanger's scientific contributions regarding the indoor environment served humanity throughout the globe,” said Presidential Member Richard Hayter, Ph.D., P.E., associate dean of engineering for External Affairs at Kansas State University. “His research will have a lasting effect on our comfort, health and productivity.”

In 1992, ASHRAE recognized Fanger with its highest honor for living members with the F. Paul Anderson Award, which recognizes notable achievements, outstanding work, or service in any field of the Society. His service included introduction of the “olf” and “decipol” units for perceived air quality and a corresponding hew comfort model for indoor air quality.

In 2001, Fanger was elected as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Engineering (NAE). He was the first Foreign Associate from the HVAC&R industry every elected. At that time, he said he hoped his election would make HVAC&R more visible compared with other disciplines.

Fanger began his career at Kansas State University in the late 1960s where he conducted research in ASHRAE’s environmental chamber.

“It was a fascinating period where Drs. McNall, Rohles and Nevins were my inspiring mentors,” he recalled in 2001. “They founded the famed Institute of Environmental Research, which today is more active than ever.”

At that time, Fanger said he became addicted to ASHRAE and has since missed only a few meetings. He also is the recipient of ASHRAE’s Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, the International Activities Award and the Distinguished Service Award.  He also received some 75 scientific awards in 28 countries from other organizations and universities.

He currently served on ASHRAE TC 2.1, Physiology and the Human Environment, TC 2.3, Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment, TC 2.8, Buildings Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, 4.10, Indoor Environmental modeling, and Guideline Project Committee 10, Criteria for Achieving Acceptable Indoor Environments.