CCME - June 2024

Dr Marcus George, CEO and Partner, Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers (ECCE): ‘It is possible for the UAE to effectively mitigate the threat and severity of damage’

Building construction industry stakeholders discuss strategies and solutions for a rain-resilient region

impact of the April 16 rains in Dubai, and strategies and solutions in the age of

REGULATION ROUNDUP

POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy-labelling programmes are highly effective and economical for conveying information, enabling people to make more efficient decisions when buying, says Dalip Singh, AHRI

FILTER FOCUS

THE FUTURE AND PROSPERITY OF SUSTAINABLE CITIES

With the onset of each dusk come warnings about the consequences of rising anthropogenic emissions, says Dr Iyad Al-Attar, independent air filtration consultant

LICENCE TO CHILL

CONTINUING THE DEBATE: AIR-COOLED VS WATER-COOLED SYSTEMS

It is important to factor in the cost of water in chilled water plant efficiency, says Dan Mizesko, U.S. Chiller Services International

REPORT

UAE'S AIR CONDITIONING MARKET SHOWS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN 2023

Packaged Air Conditioner (PAC) segment has reached nearly 526,650 units, with a value of approximately USD 594 million, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the previous year, says BSRIA

Q&A

LCACs

Tugrul Kumal, Hisense Middle East, emphasises the importance of ongoing training, monitoring and maintenance

TRANSITIONING TO LOW-GWP REFRIGERANTS

HFOs often offer lower Total Cost of Ownership than ammonia and CO2, says Matt Spalding, Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions

Balakrishnan

REGRESS, REGRET

ABOUT 7-8 years ago, I was driving near one of the then newer developments in Dubai with Sougata Nandi, who many of you would know as the author of the well-received book, Energy Management in Real Estate: The Secrets to Success, when he pointed to a commercial mid-rise and said, “That’s a LEED Platinum building.” Then, after a momentary sigh, he added, “Well, it used to be Platinum; today, it wouldn’t even qualify as silver.”

I was reminded of the drive during a relatively recent interaction with another industry associate, who questioned the long-term sustainability credentials of quite a few buildings in the region and pointed to the decline in the performance of HVAC and electric equipment in them. He bemoaned the fact that the pumps and chillers installed in them had deteriorated in performance and that worryingly enough, many of them remained unattended, simply because their owners had not bothered to renew energysaving contracts. He called them myopic, negligent and lazy enough not to explore viable low-cost means to maintain the energy efficiency of their buildings.

It's not just pumps and chillers, though. What about leaking ducting systems, which for want of proper installation, to begin with, followed by years of ill maintenance, in many cases, are wreaking havoc on the environment through triggering heightened indirect greenhouse gas emissions. It would be no exaggeration to say that billions of UAE Dirhams or Saudi Riyals are being lost owing to lack of air duct tightness in buildings in the region.

Again, are there solutions available to ensure that the valuable thermal air reaches its intended destination of the built environment? Yes, there are, and by neutral accounts, they are not expensive, as a cost-benefit analysis would quickly reveal.

Co-Founder & Editorial Director Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com

Editor

Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com

Features Writer

Hamna Sheikh hamna@cpi-industry.com

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+971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com

So, what are we doing about our poorly performing buildings? No doubt, there are wellmeaning building-retrofit programmes, but the overriding ‘business as usual’ mindset is counter-intuitive in an ideal eco-world, which is conducive to climate change mitigation.

The climate change-induced April 16 floods in many parts of the UAE and Oman ought to be a strong wake-up call that no country is insulated from the threat of global warming. April 16 is the topic of the cover story in this issue, and it has opened two fronts of action – legacy issues like energy efficiency and IAQ and, now, rain resilience. We are up against it, but consolingly so, have the means to minimise the damage.

Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé fred@cpi-industry.com

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Published

Dr Iyad Al-Attar

Independent air filtration consultant, writes on specific science and technology issues relating to Indoor Air Quality, including airborne particles.

Kandasamy Anbalagan Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants, writes on the need for upholding time-tested engineering principles, which would only serve to complement advances in technology.

Jeremy McDonald

Principal of Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, in New York, writes on IAQ and building tracing. He served as the technical consultant to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in development of an IAQ guideline for Higher Education in NY: “Covid-19 Response Guide, State University of New York”.

Dan Mizesko

Managing Partner/President, US Chiller Services International, writes on issues relating to chilled water systems, including operation & maintenance.

Omnia Halawani Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global, writes on MEP consultancyrelated issues.

Krishnan Unni Madathil Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co. Chartered Accountants, carrying out an analysis of the market, writes on business opportunities for the HVACR industry.

Dalip Singh

Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA, writes on HVACR-specific regulation issues.

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REGULATION ROUNDUP EES&L

APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK

PART3

Saying that energy-labelling programmes are the most effective and economical means of transmitting information, Dalip Singh adds that information helps people make more efficient choices in what they buy and how they use energy

APPLIANCE Energy Efficiency

Package, in the context of energy efficiency, typically involves regulations for setting energy efficiency standards for appliances, raising awareness on the importance of energy conservation, and providing incentives for manufacturers and consumers to adopt more energy-efficient technologies.

The second article of this series, in the April 2024 issue of Climate Control Middle East, covered the regulation in detail. This article focuses on detailing out information – raising awareness, and the need and role of incentives.

Information policy instruments help reinforce the public understanding of more efficient products and help with comparing among products. Energylabelling programmes are the most effective and economical means of transmitting information. It is information that helps people make more efficient choices in what they buy and how they use energy.

Incentives, in the forms of rebates, grants and other financial offers, encourage consumers and manufacturers by making investment in and development of efficient appliances more attractive. Incentives also drive innovation and the adoption of new technology and practices.

Objectives of an energylabelling programme

Energy labels provide a clear and simple indication of the energy efficiency and other key features of products at the point of purchase. They makes it easier for consumers to save money on their household energy bills and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emission. The labelling of appliances works best as a complement to appliance standards such as MEPS.

The main objectives of energy labelling include:

• Helping consumers make informed choices on energy use and savings among the labelled products

• Creating impact on the energy savings in the medium and long run

• Competing in international markets, where norms for energy efficiency in many countries are mandatory

• Helping consumers understand which products have the lowest total cost

Types of labels

There are two main types of labels:

1. Comparative

2. Endorsement

Comparative labels

A comparative label enables consumers to compare the energy consumption of the specific product with defined rating slabs, and allows the consumer to compare multiple models of the same product, such as RACs. For example, a comparative label varies from 1-star to 5-star, where 5-starlabelled products are the most efficient and 1-star-labelled products are the least efficient. Mandatory comparative labels are more common, globally.

Comparative labels usually communicate in two ways:

o A quick visual rating

o Detailed data (to cite some examples, actual kilowatthours (kWh), running costs and capacity/size)

Endorsement labels

This label only indicates whether the product is energy-efficient or not and does not include details such as the product’s energy consumption, energy efficiency ratio or any other parameter to compare with other products.

An endorsement label:

• Identifies the energy efficient models

• Generally, shows no productspecific information

Dalip Singh is Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA. He may be reached at DSingh@ahrinet.org.

• Is part of a voluntary programme but has rules around its use, which must be complied with

• Can be updated more rapidly than a comparative energy label

• Is often linked to High Efficiency Performance Standards, or HEPS, which are, in turn, used for incentives

Label design principles

The most effective labels are visually intuitive

• Encouraging consumers and others to buy products at the high end of efficiency and quality creates market demand

• Retailer training programmes have been successful in many countries

Consumers also count on retailers to explain differences among products bearing different star ratings. However,

Labels work in different ways to reflect cultures and different perceptions

Clear and easy to understand Less information is better

Letters

vs numbers, language, left to right ranking

People must be able to easily read and understand the content to make informed purchasing decisions. From illustrations and colours to word choice, all elements of a successful energy label must work together to support the consumer experience.

Raising awareness

Energy labels are an important public-facing tool used in more than 80 countries to promote efficient appliances and stimulate technological innovation. Through strategic designs and rating scales, energy labels help consumers differentiate more efficient appliances and equipment, leading to long-term cost and energy cuts.

Once the label is designed, strategic dissemination and communication ensure widespread understanding and acceptance.

• Effective label programmes require buyer awareness-raising campaigns

• Buyer purchasing decisions that favour energy-efficient and high-quality products ultimately provide a “pulling” force in the market

Pick one label design and stick to it

it is important to ensure that the salespeople have accurate information. For example, they must have the ability to inform consumers about more efficient types of air conditioners, which may not be clear from the label.

The success of energy-labelling programmes depends on the ability to connect with people purchasing appliances. By collecting intentional data, regulators and other label stakeholders can amplify the label programme – allowing technical implementation to run in parallel with growing consumer trust. Expanding these best practices across the globe would support countries to realise the full benefits of energy-efficiency programmes, and ensure customers are able to access high-quality energysaving appliances and equipment.

It takes years for buyers to become familiar with labels

Incentives

Incentives make efficient options more attractive and hasten the upgrade and replacement of appliances. They also

REGULATION ROUNDUP EES&L

encourage the use of new technologies and practices.

Promoting energy efficiency investment and financing has been one of the key priority areas of governments, globally.

Rapid upscaling of investment in energy efficiency also depends on enhancing access to low-cost financing, particularly in emerging and developing economies.

The cost of capital provides a critical benchmark to assess the risk and return preferences of investors and the pricing of money in the wider economy and can act as a lever for financial flows to influence prices and choices in the real energy economy.

Incentives have long been used to promote energy efficiency through traditional demand-side management (DSM) programmes. However, over the years, the role of incentives has changed. The goal is no longer simply to increase the market penetration of energy-efficient products in the current programme year, essentially buying load reduction. Instead, the goal of energy efficiency programmes is to establish sustained market share of products over time, even after incentives are discontinued.

Incentives can play an important role in market transformation, essentially acting as a catalyst to jump-start markets and overcome initial barriers. Incentives serve many important functions in overcoming market barriers typically targeted by market transformation programmes, including:

■ Reducing risk for market actors

■ Creating a marketing impact on consumers

■ Acting as a temporary market support until economies of scale reduce product costs

Incentives are often used to reduce the costs of efficient appliances for consumers – these drive the market for more efficient appliances and can lead to economies of scale, which in the longer term, reduce the price of products.

Successful incentives programmes are designed in a way to limit the negative potential while stimulating

the markets through a catalytic effect. To use incentives effectively in market transformation, administrators must use long-term planning, develop individual strategies for each technology, use an integrated markettransformation strategy, and set market-based rebate levels.

One option for identifying marketbased rebate levels is to use an auction process to encourage manufacturers to provide information that leads to a market-clearing result.

In summary, each element of the energy efficiency policy package

– regulation, information and incentives – plays a crucial role in isolation as well as when put together to achieve greater energy efficiency gains. Careful design and implementation will deliver efficiency’s full potential to enhance energy security, create jobs, increase living standards, cut energy bills and reduce emissions.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

FOREWORD

Not G7 or G20, the world needs G196 MAIN NARRATIVE ‘Thunder rattled the windows’ ADVERTORIAL

The ECCE template for rain-resilient infrastructure

FOREWORD

NOT G7 OR G20, THE WORLD NEEDS G196

And tokenism would not do if we want to avoid extreme weather events, says Dr Rajendra Shende

THE COP28 Summit (28th Conference of Parties), held a little over six months ago in Dubai under the aegis of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was unique on three counts. Firstly, it was the first Conference of Parties where the President of the conference was himself head of the world’s 12th largest oil-producing company. And still, it is the first COP that agreed to transition away from fossil fuel, including oil. Secondly, it was the first COP where the global stock take (GST) took place to assess the collective progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, particularly those related to mitigation, adaptation, loss & damage and finance. And thirdly, it was the first COP that agreed on moving towards the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement in a ‘just’ manner. The word ‘just’ meant that the transition to a carbon-neutral and fossil fuel-free economic system, needed for achieving the goals, should be as ‘fair and inclusive’ as possible to all the stakeholders, including workers and communities, in creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. Interestingly, what the world has been witnessing for the last six months is also, sadly, a ‘first of its kind’ in the history of climate change. May 2024, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), was the 12th consecutive month with continued record-high global average temperatures. April 2024 was 1.58 degrees C warmer than an estimate of the April average for 1850-1900, the designated pre-industrial reference period to measure the increase in global average temperature. Though crossing

the limit of warming by 1.5 degrees C for one or couple of years does not signal failure of the Paris Climate Agreement, it is certainly the early warning for possible long term rise of temperature beyond 1.5 degrees C and impending failure of the world to achieve the first of the two more stringent goals of the Agreement. The extent of snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere in April was the smallest on record. Drought hit southern Africa, persistent heavy rainfall lashed eastern Africa and southern Brazil, and floods ravaged Afghanistan and Germany – all of which show the impact has been widespread. Loss of lives stretched from Mexico to India, and to Myanmar, due to record-breaking heatwaves. China witnessed mudslides, and the Arabian peninsula went through a harrowing experience when extreme rainfall hit the land in the April-May 2024 season, causing unprecedented disruption. I understand that the April 16 rainfall is the subject of this supplement.

Further, the commitment, pledges and implementation, according to decisions of COP28, are all forgotten and overshadowed by the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The global community is engaging in gut-wrenching debates on reasons for the deluge in the UAE and Oman, but it is refusing to engage in ways to mitigate extremeweather events that are increasing in their frequency and intensity, and to implement the short-term and long-term decisions taken in COP28. The world has started learning new terminologies, like ‘Heat-Dome’ but has not bothered to adequately learn of the new ways to address the climate challenge. By the way, ‘Heat-Dome’ is the dome of

Dr Rajendra Shende is Former Director, UNEP; Coordinating Lead Author of IPCC-2007, which won the Nobel Peace Prize; and Founder Director, Green TERRE Foundation. He may be reached at shende.rajendra@gmail.com.

high pressure, where hot air is pushed down causing temperatures to soar over large areas. Millions of people in the United States experienced extreme temperatures in early June as a result of a ‘heat dome’. Ripple effects are showing impacts on agriculture, foodsecurity, water, and even on health and education of Gen Z due to closure of schools and colleges.

But those are not all the traps from where eight billion humans are struggling to come out of. The world is also locked in bitter negotiations, as exemplified in the Pre-COP29 climate conference that ended on the midnight of June 13 in Bonn, Germany. A phony communique, issued after the 50th G7 meeting, in Fasano, Italy, proved to be another trap of verbose commitment.

The issue of how the Global South would be financed by developed countries for mitigation, adaptation and loss & damage, eclipsed the wider proceedings in Bonn. The key objectives of carrying forward the outcomes from the Global Stocktake in COP28 and for the new global climate-finance goal to be operative from 2025, have remained unfulfilled. Many delegates expressed dismay that the outcomes in the Bonn Climate Conference are extremely hard to pin and pen down!

The G7 meeting was even more

foggy. Communique 48 th G7 meeting in Germany listed climate change on top, the 49 th meeting in Japan listed it in the middle, and the 50th meeting in Italy listed it towards the latter half. It was as if world leaders were unaware of the unprecedented impacts of the climate crisis.

The key question for all stakeholders now is, ‘Six months before COP29, is there any light at the end of the dark tunnel, which is now getting darker as the years pass by?’ I can emphatically say, ‘Yes’, provided we look at the facts and figures, and focus less on the protests and speeches.

the global fossil fuel subsidies, mainly provided by the developed countries, rose to USD 7 trillion in 2022, as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF). World governments agreed at COP26, in Glasgow, to phase out “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies to help fight global warming; the ground reality is that governments continue to subsidise fossil fuels.

The amount of USD 100 billion that developed countries agreed to provide to developing countries on an annual basis is thus looking much smaller than all the funds made available over the last couple of years by the developed countries. If these finances exist, they ought to be channelled for addressing the climate crisis. The world leaders of the developed countries only need political will to help yet another war – the third war – a climate war between Nature and humanity.

energy to achieve Net Zero by 2060. In 2022, China installed roughly as much solar capacity as the rest of the world combined, then doubled additional solar in 2023. The massive production of solar panels, batteries and EVs is also bringing down prices that could make them affordable to the common citizenry. India is also aggressively increasing its solar capacity. The percentage of bicycle users in France is increasing steeply. Brazil has taken the lead in preventing further deforestation. And Masdar, in the UAE, is strategising the expansion of solar energy.

As for the finances promised, but not yet fully provided, to the Global South to neutralise the existential threat of our planet, we can clearly see that there is no political will by the developed countries, although finances, indeed, are available with them. For example, in the last two and a half years, the EU and the United States alone have financially supported Ukraine to the extent of USD 275 billion. That itself is more than USD 100 billion annually agreed by developed countries to the Global South, as per the Paris Climate Agreement. These two have provided aid to Israel and Palestine for military operations and humanitarian purposes. To top it all, CPI

And what about technologies needed for the transition? China is demonstrating how green technologies can become a powerhouse for change. China is the leading country in the world for solar panels, electric vehicles and energy-storage batteries. The Chinese leadership wants clean energy industries to spur future economic growth around the world, and to energise China’s own pursuit of being self-sufficient in clean

Countries are forming partnerships for the development of Green Hydrogen as a source of clean energy. Equally heartening, the development of small nuclear plants and fusion reactors is being widely explored.

The G7 and the G20 are not adequate groupings to resolve the climate crisis. We need a massive constructive partnership – a ‘G196’. The way the world tackled COVID-19 together was admirable; we need the same collective template to tackle the climate pandemic.

‘Thunder

rattled the windows’

Residents in Dubai are unlikely to soon forget that fateful day in April, when an unprecedented downpour threatened life, limb and property. The question is, ‘What is the way forward for the building construction industry?’

Story by Hamna Sheikh, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

DANGER IN THE DARK

AP RIL 16, 2024 marked a dramatic shift in the way Dubai viewed its relationship with the weather. Rain, once a rare and cherished event, turned into a cause of fear and uncertainty. Namrata Aswani, living in a villa in Al Manara with her extended family of 12 and two helpers, was accustomed to occasional weather warnings, but this time was different. At 4am, thunder rattled the windows, followed by torrential downpour. The winds were so fierce, the trees in the backyard were uprooted.

The family decided to work from home, trying to make the best of the situation with breaks for tea and snacks. As the hours passed, the neighbourhood’s drainage system began to fail, leading to waterlogged streets, eventually breaching the threshold of their home. Inside, the water level rose alarmingly fast, partially submerging their cars.

The family faced a series of escalating challenges. First, the water pump failed, then a leak from the terrace caused electrical issues, resulting in a total power outage. Fortunately, they had stocked up on five-gallon water bottles the day before the storm hit – about 25-30 of them. These reserves, meant for the needs of a large family, became crucial for cooking, bathing and even flushing toilets, as water continued to pour into their home with no end in sight.

The storm wreaked further havoc. It damaged the main door. And the force of the water led to the floating cars colliding with one another. Adding to the chaos, a municipality garbage bin floated into their house, colliding with their already-dented cars.

Without regular water supply: the family resorted to using disposable plates, cups and utensils to conserve what little water they had left. Getting groceries or essential supplies was out of the question, and they feared running out of water reserves. They called Dubai Municipality for help but were told it could take up to 7-8 days before they could reach the area to mitigate the situation. As Aswani recalls, with no electricity, the

situation felt worse than that during the COVID-19 lockdown – no AC, no Wi-Fi and total isolation.

The city’s usual hustle and bustle had come to a standstill, and the serene moments of working from home had turned into a battle for survival. Aswani’s experience highlighted not just the severity of the weather but also the unpreparedness and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

WATCHING CLIMATE CHANGE PLAY ITSELF OUT

Dubai typically receives around 130 millimetres of rainfall, annually. April’s rainfall, however, was far from typical, with heavy, localised downpours causing widespread flooding and disruption. The intensity of the rainfall was unprecedented, affecting various regions differently, including neighbouring Oman and Saudi Arabia. Experts attributed the phenomenon to climate change, specifically rising sea surface temperatures, leading to such severe weather events.

While the government has always worked on improving infrastructure, the city's buildings faced significant challenges in the downpour. Hotels, airports and shopping malls, vital to Dubai's tourism industry, faced unprecedented disruption. People, like Aswani, were stranded in their homes without electricity. Hospitals found it hard to move patients to safety due to leakages, highlighting the critical need to ensure wellbeing in these facilities. Airports experienced flooded runways and terminals, disrupting domestic and international travel. Businesses incurred losses due to damaged inventory and interrupted operations, adding financial strain on all stakeholders.

Eventually, the rainwaters subsided, and life returned to normal, but it triggered several questions relating to infrastructure and buildings. Is the region at large prepared for largescale climate events? What about the building construction industry, in particular – especially its ability to adapt?

TIME TO RE-EVALUATE RAINFALL DATA

A.R. Suresh Kumar, Vice President & Head, IOBG, Voltas Limited, says the region is, indeed, experiencing more frequent rains, when compared to the past, necessitating a change in design and construction approach. Flood relief and drainage systems are typically based on 50-100 years of historical data, he says, adding that it is time for regional governments to re-evaluate the data and incorporate additional risk factors, using exaggerated figures as the new baseline for designing flood relief, plumbing and drainage systems.

Suresh Kumar believes it is crucial to remember that even if individual buildings or plots are designed with these high input numbers, the entire volume of water ultimately needs to be discharged into the city’s drainage system. Without enhanced citywide drainage systems, the problem will persist, he says. The government is actively working on improving infrastructure, such as drainage systems, but buildings need significant upgrades to cope with these changes.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO, AESG, says: “Building resilience in cities is essential to not only make populations and infrastructure

less susceptible to damage and loss but to also make them more agile to the unpredictable nature of climate change impacts. The urgency of climate change demands more than incremental change – it demands a revolution in how we approach infrastructure, where resilience is not just an aspiration; it’s an inherent feature of our infrastructure. By integrating cutting-edge technology and appropriate sustainable architectural design and engineering considerations, we can develop infrastructure that stands the test of time.”

COVER STORY

Rehan Shahid, Director

(MEP), P&T

Architects and Engineers Ltd, says that to address the challenges posed by increased rainfall and flooding, several specific design and construction practices need to be prioritised. Upgrading drainage systems to efficiently manage higher volumes and intensity of rainfall is essential, which may involve installing larger capacity pipes, improving surface drainage, and integrating better with landscape features, he says. Shahid mentions that enhancing waterproofing measures in building envelopes, such as roofs, walls and windows, can prevent water infiltration during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, ensuring that structural systems are robust enough to withstand the increased loads and forces from heavy rain, including wind-driven rain and potential flooding, is crucial, he says. Implementing sustainable landscaping practices, such as green roofs and permeable pavements, can help absorb and manage rainwater on-site, reducing runoff and flooding risks, he says. His advice is to consider elevation and site characteristics during the design phase to minimise the risk of flooding and water damage. He says that this may involve strategically placing buildings, infrastructure and critical facilities on higher ground and choosing building materials that are resilient to moisture and water damage, as well as are resistant to corrosion and degradation over time. “By prioritising these design and construction practices, buildings in the GCC region can be better equipped to handle future weather challenges associated with climate change, ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving environmental conditions," Shahid says.

Sekhar Reddy, Managing Director, Lexzander, says that for existing buildings, a comprehensive survey should be conducted

to assess both the structure and its surrounding infrastructure to identify and mitigate potential water ingress and flooding risks, with mandatory precautionary measures in place. For new buildings, he says, effective systems should be designed at the construction stage to minimise impact, incorporating the same precautionary measures. Additionally, he says, infrastructure, especially in new developments, must be robustly designed to withstand nature's challenges.

Nicholas Byczysnki

, Director of Sustainable Engineering, AESG (NB), emphasises that in the design phase, crucial early decisions significantly influence storm water resilience. Initially determining the design rainfall intensity, typically based on duration and return period, is essential, he says. According to the recent Dubai Building Code, he says, roof systems must withstand an intensity of 75mm/ hour, though lower intensities are permissible for landscaped and external areas. The April storm exceeded these minimum standards, unlike some other jurisdictions, which allow lower values, he points out. Another critical consideration, he says, is the layout of stormwater pipework. He adds that pipes commonly fail at joints and elbows, making the elimination of horizontal drainage runs within building interiors a prudent choice.

Byczysnki says: “Rainfall in the UAE is rare in terms of days of rainfall but intense in volume. Relying solely on pumped systems can be a risk, as the consequence of failure of the pumps is so high, and they may not have been required to run for 10-12 months. Generally, gravity discharge should be preferred, but where necessary, pumps should be sized with a significant safety factor, and a regular and effective testing and maintenance regime implemented.” Systems that are poorly installed or unable to withstand significant pressure should be avoided to prevent failures at

pipe joints, particularly serious if they occur in occupied areas, he adds.

From a design perspective, Byczysnki says, despite widespread flooding during heavy rainfall events, well-designed infrastructure in some newly constructed areas effectively drain flooded zones within hours, showcasing design success. He says water ponding even in normal rainfall illustrates instances of flawed infrastructure design. At the commercial building level, the circulation of videos showing damaged rainwater pipes inside retail areas highlights serious design oversights, he points out. Proper design practices dictate routing rainwater pipes and other services through common areas, not retail or commercial spaces, he says. If unavoidable, there are established design methods to mitigate such issues, he adds.

Byczysnki says that implementing regulations to limit runoff from plots into infrastructure is crucial to prevent the overwhelming of drainage systems. Additionally, he says, thorough topographic analysis during site selection and infrastructure design is essential, as some communities experienced rising water levels, post-rain, due to natural drainage into low-lying areas in April. “Construction supervision, ensuring the integrity of the pipe works and ensuring the design slopes are achieved, is something that is often overlooked, when it comes to stormwater drainage installations,” he says. The attitude is, “It rains once in a blue moon here in the GCC region”, he says.

Shahid says the deluge inundated low-lying areas, streets and parking lots, causing extensive property damage and severe traffic disruptions. “During the heavy rain, roofs, walls, windows and basements of buildings suffered water infiltration, leading to interior damage, mould growth and structural decay,” he says, emphasising the detrimental impact on residential and commercial properties.

The adverse weather conditions also severely affected transportation networks. “Drivers encountered congested roads and increased accidents as they navigated through the challenging conditions of flooded streets

and reduced visibility,” Shahid says, underscoring the broader impact on urban mobility and emergency response.

ELEVATORS, BASEMENTS… YOU NAME IT

Byczynski, highlighting recurring vulnerabilities in Dubai's architectural landscape during storms, says: “Numerous high-profile buildings faced significant challenges due to recent storms, revealing recurring issues that exacerbate failures and result in substantial insurance claims,” he says. Storm water design is sometimes underestimated in the region due to a prevailing belief that “it never rains in Dubai”. This is not accurate, he says. And it’s crucial for new as well as existing buildings to be resilient and be prepared for current challenges and potential future extreme weather conditions.

Reddy, touching on another important aspect of buildings – elevators – says: "Irrespective of any mechanism, it is never recommended to use the elevators in such eventuality. The connecting services could have got exposed, and it is not safe to use the elevators."

Not being able to use elevators poses challenges to occupants of highrises, irrespective of physical condition. Reddy, proposing several innovative solutions to address the issue, says one such solution is implementing standalone emergency power systems and cabling provisions, which can facilitate the quick re-energisation of lifts during power outages. Additionally, Reddy suggests the introduction of external provisions on building facades to accommodate emergency lift capsules for transporting occupants. “This needs a good study before putting into use,” he says, as a note of caution, highlighting the need for thorough research and feasibility studies before implementation.

Weighing in on backup systems, Shahid says, “Many recent and new building constructions include backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted operation during emergencies, providing essential support to critical building systems, such as elevators, lighting, fire

alarms and communication systems.” However, he points to the need to reconsider the duration and capacity of the backup systems. He suggests several measures to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of backup power systems. One key measure is ensuring that emergency generators are appropriately sized and regularly maintained to support the required load during prolonged outages, he says. Implementing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, he says, can offer temporary backup power to vital equipment, such as elevator controls and emergency lighting, bridging the gap during the transition to generator power or short-duration outages.

Shahid also advocates having redundant power feeds from multiple utility sources or distributed energy resources, which can significantly enhance reliability and resilience against grid failures or localised outages. Furthermore, he recommends implementing remote monitoring and management systems to track the status and performance of backup power systems in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure continuous reliability.

Suresh Kumar highlights another equally crucial area of concern – the inevitability of basement carparks in most construction projects. “Let's understand the reality that basement carparks cannot be avoided in most cases,” he says. He advocates for proactive measures to prevent external rainwater from infiltrating these spaces, suggesting mechanical solutions, such as automated shutters and popup barriers. Additionally, he stresses the importance of installing heavy-duty pump-out systems.

Adding another dimension to basement features of a building, he says: “It’s important to avoid locating electrical substations and critical electrical panel rooms in the basement. This way, in the unlikely event of uncontrolled flooding, these crucial services remain unaffected.”

Shahid offers a broader view on parking solutions, advocating for a thorough evaluation of podium-level versus basement parking. “The decision

should be based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including site-specific conditions, project objectives, user needs and long-term sustainability goals,” he says.

Shahid emphasises the importance of land use efficiency in densely populated urban areas, where land is both scarce and expensive. "Basement parking can optimise land utilisation by freeing up space for other purposes, above ground," he says. However, he acknowledges that each approach has its advantages and limitations, influenced by the specific context of the project. In flood-prone areas, basement parking is vulnerable to water damage, making podium-level parking a more resilient choice, he says.

FAÇADE FOCUS

Equally under purview are façades. Marina Kindelan, Director of Façades for the Middle East, AESG, emphasises the importance of sealing and waterproofing strategies for new construction projects to prevent leaks during heavy rain. She notes that while the building envelope can be designed to be waterproof, façades are particularly vulnerable during floods. “The primary consideration should be to protect the weakest points of the façade, such as joints, system interfaces and thresholds, from overflow risk,” Kindelan says. She stresses the importance of diverting water away from the façade and channelling it into specialised primary drainage systems to prevent accumulation.

In high-risk areas, such as the bottom details of sliding doors with minimal thresholds, additional drainage systems are crucial, Kindelan says. She recommends incorporating multiple lines of defence and proper membrane systems to accommodate movements and construction tolerances. Successful waterproofing, she says, relies on thoughtful architectural design, meticulous detailing and coordinated efforts amongst various disciplines during the design and construction phases. She

COVER STORY

also highlights the need for selecting appropriate materials and ensuring the installation team is knowledgeable about the project’s specifics.

Echoing Kindelan’s words, Byczysnki emphasises the critical role of façade detailing and commissioning in preventing stormwater ingress during extreme weather conditions. He notes that the choice of drainage pipe and jointing method is also crucial.

Shahid highlights the importance of material selection in enhancing building resilience. Choosing corrosionresistant metals and flexible waterproof membranes for exterior cladding and roofing can significantly prolong building lifespan and reduce maintenance costs, he explains.

Weighing in, Byczysnki highlights the importance of material selection, advocating the use of high-quality HDPE with electro-fusion joints, despite the higher cost. He warns that value engineering should carefully consider the potential consequences of cost savings. “Most MEP failures stem from defective pipe joints, systems designed for low rainfall intensities, and undersized or poorly maintained lifting stations,” he says.

Some common questions that are doing the rounds are: ‘What about triedand-tested methods?’ ‘Why cannot the region simply adopt rain-resilient best practices in place in other countries? The answers are not as simple, some say. Addressing concerns about adopting and applying international standards to Dubai's unique climate, Suresh Kumar advocates a balanced approach. "While it is crucial to learn from regions with daily rainfall or occasional flooding, we must tailor our strategies to suit Dubai’s specific challenges,” he says. He emphasises the need for benchmarking against moderately rainy regions and integrate their proven design standards into local building practices. “Buildings exist in other parts of the world where rains are a daily affair,” he says. “How are those buildings existing and how are those people surviving. While we don’t need to design according to the Amazon rainforest, we need to benchmark our region with some of the moderately

raining or occasionally flooding places and adopt their design standards or take experience from those regions and incorporate in our building designs.”

Shahid says there is a sprinkling of rain-resilient structures in the GCC region itself. He points to successful examples of sustainable urban design in the Middle East. “The King Abdullah Financial District, in Riyadh, incorporates green roofs, rainwater harvesting and water-sensitive landscaping to manage runoff and mitigate flooding,” he says. He also points to Msheireb – Downtown Doha, in Qatar, which features green infrastructure elements, like green roofs, permeable paving and water-efficient landscaping to enhance resilience against heavy rain events.

Byczysnki, for his part, describes his involvement in a museum project currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, where protecting artifacts from rainwater ingress, he says, is a major concern. “All drainage pipework was routed externally within the façade to ensure it was not visible,” he explains. “The system was designed to handle minor and major storms, with the landscape shaped to create flood ponds that contain excess rainfall within defined areas of the plot.”

Suresh Kumar says rising groundwater levels, due to the increasing number of waterfront apartments and buildings, makes it crucial for the civil engineering community to reconsider current construction standards and methodologies, particularly regarding waterproofing and foundation design. One practical solution that can be implemented immediately, he says, is raising the ground floor levels in villa communities to prevent water ingress and protect the houses from flooding.

Suresh Kumar emphasises the need for redesigning electrical, plumbing and vertical transportation systems in existing buildings to safeguard against future flooding. He acknowledges the challenges of implementation, noting that it would require compromising leasable or saleable areas and investing in additional features. “Another example is a rainwater flood relief system with pumps that are capable of pumping out

water at least 25%-30% more than the highest rainfall,” he says.

Shahid highlights more strategies that could be adopted to safeguard buildings against flooding and water infiltration. “Constructing buildings on elevated foundations or using raised plinths can help minimise the risk of flooding and water infiltration, especially in flood-prone areas,” he says. He further recommends designing site grading to facilitate surface water drainage away from building foundations, incorporating permeable paving materials to reduce runoff, and integrating retention ponds and green infrastructure features to manage rainwater effectively. “Incorporating sump pump systems in basements and designing emergency drainage paths are essential to mitigate flooding risks during heavy rainfall events,” he says, emphasising the importance of proactive drainage solutions.

Byczysnki suggests employing below-ground geo-cellular systems to retain water when the external network’s outflow capacity is limited, allowing for controlled release once the load on the external network decreases. He also stresses the importance of considering external site levels, particularly for buildings with basements or belowground loading areas. “A best practice is to have a minimum 150mm threshold at the top of ramp from the general landscape level to prevent flooding into lower areas,” he says.

While residential buildings require ample attention, what about specialised structures? For instance, what can be done to safeguard District Cooling facilities? Ehab

Kahale, Head of Emaar District Cooling, says that a significant issue in Dubai's cooling sector is the oversizing of equipment in older buildings. “The major problem we face now is the oversizing of equipment and systems,” he explains, noting that this is a widespread issue not limited to any single developer. Kahale attributes this to a lack of guidelines for the proper sizing of equipment and

systems, leading to inefficiencies in building operations and maintenance.

Kahale, discussing the challenges faced after the April rains, points to significant infiltration issues. “A lot of infiltration has been noticed,” he says, emphasising the need to identify the root causes, whether they be product flaws, workmanship issues or design faults. He stresses the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities in future projects.

The infrastructure also struggled, with community systems unable to handle the water due to overflow in the main Dubai municipality network, Kahale says. Despite this, he praises the quick response from community management and security services, ensuring continuous delivery of essential services like power and sewage.

Looking ahead, Kahale says, Emaar is focused on improving waterproofing and infiltration defences in District Cooling Plants. “We will consider these points in our upcoming projects and expansions,” he says. “Emaar is also exploring interconnectivity between plants to ensure continuous operation, if one plant fails. We are now considering the interconnectivity between the plants. If we have a problem in one of the plants that we could not continue or streamline the operation, we can just switch to the other plant and continue the operation and supply from that one.”

ARCHITECTS TO THE FORE

Rehan highlights the crucial role of architects, engineers and contractors in creating climate-resilient buildings. Architects set the design direction, incorporating climate-responsive strategies for natural ventilation, daylighting, and passive heating and cooling to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption, he says. They also integrate green building elements like green roofs and rain gardens to manage rainwater runoff and mitigate flooding, he adds.

Engineers, Shahid says, assess climate risks, identifying vulnerabilities and developing solutions to mitigate hazards, such as heavy rainfall and flooding. They design structural systems to withstand wind, seismic and hydrological loads and implement

effective water management strategies, he says. Contractors, he says, play a key role in executing the design vision efficiently and to specification. Shahid stresses the importance of collaboration and communication among all stakeholders to leverage their expertise, developing integrated solutions that enhance building resilience and promote sustainable development amidst climate change challenges. Suresh Kumar adds: “While the collaboration among the stakeholders will be important, what is the need of the hour is creating ‘basis of design’ for such eventuality. As I mentioned earlier, let us look at the 200 countries around the world and create our benchmarking data, discuss with all the stakeholders, including developers, regional municipalities and regional governments and come to a conclusion on the basis of design. It is also important to create a periodical review of such basis of design at least once in five years, so that the regional codes can be the basis for city design and building designs.”

A VITAL ROLE FOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT

In addition to architects, engineers and contractors, the role of facility management (FM) needs to be highlighted. So believes Ziad Ibrahim, Regional Sales Manager (Middle East), Dantherm. He points out that the primary issue is to remove visible water from properties using water pumps and related equipment. However, he stresses that the real challenge lies in addressing the moisture that gets absorbed into the building’s structure. This hidden moisture can lead to long-term structural damage and health risks due to mould and bacterial growth. “After visible water is removed, moisture trapped in walls and flooring can cause significant structural damage and health issues over time,” Ibrahim says.

He also highlights the importance of using dehumidifiers and fans to ensure proper ventilation and drying

of buildings, post-flooding. He notes that in countries like the UAE, where air conditioning is used extensively, poor ventilation can exacerbate moisture problems. “Buildings need to be thoroughly dried using dehumidifiers and fans to prevent moisture from causing long-term damage,” he says.

Samiullah Khan, COO, Fakhruddin Holdings, says the real estate company took several measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall on its projects. “We have assessed the damage, and by the grace of God, none of our projects were severely damaged,” he says.

Khan credits the company’s engineers for the good design, particularly in the basement parking areas, and praises the FM team for its round-the-clock support. He also acknowledges the UAE government for predicting the rain and allowing the company to take precautionary actions.

Khan says the FM team took specific pre-emptive steps, such as cleaning water drain grills and ensuring proper drainage. For future resilience, Samiullah emphasises the importance of learning from such events. The plan is to incorporate better shading for balconies, improve the materials used in exterior areas and to enhance drainage systems, he says. The operative word is ‘learning’.

Dubai's recent experience was a wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need to adapt to changing climatic patterns. The strong belief is that by reassessing building codes, fostering collaboration, and focusing on resilience in design and construction, the city can better prepare for challenges that can come its way. After all, no one wants to go through the harrowing experience of being marooned in a villa, watching food and water supplies dwindle and facing uncertainty over restoration of power supply. No, thank you, indeed!

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

THE ECCE TEMPLATE

FOR RAIN-RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Dr Marcus George, CEO and Partner, Engineering Consortium

Consulting Engineers (ECCE), citing globally renowned examples of actions that have led to permanent coexistence with extreme-weather conditions, says it is possible for the UAE to effectively mitigate the threat and severity of damage

THE heavy rains that lashed the UAE and some other parts of the GCC region on April 16 of this year, causing flooding and immense disruption to daily lives, set me thinking. I found it beneficial to conduct an in-depth review and to analyse the experiences that countries have faced during similar climatic challenges – such as torrential rains and snowstorms.

Such countries have developed innovative and effective solutions through repeated trials for permanent coexistence with extreme-weather conditions. Here, I will showcase the solutions they have arrived at, which were developed based on their previous experiences. I believe the solutions can be applied and utilised in the UAE to effectively mitigate the threat and severity of damage.

The nature of the heavy rainfall on

April 16 was unprecedented, as was the widespread flooding, which significantly impacted daily life and infrastructure. The event clearly demonstrated the urgent need to reassess and develop design and construction strategies in the region to face the increasing climate-related challenges.

Adapting

to climate shifts

To enhance the resilience of buildings against heavy rainfall, new strategies must be adopted, including improving water drainage systems, using water-resistant building materials and developing flexible designs. For example, similar drainage systems can be applied as those used in Copenhagen's Cloudburst Management Plan , which improved drainage systems to accommodate large amounts of water. Implementing dual drainage systems that ensure the

drainage of surface and groundwater, along with underground storage tanks for excess water, can also be beneficial.

Setting new standards

My team and I at ECCE offer a wide range of civil, structural, fire safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. With these integrated services, we can make a significant impact on the fields of construction and design by developing innovative design solutions and integrating sustainability technology. For instance, advanced ventilation systems, used in The Edge project in Amsterdam, can keep buildings dry even in humid conditions. We recommend using mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery to improve energy efficiency and reduce humidity.

Dr Marcus George

Enhancing building resistance to rain

As ECCE, we offer several measures to improve the resistance of buildings to heavy rainfall, including designing sloped roofs or roofs equipped with effective water drainage systems to reinforce foundations and strengthen structures. Advanced waterproofing techniques, such as polymer and polyurethane membranes, used in One World Trade Center , in New York City, provide long-lasting protection against water infiltration. We also recommend reinforcing concrete structures with chemical additives to increase their resistance to water and moisture.

pumps to ensure rapid water removal from affected areas, avoiding water stagnation.

Rethinking car parking design

Regarding parking design, underground parking should be reconsidered due to flood risks. We can design elevated or platform-level parking facilities, as seen in Berlin's Sony Center, to ensure vehicle safety and prevent water accumulation. We use water-resistant technologies in walls and floors, such as crystalline waterproofing, which reacts with water to form a waterproof barrier.

Backup power mechanisms

To avoid power outages, we recommend installing powerful generators, as practised in Chicago's Willis Tower, and using solar energy systems as a sustainable alternative, as implemented in the Apple Park project in San Francisco. Diesel or Natural Gas generators can serve as backup power sources, with lithium battery systems to store solar energy for use, when needed.

Rain-resistant solutions for critical buildings

Comprehensive infrastructure solutions

To solve water stagnation issues, we provide integrated solutions, including designing efficient water drainage systems and installing powerful water pumps. We draw inspiration from systems used in Rotterdam's Water Squares , where excess water is diverted to underground tanks for storage and gradual release. We can also commend the use of centrifugal

Finally, we at ECCE provide comprehensive solutions to ensure service continuity in critical buildings, such as healthcare facilities, airports and data centres. We endorse using advanced water drainage system designs like those adopted in Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, in London, and water-resistant building materials and insulation technologies, such as epoxy coatings and polymer cement. We recommend installing advanced backup power systems similar to those in Google data centres in Dublin to ensure continuous operations without probable interruption.

Through these advanced measures and solutions, ECCE reaffirms its commitment to developing infrastructure capable of facing future climate challenges and ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of the region’s public.

A

REPORT: DC Dialogue, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dist rict Cooling holds up a mirror to the industr y

Whilst decarbonisation, smart pump technology and energy retrofits came up for discussion, so did the need for a neutral regulatory body and the topic of evolving business models, post-COVID

Report by Hamna Sheikh, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

THE NIN TH EDITION of the District Cooling Dialogue (DC Dialogue) conference, on June 11, in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, was an opportunity to discuss eclectic topics that explored the impact of District Cooling on climate change mitigation, the technologies available to optimise performance of District Cooling schemes and how they were being applied to existing District Cooling plants, amongst others. The conference also discussed regulation and existential issues.

Chair’s Remarks

George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering, and Chairman of the

conference, in his opening remarks, reflected on the industry’s growth and outlined ambitious plans. He discussed a 10-year plan for making Abu Dhabi carbon-neutral at zero cost to the government. This, he said, would involve transitioning power plants to zero-emission nuclear power and solar power. He also detailed the necessity of retrofitting buildings and redesigning thermal storage systems to adapt to renewable energy, with the aim of transforming Abu Dhabi’s energy infrastructure by 2035. He also proposed innovative solutions for infrastructure challenges, such as

elevated walkways integrated with solar panels.

Addressing the need for setting up more thermal storage facilities, Berbari highlighted their cost-effectiveness compared to batteries. He described thermal storage as essential for integrating District Cooling with renewable energy. He also stressed the importance of advancing hydrogen infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations to support the future energy landscape. His vision called for a citywide study and collaboration with District Cooling companies to ensure Abu Dhabi’s sustainable energy future.

George Berbari

James Grinnell

Dominic McPolin

Dr Mohammed Youbi Idrissi

POST-EVENT REPORT

Plenary Address

James Grinnell, Acting Executive Director, Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau for Electricity and Water (RSB Dubai), speaking after Berbari, highlighted the significant strides Dubai's District Cooling sector had taken, emphasising energy efficiency, regulatory frameworks and customer service enhancements. Grinnell noted that the sector had seen remarkable progress in energy efficiency, reducing electrical consumption from a baseline of 0.99 kWh/TRh in 2010 to 0.84 kWh/TRh in 2023. Grinnell said, “The efficiency alone contributes 617 GWh of electrical savings to the Dubai’s Demand Side Management Programme.”

Water efficiency had also been a critical focus, with Grinnell pointing out that despite the challenges posed by Dubai's heat island effect and rising temperatures, the sector had maintained stable water efficiency levels.

He emphasised the increased use of recycled water, which had grown from two million cubic metres per year to over eight million cubic metres. He said, “So if you look at recycled water, instead of using potable water for District Cooling applications, a simple estimate gives you somewhere around 116 GWh of savings per year, based on 2023 data.”

Addressing customer service, Grinnell stressed that cooling load density significantly influenced customer costs, more so than the tariff structure itself. He pointed to the variability in cooling load density for residential towers and the impact of tariff structures on

customers' ability to manage their cooling bills. Grinnell noted: “We saw 15-20% savings in demand when metering was introduced in a particular area. I've seen these numbers replicated in UK water companies, as well. So having meters installed at the sub-meter level has an impact on customer behaviour.”

Grinnell also detailed the regulatory developments overseen by RSB Dubai, including directives covering customer service, metering billing charges and energy performance. He mentioned that the regulatory regime was continuously evolving to improve sector performance and stakeholder information dissemination. He announced plans to include baseline KPIs, to ensure that cooling providers prioritised excellent customer service. “This is really the key focus that we are trying to look at from the RSB perspective to pivot the attention towards the customer experience and make sure that cooling

providers and cooling agents focus on trying to improve the service for their customers in Dubai,” he said.

A call for comprehensive District Cooling integration

Speaking after Grinnell, Dominic McPolin, Former Advisor, Office of the Minister, Bahrain Ministry of Works, drew a vivid picture of the rapid development in Dubai. "What an amazing story we have had here in Dubai!" he said, emphasising the city’s achievements. McPolin recalled how 25 years ago, he was approached by Tabreed, aiming to establish a District Cooling network in

urban areas in Bahrain, a venture that had since seen significant innovation and growth. However, he posed two question: "Have we done enough to maximise the benefits of District Cooling? What are the next 25 years going to look like for the industry?”

McPolin urged the audience to consider the future. He pointed to the discrepancy between academic approaches and practical implementation, urging for mechanisms to turn theory into practice. He proposed breaking down integration into three levels: Technical, family and political.

On the technical front, McPolin commended the progress in integrating plants, thermal storage, and TSE (treated sewage effluent. However, he raised concerns about inadequate interconnection of District Cooling systems, questioning the security and redundancy in the current setup. "Is there security of service and interconnection of District Cooling systems?" he asked, highlighting the psychological insecurity customers felt when dependent on a single company. McPolin shared an example from Bahrain, where two District Cooling companies were compelled to interconnect, showcasing the potential benefits of technical integration.

Moving to family integration, McPolin argued that District Cooling should be treated as essential infrastructure, akin to electricity and water systems. He noted the challenges of integrating District Cooling into urban planning and building permits, calling for clear regulations and roadmaps. "District cooling should be treated as if it’s a sewage system,” he said, advocating for the inclusion of District Cooling in major road planning.

The political integration of District Cooling was another critical point in McPolin’s presentation. He underscored the importance of aligning District Cooling initiatives with government policies and regulatory frameworks. He criticised the industry’s fragmented nature, describing it as a collection of corporate voices rather than a unified industry. He called for a shift towards collective action, urging the industry to present a unified front to governments

Raj Govindarajan

Omnia Halawani

POST-EVENT REPORT

and regulators. "The integration of a private enterprise into government policy needs that regulation," he emphasised.

McPolin also highlighted the financial benefits of District Cooling, pointing to the savings for governments and developers. However, he stressed the need for regulatory frameworks that ensured these savings were shared with customers, reducing their financial burden. “Share the savings," he urged, pointing to the current situation, where costs were disproportionately loaded onto customers. McPolin shared his unique interpretation of the 'DC' acronym for District Cooling as 'Decorporatise, Collectivise', underscoring the necessity to decentralise and collaboratively drive change within the industry.

McPolin reiterated the urgency needed in developing the District Cooling industry to meet challenges. He emphasised the need for independent green credentials and clear implementation roadmaps to integrate District Cooling into urban infrastructure effectively. "Life happens when we are busy making plans," he said, quoting musical legend, John Lennon of The Beatles fame, underscoring the importance of moving from planning to action. McPolin’s call to action was clear: Integrate technically, embrace District Cooling as a fundamental infrastructure, and align politically to ensure a sustainable and efficient cooling solution.

A need for stronger regulation, innovation

McPolin then sat with Grinnell for a plenary discussion that Berbari moderated. The conversation highlighted the need for a neutral body to oversee District Cooling regulations.

Without such a body in place, McPolin said, the industry could face stagnation. Berbari supported this view by noting the slow pace of new projects in Dubai, which threatened the growth the industry enjoyed in its early years.

Grinnell discussed the evolution of regulatory models since 2014, mentioning the shift towards a "light touch" regulatory approach to maximise investment returns. He noted a significant change in ownership structures, where District Cooling companies no longer maintained perpetual ownership of assets.

McPolin praised the reliability of District Cooling but critiqued the business model, arguing that savings from District Cooling were not sufficiently passed on to customers. He stressed the importance of reflecting these savings in the business model to benefit the government and the public. McPolin also addressed the psychological discomfort customers felt when reliant on private companies for essential services, calling for measures to increase customer confidence.

Berbari raised the issue of customer complaints, which he said, had dropped in numbers, which he added indicated an improvement in acceptance of

District Cooling in Dubai. Grinnell said he was pleasantly surprised to hear this. He said that regulatory awareness had grown, which in fact had resulted in more complaints. Efforts were underway to enhance customer service, he said. He emphasised the need for transparent reporting on customer satisfaction to highlight improvements in the system.

The discussion concluded with a consensus on the importance of regulation and innovation for the future of District Cooling. McPolin introduced a formula for change, emphasising that innovation must be paired with application and enforcement to drive meaningful progress. Berbari echoed this sentiment, stressing that data sharing and transparency were crucial for advancing the industry.

The panellists agreed that while the current regulatory framework in the region marked significant progress, there was still much to be done. Continued efforts in regulation, customer engagement and technological innovation, they said, were essential to ensure the sustainable growth of District Cooling.

The Role of HFOs in decarbonising District Cooling

Dr Mohammed Youbi Idrissi, Technical Leader EMEA, Honeywell Refrigerants, then making a techno-commercial presentation on decarbonising District Cooling through the use of HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins) said that they offered a low- and ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternative. He highlighted the potential of HFO chillers and pipe insulation in various applications, including supermarkets, buildings, industrial facilities, data centres and residential structures.

Dr Idrissi emphasised that HFO refrigerants, which had a significantly lower GWP compared to traditional HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), could play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in District Cooling systems. He presented data showing that HFOs could achieve up to a 99% reduction in GWP and substantial energy efficiency improvements of 20-40%.

Comparing HFO, especially ZD, he said: “If you take ZD as baseline,

Dominic McPolin makes a point during the Plenary Discussion. To his left is James Grinnell. And to his far left is George Berbari

we can have similar efficiency compared to R-134a. It can be similar, even better sometimes, depending on the design of the tube itself. For the ZD, we have definitely higher efficiency than 123, and we have reduced for sure the GWP by 94%.”

Further, Dr Idrissi pointed to the environmental benefits of transitioning from water-cooled to air-cooled systems, highlighting significant water savings and reduced CO2 emissions. This shift, he said, was facilitated by advancements in oil-free centrifugal compressors and low-pressure refrigerants, which had the potential for improving energy efficiency and sustainability.

Smart pumping solutions

Speaking after him, Raj Govindarajan, Manager of Building Systems and Solutions (Middle East and Africa), Armstrong Fluid Technology, made a presentation on smart, connected fluid flow solutions for District Cooling.

Govindarajan began by highlighting the persistent challenges in District Cooling systems, particularly the inefficiencies that were being reported owing to the use of outdated technology. He noted that many District Cooling plants still operated with 30-year-old pumps, which lacked the advancements seen in other industries. In his presentation, he stressed the need for innovation and the adoption of new technologies to improve performance and reduce energy consumption.

Govindarajan elaborated on Armstrong’s journey in iteratively developing smart pump technology for over 90 years, now in its fifth generation. The technology, he said, combined mechanical and electronic expertise, heat transfer, fluid flow and demand-based control, enhanced by digitalisation. He said that the smart pump's ability to monitor performance and provide realtime data was a central theme.

Govindarajan shared real-life examples demonstrating how intelligent pumps adjusted to the demands of the building, providing vital information on flow and efficiency. The smart pumps, he said, used internal sensors to measure flow and head, enabling operators to make informed decisions and optimise system performance.

Govindarajan presented various case studies, showcasing the practical applications of the smart pumps. He mentioned that in one instance, a District Cooling plant was able to improve efficiency from 60% to 90% by operating two pumps at their best efficiency points, leading to substantial energy savings. His presentation included examples from the Middle East and South Africa, where intelligent pumps were being used in condenser and chilled water systems to achieve better performance with less energy.

His presentation also touched on the maintenance and reliability benefits of smart pumps. Govindarajan compared traditional pumps' extensive maintenance requirements with the quick, efficient maintenance possible with smart pumps. He highlighted the design innovations, such as rigid slit couplings and the elimination of onsite alignment, which reduced downtime and improved reliability.

Govindarajan concluded by emphasising the critical role of embracing new technologies in achieving high performance and sustainability in District Cooling systems. He called on industry stakeholders to lead the change and adopt intelligent pump solutions to realise their full potential.

Retrofitting District Cooling Plants

Omnia Halawani, Co-Founder & CoCEO, GRFN Global, then made a presentation in which she showcased profiles of successful District Cooling energy-retrofit projects.

Halawani began her presentation by engaging the audience in a brief survey on District Cooling’s role in citywide energy conservation, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the retrofit advantages in District Cooling Plants (DCPs). She explained that DCPs had substantial potential for successful energy retrofits due to performance monitoring and industrial control systems. Unlike regular buildings, she said, DCPs maintained detailed hourly log sheets and trend setups within SCADA systems, which provided data for performance analysis. She said that the operators of these plants were

typically more knowledgeable and informed, further facilitating effective energy retrofits. Halawani said: “So, with retrofit of existing plants or operational plants, the opportunities are many. You get to reduce your water consumption, electricity consumption and, of course, utility bills. To optimise your costs, you can have the savings saved, and you can increase the plant profitability, as well as increase the value of the property via replacements and increasing the effective lifetime.”

Halawani emphasised that the efficiency of DCPs was measured using the Annual Chilled Water Plant Efficiency formula, which considered all components, such as chillers, cooling towers and pumps. She explained that inefficiencies in DCPs often stemmed from factors like the Low Delta T Syndrome, performance risks for chilled water pumps, and system-level inefficiencies, including off-peak system performance and lack of continuous optimisation.

Speaking on the vital role of ESCOs, Halawani said: “You can have shared savings and guaranteed savings; those are the two most known. In shared savings, you can have the escrow contractor finance the whole project for you, and they get paid out of the savings, so they share this. And then, you have the guaranteed savings, where the owner of the plant or the building finances the project. And then in return, the escrow contractor will give them a guarantee on the promised savings. And then you have a core investment, which is a mixed escrow. You guarantee part of whatever the client has financed, and you share the savings on the other end.”

Moving on to the retrofit process, Halawani explained the stages involved, starting with a preliminary assessment and walkthrough audits, followed by investment-grade audits that involved detailed measurements and, sometimes, energy modelling. She said that these audits helped identify energy-conservation measures (ECMs) that could significantly enhance plant efficiency. She noted that the process in DCPs was often smoother compared to regular buildings due to the availability of established benchmarks and the

POST-EVENT REPORT

comprehensive data already collected by these plants.

Halawani also addressed the common challenges perceived in retrofitting DCPs, such as concerns relating to operational disruptions, structured processes, financing, and potential conflicts between clients and contractors. She explained that the ESCO model, including shared savings and guaranteed savings contracts, was a well-established approach to overcoming these challenges. She detailed how ESCOs could finance projects and share savings with clients or guarantee savings in return for client-financed projects, ensuring that performance targets were met.

Halawani underscored the crucial role of measurement and verification for managing project risks, providing feedback on implemented measures and facilitating financing. Halawani explained the principles of measurement and verification, emphasising accuracy, completeness, conservatism and consistency. She outlined the

International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP), which she said provided standardised methods for calculating energy savings, ensuring that the retrofit projects delivered the promised outcomes.

Energy consultants, Halawani highlighted, played a pivotal role in the success of retrofit projects. It was important for consultants to be unbiased advisors, ensuring that the projects were designed and implemented effectively, maximising savings and minimising risks, she said. Consultants helped in managing tenders, offering insights on technical and commercial aspects and in verifying the actual savings achieved, thus benefiting project owners and ESCOs, she said.

To illustrate the practical benefits of retrofitting DCPs, Halawani cited successful projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These projects, she said, involved various ECMs, including equipment replacements, refurbishments and operational optimisation measures, resulting in significant energy savings and

improved plant efficiency. For instance, she said, a project in Abu Dhabi achieved over 22% energy savings and reduced the plant's energy consumption from 1.1 to 0.75 kW/TR, demonstrating the substantial impact of well-executed retrofits.

In conclusion, Halawani highlighted the immense potential and advantages of retrofitting DCPs. She emphasised that with the right processes, tools and expertise, the plants would be able to achieve significant energy efficiency improvements, cost savings and enhanced operational performance, contributing to broader sustainability goals and market competitiveness.

DCP inside a basement Guillermo Martinez, Commercial Director at Araner, then presented on the benefits and challenges of integrating a DCP inside the basement of a large mall. Martinez delved into the intricacies of the Avenues Riyadh project, a massive undertaking by Araner. The project, he said, encompassed an area of approximately

Sekhar Reddy

Guillermo Martinez Prakasha Rudrappa Suresh Kumar

George Berbari moderating the panel discussion involving Sekhar Reddy, Omnia Halawani, Guillermo Martinez, Prakasha Rudrappa and A R Suresh Kumar

390,000 square metres, with a total building area of 1.8 million square metres. He said that the development, which would be the largest mall in Saudi Arabia, would feature five luxury towers designated for hotels, residential apartments, medical clinics and offices. The highlight of the development, he said, was its DCP, designed to provide efficient cooling solutions to all consumers within the complex.

Martinez said the DCP would have a total cooling capacity of 40,000 Tons of Refrigeration (TR), with chillers providing 28,000 TR and a TES tank contributing an additional 12,000 TR. The plant, he said, would feature centrifugal chillers paired with cooling towers, all integrated into the mall's basement. He said the design choice not only maximised land use but also reduced visual impact, a crucial consideration for modern urban developments.

Martinez emphasised the innovative aspects of the project, particularly the use of a concrete TES tank with an irregular shape to fit within the confined basement space. The tank, he said, would have a peak discharge capacity of 12,000 TR and would be able to store 66,000 TR-hours of energy, utilising 26,280 cubic metres of water. He said that the integration of such a significant energy storage solution within the mall's basement presented unique engineering challenges but also offered substantial benefits in terms of land and cost savings.

One of the primary challenges of the project, Martinez said, was the need for full coordination among all stakeholders involved in it. This, he said, included designers, contractors, and operators of the mall as well as the DCP. He said that accessing the site with large equipment, managing height limitations and adapting to ongoing design changes during construction were significant hurdles that the team successfully navigated. The project’s success, he said, depended heavily on the collaboration and commitment of all parties to overcome the challenges.

Martinez said the DCP was expected to achieve a total energy consumption of 0.7 kW per TR, making it one of the most efficient plants, globally. The use

of vertical in-line pumps and carefully designed cooling towers, placed on the mall’s roof, further exemplified the project's attention to detail and commitment to efficiency, he said.

Martinez concluded his presentation by highlighting the potential advantages of integrating DCPs within existing facilities, despite the inherent challenges. The Avenues Riyadh project, he said, served as a testament to what could be achieved through innovative engineering and meticulous planning.

Existential issues

After Martinez’s presentation, Berbari gathered a set of stakeholders to discuss existential issues relating to District Cooling. Halawani and Martinez were two of the panellists. The others were V Sekhar Reddy, Managing Director, Lexzander; Prakasha Rudrappa, Vice President Engineering, AG Engineering; and Suresh Kumar, Head - International Operations Business Group, Voltas Limited.

Berbari opened the session by highlighting the vital role of District Cooling in achieving netzero emissions and posed critical questions to the panellists. He began by addressing Suresh Kumar about the industry's efforts towards netzero and the integration of District Cooling. Suresh Kumar elaborated on the challenges faced whilst working on a particular project for Emaar, emphasising the logistical complexities that were only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Integrating multiple electromechanical components from different locations into a single unit required extensive coordination," he said.

Turning to Rudrappa, Berbari inquired about the Zabeel project, which had earned renown for its impressive efficiency rating of 0.7kW/ TR. Rudrappa attributed the success to the engineering autonomy granted by Empower. "We were given the freedom to make the right engineering decisions, which helped us in completing the project on time,” he said.

The discussion then shifted to the broader challenges facing the District Cooling industry. Berbari

questioned Omnia Halawani about the industry's perceived stagnation and the barriers to achieving its full potential. Halawani pointed out that reliance on conventional energy sources and insufficient regulatory measures were significant hurdles. “While the UAE market is ambitious in its targets, the regulatory landscape needs to evolve to support more widespread adoption of District Cooling,” she said. “But what we see here are ambitious targets but not sufficient budgets that fall into place.”

Martinez, echoing Halawani, highlighted financial pressures within the industry, stressing that cost often trumps quality in clients' decisionmaking processes. He said, “The owners are not ready to pay more for quality, for engineering.

Reddy, weighing in, spoke of the significant financial risks involved in District Cooling projects. He noted that while the projects likely represented a substantial portion of a company's turnover, the associated risks could be daunting. "District cooling projects can account for up to 20% of our turnover, but the technical and financial risks involved are substantial, often exceeding 30%," Reddy said. "If you convert into profit-making, there's a problem. That's what we have to look at. They need to show profits. But at the same time, they should look at their social responsibility towards the country and to the residents.”

Berbari highlighted the necessity for regulations that mandated District Cooling options for developers and the role of government subsidies in making sustainable District Cooling more viable. The panellists agreed on the importance of integrating District Cooling into urban planning using top-down as well as bottomup approaches. This would include ensuring that designers and contractors met stringent qualifications to maintain project quality and efficiency. Berbari summed up the discussion by emphasising the role of specialised District Cooling contractors in achieving successful outcomes, citing various case studies as evidence of their effectivenes s.

LICENCE TO CHILL

STILL ON WITH AIR-COOLED VERSUS WATERCOOLED SYSTEMS

The cost of water must be considered in chilled water plant efficiency, says Dan Mizesko, adding that the cost to produce a Ton/Hr is the true measure.

IN MY last article, I wrote regarding air-cooled new technology chillers being a strong consideration due to several factors. In this article, I will cover the cost of water in this region, specifically potable as well as treated sewage effluent (TSE) in chilled water plants, proving that when it comes to chilled water plant efficiency, kW/per ton is only half the story.

In addition, I will demonstrate just how expensive it is to generate a Ton/hr of chilled water in this region, based on what the District Cooling industry and standalone chilled water plants currently operate at regarding kW per ton and the water cost.

Dubai versus New York City

Let us understand the cost of water in the contexts of New York City and Dubai. Potable water in New York City is 0.0072 cents for one Imperial Gallon (IG), which equals AED 0.0264. Potable water in Dubai is 0.0138 US Cents for one Imperial Gallon (IG), which equals AED 0.0510.

So, the cost of potable water in Dubai is almost twice the cost of potable water in New York City.

As New York City does not have a TSE system for cooling towers, we cannot compare the cost with respect to the same in Dubai, but we can certainly compare it with the cost of potable water. Again, the cost of potable water in New York City is AED 0.0264, whereas the cost of TSE in Dubai is AED 0.013

per one IG. In other words, the cost of TSE in Dubai is half the cost of potable water in New York City. However, there are many additional costs with regard to using TSE in cooling plants as well as potential problems. I will explain both later in this article.

Now, let us be clear that although many District Cooling companies use TSE for their condenser water, there are many District Cooling plants that do not. Much in the same way, many standalone chilled water plants, located in buildings and facilities throughout the region, do not utilise TSE, preferring to use potable water.

District Cooling is now very large in the region. One provider company stated that it has over 1,500,000 tons of installed District Cooling capacity and that 25% of this capacity operates with TSE, which would translate to 375,000 tons of capacity. If we just take for argument’s sake that another 375,000 tons of capacity is air-cooled plants, that will leave 750,000 tons of installed capacity operating on fresh or potable water. Now, if we assume that these plants operate at a very aggressive 6 COC (cycles of concentration), this is quite a low amount of bleed water with condenser loop chemical water treatment – meaning less water usage than industry standards.

This would mean these 375,000 tons of cooling would use 5,809,401 IG in 24 hours. This would be in evaporation, windage/drift and bleed. The cost of

this water consumption would be AED 310,914.93. This is the exact cost per the DEWA slab calculator, including 5% VAT. That is a huge amount of fresh water consumed in a 24-hour period. The average household in Dubai consumes 110 IMPG per day, so this one-day total amount of water consumption for the 375,000 tons of water-cooled chilled water plants from just one District Cooling company operating on potable water is equal to 52,813 households in Dubai.

Another important point to note is that the blowdown water, which would be approximately 1,000,000 IMPG, is discharged into the sewer systems and must be treated and processed by the Dubai wastewater plant infrastructure. And it is important to note that this blowdown water is full of chemicals; dissolved gases, such as carbon dioxide; salts, such as carbonates and chlorides; and metal ions, such as manganese ions. These would prompt concern by any environmental entity. Now I understand all 375,000 rated tons would not be in full operation; however, I just wanted to point out the vast amount of water usage, should all this capacity be in operation.

This is why I stated in my last article that the new form of air-cooled chiller technology should really be considered by the chilled water industry at large in this region. This is also why the

Dan Mizesko is Managing Partner/ President, U.S. Chiller Services International. He may be contacted at dmizesko@uscsny.com

industry should not just report kW per ton efficiencies but total utility cost to produce a Ton/Hr of cooling. This would reflect the true plant efficiency; after all, we need to use power, water and fuel efficiently, and all should be considered when reporting efficiency. That is why cost to produce a ton/hr, in my opinion, would be the most transparent and accurate reporting method.

Each District Cooling company and standalone chilled water plant operating in the region would report their cost to produce a ton/hr. This would be an equal and fair comparison, as DEWA and Dubai Municipality would be supplying

the power and water in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the local power and Municipality would be supplying the same, and each facility in each jurisdiction can be rated and compared to each other to highlight how well the chilled water plants are performing to each other.

A quick calculation of a District Cooling plant using potable water supplied by DEWA that operates at 0.9 kW per ton would have an actual cost to produce a Ton/Hr of AED 0.5208, with power being AED 0.4158, including 5% VAT, and potable water being AED 0.105, including 5% VAT. This is 0.011 cents per ton-hour production. Sounds

low, but if you take an hourly production of 10,000 Ton/Hr, that’s AED 5,208 per hour. For a 24-hour production cycle, it would be AED 124,992.00, which would translate to an annual cost of AED 2,999,808. The main point I am trying to make is that it costs AED 0.4158 per Ton/Hr in electricity at a plant that operates at 0.9 kW/ton. It also costs AED 0.105 per Ton/hr in water cost, making the total cost to produce a Ton of cooling AED 0.5208 per Ton/ Hr. Water cost is a bit over 25% of the cost to produce a Ton of cooling, so it is substantial.

The main point is that it is obvious that a chilled water plant operating at 0.9 kW per ton and utilising potable water as condenser water makeup is not as efficient as one would think based on kW/ton, as water cost is also a consideration in the cost to generate a ton of cooling.

The real cost of TSE

Now, let us talk about TSE being used in chilled water plants. Some plants use direct TSE with chemical water treatment, in which case you will need to operate no higher than 3 COC blowdown using substantially more water versus potable water. And without question, condenser tube fouling will occur, as raw TSE has high concentrations of contaminants and high biological growth, which will lead

LICENCE TO CHILL

to scale fouling and biological fouling, such as biofilm; under scale and biofilm tube pitting, which will cause increased energy consumption by the chillers well above what is found with potable water.

Let us once again look at a plant that on an average produces 10,000 ton-hours a day, and see the cost of the water – utilising raw TSE as condenser makeup water directly.

10,000 tons x 24 hours = 240,000 tons. At 3 COC operation, that would be 434.70 US Gallons per minute of water usage, broken down as follows:

■ Evaporation: 289.8 GPM

■ Drift: 1.5 GPM

■ Blowdown: 143.4 GPM

The total water usage, as mentioned earlier, is 434.7 GPM. Now, 434.7 USGPM equals 361.96 IG. And 361.96 IG x 60 minutes in an hour equals 21,717.6 gallons of water per hour x 24 hours, which equals 521,222.4 of TSE water consumption x AED 0.05, which works out to AED 26,061.12 + 5% VAT, which comes to AED 27,364.176 per day. Who still thinks TSE is cheap?

Let us look at the cost per ton of production of just TSE, which is almost AED 0.115 to produce one ton of cooling. Just for the sake of an exercise, let us say that this plant’s chilled water was produced at 0.9 kW per ton. This would mean the electric cost would be AED 0.396 per ton of production, plus 5% VAT, which means the total electrical cost to produce one ton of cooling is AED 0.4158. The cooling plant reports that it runs at 0.9 efficiency kW/ton; however, the water cost is almost 28% of the total electrical cost to produce a ton. The total utility cost to produce a ton is AED 0.5308 to produce one ton of chilled water. This is the true transparent way to report efficiency of a chilled water plant, utility-wise.

We must also consider the inevitable condenser fouling that will accompany straight TSE water into the condenser water system with chemical water treatment. With potable water, mineral scaling and biological fouling are two of the most common problems associated with water-cooled systems, and the costs from these issues can

be enormous. With straight TSE, the problems are exponentially larger.

There are other costs taken by the chilled water plant, such as those relating to maintenance, condenser water chemicals and labour. But those will be fractional and do not compare to the annual power and water costs.

Now, let us look at an air-cooled plant. Let us have this plant operate at 1.2 kW per ton, which is very poor performance for new-technology aircooled equipment. But let us do the exercise anyway, just to prove a point. Now, with 1.2 kW per ton x AED 0.44, the cost of a kW comes to AED 0.528 per ton. Even at this poor rating of 1.2 kW per ton, it beats the water-cooled plant in cost to produce a ton of cooling. If you add the maintenance, etc., it would be less than the water-cooled plant, as the air-cooled plant would have no condenser water chemicals, no tower maintenance, no condenser pump maintenance, and many other considerations that are required with a water-cooled plant, such as tube scaling and corrosion, biofilm tube fouling, etc., all of which will decrease the efficiency and lifespan of the chiller and cooling towers.

As I stated in my last article, the new air-cooled chiller technology operates at 0.567 kW per ton, on an average. Now, if we add 20% to this for a fudge factor and for very high load days, we arrive at 0.68 kW per ton chiller. No, let us make it 0.9 kW – the same as our water-cooled plant. Remember, the new air-cooled technology is hi-lift, oil-less, magneticbearing chiller technology – the most efficient technology available, in my opinion. So even at 0.9 kW per ton, the air-cooled system produces chilled water at AED 0.4158 per ton, which is less cost when compared to the watercooled plant.

Now, through considering just a few factors, we have demonstrated the huge benefits, cost-wise, to produce a ton of cooling with an air-cooled system, as opposed to a water-cooled system in this region. To be absolutely accurate, we need to consider more factors. Indeed, there are added costs in the case of water-cooled systems. What are they? Well, as pointed out previously,

water-cooled chiller condensers foul! The actual rate of fouling is an efficiency loss of five per cent per month, unless the condenser heads are opened and tubes cleaned; even with this, as soon as the chiller is put back in operation, fouling occurs. This is a known industry fact.

Next, most plants owners who do use TSE understand that they need to incorporate cleaning and filtration of the TSE before it can be used in the condenser water loop. This is not only costly in terms of CAPEX but also OPEX, considering the substantial power demand made by RO plant/filtration.

At this juncture, it is prudent to examine the recommendations of the ASHRAE District Cooling Guide:

In the Arabian Gulf area, TSE is created with the following characteristics:

1) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 1,250 PPM

2) Feed water temperature: 25-35 degrees C

3) Total Suspended Solids: 1-20 PPM

4) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), which is the amount of oxygen consumed to chemically oxidise organic water contaminants to inorganic endproducts (5-40 ppm)

5) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which is the amount of dissolved oxygen required to break down the organic material present in TSE: 0.5-5 PPM

6) Total Coliform: Maximum (2,000 CFU/100 ml) – the percentage limit of a group of bacteria to which it is not harmful to humans.

Manufacturers/chemical engineers should be consulted for the acceptable water quality, according to your case of design, but the following are the general minimum requirements from cooling tower manufacturers for an acceptable cost/lifecycle analysis:

1) Total dissolved solids (TDS): <500 mg/l

2) PH: 6.5 – 8

3) Chlorides: <750 mg/l

4) Sulphates: <20 mg/l

5) Sodium Bicarbonate: <200 mg/l

To meet the above requirements, the following are the essential treatment steps (manufacturers/chemical consultants shall confirm on the required equipment, as the cost and water quality are the main design parameters in these plants):

1) TSE storage tank. The capacity should be calculated based on the estimated cooling towers’ daily make up water capacity, multiplied by a factor (manufacturers should determine), which usually reaches to two, considering for rejected/blowdown bleed to the external network.

2) Pre-treatment feed pumps. The capacity/head requirement shall be determined according to pretreatment filters design flow rate/ pressure drop across the filter, considering media ageing conditions. Pumps casing/impeller/shaft material should be appropriately selected to withstand the presence of chemicals; usually, Stainless Steel SS316 L is the best option.

3) Pre-treatment system. It consists of the following equipment:

• Naocl/Ferric chloride dosing set. Sodium Hypochlorite) is effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. The dosing tank/pump capacity is proportional to feed pumps flow rate.

• Automatic self-cleaning filters with backwash pumps. The factors affecting filter selection are liquid viscosity, temperature, flow rate, working pressure, filtration rate, connections sizes, electrical power consumption and purge timing set.

• Ultra Filtration unit (UFU). Selection factors are design flow

rate, filtration rate, membrane bore size, pressure drop, backwash pumps capacity (head & flow), equipment weight and dimensions.

• Ultraviolet filtration unit. This is usually used to kill any living organisms in the filtrate flow. It is selected based on operating pressure, flow rate and UV lamp electrical load.

• Inter-stage storage tank with RO feed pumps.

4) The primary treatment system consists of the following:

• Cartridge filters. These are usually used to ensure that water quality is complying with RO filters’ inlet requirement.

• RO filtration unit. The factors of selection are filtration rate, membrane bore sizes, the number of membranes, the pressure vessel, the number of pressure vessels, unit length/ weight, number of stages, the capacity of backwash pumps capacity.

• Treated water storage tank. This is equipped with cooling towers’ make up water pumps.

5) Interconnecting piping and control valves. Material shall be selected based on system maximum working pressures and reactivity with the water effluent.

6) Space requirement. Another main factor that shall be considered is the space requirement. This includes room area, height, and circulation between equipment and manufacturers’ maintenance considerations.

As you can see from the above, this is an expensive proposition, not only in terms of equipment cost and installation but also in terms of cost of consumables and power. The cost of power for the TSE treatment must be taken into consideration when calculating cost to produce a ton of cooling.

A MAJOR consideration, I often hear the argument that with the high ambient temperatures in the region, air-cooled chillers are challenging. Again, let me point out the new air-cooled technology is high lift designed for these high temperatures, so the argument is no longer valid. In addition, the Gulf region in the summer is extremely humid with very high wet bulb temperatures. These wet bulb temperatures have led to chilled water plants having to resort to utilising air-cooled chillers to cool the chilled water plant condenser water loop, so the water-cooled chillers could stay in operation without shutting down on high head pressure and surge protection. Again, air-cooled chillers are utilised to keep the condenser water loop cool enough so the water-cooled chillers can stay in operation. If this does not make a huge statement in favour of air-cooled chillers in this region I guess nothing will.

In closing, I do hope the readers who are involved in the design and purchase of chilled water plants in the region will consider the new air-cooled technology for their plants, as water is limited in the region and desalination expensive. Owners of chilled water plants can reduce their overall cost to produce a ton of cooling with this newer air-cooled technology.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

FILTER FOCUS

THE FUTURE AND FORTUNE OF SUSTAINABLE CITIES

Dr Iyad Al-Attar warns of the consequences of rising anthropogenic emissions with the onset of each dusk

CITIES are the cornerstone of global prosperity, where people, money, trade and commerce converge. No nation has ever achieved wealth without urbanising. Cities attract talents and become hubs for ideas, innovation and technologies. They are where inhabitants can access decent education, employment, social mobility and dignified retirement. Cities can embody sustainable lifestyles through waste reduction in land, energy, materials and resources. They have helped many nations rise out of poverty and progress to prosperity,

and promote models of development rather than dependence. Today, urban design is the language of the city, enabling interactions among diverse communities while enjoying living in a built-environment filled with clean air.

Although many believe cities have triumphed and their nations have become wealthier and healthier than ever, others believe that their roads lead to an environmental hell. So, how is urban growth perceived and conceived, whether from the population or economic growth lens? We must ask the troubling questions that would

Dr Iyad Al-Attar, an independent air filtration consultant, writes on specific science and technology issues relating to Indoor Air Quality, including airborne particles. He may be reached at iyadalattar@yahoo.com.

reveal the truth about the trajectory of cities to prosperity.

The rapid growth of urban population sparks doubts relating to the ability of cities to accommodate the extra needs of inhabitants in terms of essential services, employment and education. And how will cities reduce crime, ensure security and integrate inhabitants into urban environments that are fairer, safer and more sustainable? Indeed, how will we protect ourselves in a complex urban world prone to unintended consequences, such as climate change, pandemics and other environmental risks?

Guiding and steering such growth in the right direction necessitates the adoption of human-centric frameworks in constructing new cities and revitalising existing ones. Expanding the scope of sustainable urban development to address the urgent issues and challenges of rapid urbanisation, such as operating efficient HVAC systems and ensuring clean air in healthy buildings, is just the beginning. The availability and delivery of clean air impact urban planning, the associated built environment and building envelopes, as illustrated in Figure 1. Improving indoor Air Quality (IAQ), selecting appropriate HVAC and filtration systems, enhancing building energy efficiency and reducing anthropogenic emissions

Sunset in Faro, Portugal | Photograph courtesy Dr Iyad Al-Attar

(transport, buildings, power generation) are at the core of any sustainable urban development.

Addressing how innovation can enable energy-efficient processes and policies relevant to building design, construction and operation is critical to accelerating the decarbonising of our cities. In fact, constructing innovative buildings using advanced insulation materials can help minimise the required heat loads to achieve thermal

comfort and optimise the selection of HVAC systems. A fundamental realignment is the establishment of a culture of sustainability among designers, developers and city inhabitants for air quality inclusion. It is also crucial to consider how a building interacts with the surrounding environment through energy use, heat and emissions reduction, and how much outdoor air is introduced indoors for ventilation.

Another fundamental realignment in constructing healthy buildings is admitting the critical importance of the legislative, technical and ethical obligations of air quality. The disruption cities faced during the pandemic has proven that climate change is not the only existential risk confronting humanity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cities were locked, loved ones died, jobs were lost, and solutions were sought through mandating masks and vaccinations. Building standards were tweaked, and “specialists” claimed they had perfected the ventilation rates and the filtration efficiencies required to reconfigure the air quality quest. The pandemic has revealed how our claws were blunt and beaks were bent when we should have been ready to combat the transmission of the virus. Ultimately, investigating the relationship between infectious diseases and cities must reflect the learnings of the COVID-19 pandemic towards a pandemic-proof urban environment. Furthermore, for buildings to be healthy, they ought to be equipped with adaptive ventilation and filtration systems capable of responding to any variation in IAQ and human occupancy. Optimisation of building envelopes for air quality purposes requires an understanding of the sources of pollution and the contaminants’ physical and chemical characteristics. Today’s technologies are capable of appropriately responding to any IAQ deterioration; it is just a matter of embedding them as a pillar of healthy building metrics.

Figure 1: Key factors impacting clean air availability and delivery

Figure 2: Densification examples of buildings around seas and rivers in Africa, Asia and Europe

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Governments as regulators and drivers of change

Cities must establish strong policies and standards to develop a sustainable urban environment with air quality- and energy-related policies and practices. While solutions can come from legislation, technological advancement and innovation, public policies alone cannot stem the tidal forces of rapid urban change. The initial change has to come from the end-users – residents, businesses and industries – who must raise the bar of sustainable living.

As the primary regulators, governments must institute legislation to regulate energy use and reduce anthropogenic emissions. Furthermore, academic institutions can also collaborate with governments to facilitate sustainability knowledge and training, where a sound collaboration with the private sector can be established. Government incentive measures are vital to promoting research – through academic institutions – and innovation to progress towards a more efficient allocation of financial resources to decarboni se cities. An interface of policy and research is required to envision new ideas, methods and collaborations that can bring about necessary changes to ascend to the heights of sustainable city design. Universities such as Oxford, MIT and Harvard have played a role in prospering their cities (Boston and Oxfordshire), making them a hub of knowledge, innovation and education. Governments can also induce change by implementing specific legislation and tax systems to promote sustainable energy use, or to curb and dissuade polluting, inefficient technologies and consumption habits. Furthermore, developing awareness and capacity-building tools for planning sustainable urban energy utilis ation can prove invaluable in lowering our environmental footprints.

The

lost message of air quality

The air quality message continues to miss the mark required for sustained

success. The fluctuating interest in air quality, the contested meaning of clean air and the rival formulations of governing emissions form a cloudy and dissuasive foundation of how a healthy city is designed and built. Furthermore, air quality has been overlooked in urban planning and the built environment design in the past decades, and the resulting issues of such neglect have been exacerbated by escalating anthropogenic emissions. Left uncontrolled, excessive urban heat and pollutant concentrations demand extensive filtration stages and more effective HVAC equipment to condition the air for pleasant and healthy living. Therefore, combating the rising anthropogenic emissions lies in embracing sustainable urban development with air quality inclusion in its metrics. Air quality must emerge as a foundation for the built environment and a pillar of global economies to safeguard our building envelopes, and our well-being.

While we may live in architecturally different cities, we share common dreams and challenges of living in clean, green built environments. Air quality inclusion must emerge as a foundation for urban planning and a pillar of global economies to protect ourselves so we can live, grow and urbanise without polluting. No one wants to nor should have to breathe polluted air in our modern cities. Therefore, urban air quality governance is paramount to globally realign clean air, delivery, access and equity. Today, humanity possesses the knowledge, technologies and innovations to render sustainable building design irrespective of geography, culture or economy. Technologies that foster enhanced IAQ must manifest the desired vitality buildings need to be healthy, not unnecessary design complexities.

Empowering citizens to change

While we may be willing to change, we differ on how change should come about. We cannot simply drive change without empowering citizens

and businesses to contribute to a more sustainable future. Climate change is a multidimensional complex issue, and the scale of the resiliencerelated challenges for cities is immense. Cities must warrant a critical understanding of the early signs of climate change and their impact on people, businesses, nations and ecosystems. Innovative knowledge and technologies can influence our perceptions of risk and our sense and science of climate change urgency. Relying on tapping into the innate humanity and having a panoramic view of the effects of climate change are not enough to stem the tide of air pollution. The world is replete with diverse perceptions of living sustainably amid the challenges of fossil fuel economies while addressing climate obligations and underpinnings.

Bearing the brunt

We cannot mistake our planet’s patience for consent and its climate change signs for natural occurrences. We must alter our lifestyles and consumption to orchestrate our environmental fate. Clean air represents the future and fortune of sustainable cities, as we cannot urbanise people from poverty to cluster them into polluted cities. We should speak a different sustainability language to induce change and switch gears to face our ecological future. If planet Earth is our only choice, we cannot treat it like an option and leave it to bear the brunt of our polluting misbehaviour. An ideal start lies in imagining a future where we can grow sustainably while breathing clean air. We must begin to be more efficient in using energy to address climate change through sustainable public transport, land use, urbanism and responsible lifestyles. Keeping our promise of a decarbonised world to the next generation is vital, but so is their chance to fight for their right to live, work and sustainably thriv e.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

spot, Can Dan

Swede at titude

HVACR manufacturers in Scandinavia attribute success to a dynamic regulatory landscape and regional policies.

Hamna Sheikh, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

Stockholm, Sweden

JOAKIM Embring, Business Unit Manager Sweden and Export EMEA, at Sweden-headquartered Munters, says that Scandinavia has seen an increase in customer demand that has driven the need for proactive measures in the HVACR sector. "Climate change is the biggest challenge we all stand with and our possibilities to continue with the current way of living,” he says. “Energy efficiency and to be climate neutral are the two things that are most frequently on the table within our company and in the market.”

Morten Schmelzer, Head of Public Affairs at Sweden-headquartered Systemair, says that following the pandemic, geopolitical events have accelerated focus on sustainability and on air quality initiatives in Scandinavia, driven by EU regulations and regional policies. This dynamic regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, he adds.

Opportunities include stricter building codes, advancements in energy efficiency and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards, and stringent environmental performance requirements for products, thereby increasing demand for high-quality ventilation solutions, Schmelzer says. “However, these same initiatives also pose challenges, primarily the financial burden on end-users who want to invest in new technologies,” he says. “To facilitate this transition, governments in the region have introduced subsidy and incentive schemes. For manufacturers, the sustainability initiatives, while beneficial, increase bureaucratic burdens, often imposing unrealistic demands and conflicting with national systems. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in harmonising standards, legislation and certification requirements across Europe, reducing trade barriers and ensuring that industrial realities are reflected in policies. Scandinavian governments typically collaborate very effectively, which aids in harmonisation, although this is less consistent at a broader European level.”

Ziad Al Bawaliz, Regional President (Turkey, Middle East, and Africa), of Denmark-headquartered Danfoss, says the main regulatory change is the revised F-gas Regulation, which imposes stricter quotas, specific application bans and

other restrictions on services. Notably, monobloc heat pumps below 12 kW and split AC systems below 12 kW will not be allowed to use F-gases starting in 2032 and 2025, respectively, he says. He says that other systems will also face bans relating to F-gases with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 150. Consequently, he adds, many systems will need to transition to flammable refrigerants (A2L and A3), with natural refrigerants like CO2 and ammonia being used wherever possible.

Al Bawaliz notes that another shift is the one towards decarbonised heating systems, replacing boilers with heat pumps across all market segments, both domestic and industrial. Decarbonising District Energy, he says, will be a major trend. “For example, legislation requires specific heating and cooling plans for municipalities above 45,000 inhabitants – and that is a tremendous opportunity to capture all the benefits of utilizing excess heat through large heat pumps and District Heating grids,” he says.

Discussing commercial refrigeration, Al Bawaliz says that the industry is continuing its move towards CO2 systems. The next significant development will be the adoption of CO2-based condensing units, which are becoming increasingly popular. These trends present several challenges, he says, adding that there is a shortage of skilled workers.

Al Bawaliz says that technologically, the industry is investing in manufacturing facilities for heat pumps, and component manufacturers need to develop efficient key components for low- and ultralow-GWP systems. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), he says, are under scrutiny and may face regulatory measures in Europe and the United States. These substances, he adds, are widely used in various modern applications, but the outcome of potential legislative proposals remains uncertain.

Technological advancements

Schmelzer describes Systemair’s use of digital tools to enhance production efficiency and customer experience. He says the production processes incorporate digital tools for scanning, quality monitoring and digital instructions,

which significantly enhance operational efficiency. Real-time production data, displayed on digital noticeboards in the factories, promotes employee engagement and facilitates immediate adjustments and follow-ups on development projects and deviations, he says. “On the customer side, our commitment extends to developing advanced selection software, intelligent control systems, and Building Information Modelling, leveraging platforms like the Microsoft Power Platform and AI,” he says. “These tools enhance product selection and improve the overall customer experience by providing more accurate and efficient solutions.”

Al Bawaliz says technological development in Scandinavia aligns with global megatrends, with challenges related to refrigerants and energy efficiency driving regional innovation. Advancements, he says, include heatrecovery systems, synchronised heating and cooling and new compressor programmes designed for ultra-lowGWP refrigerants.

Scandinavia benefits from a high proportion of renewable energy sources, Al Bawaliz notes. He says electricity prices typically fluctuate within a 30% range throughout the day, offering attractive incentives for those with thermal storage capacities. Large heat pumps, particularly those operating at variable speeds to adapt to changing demands, present an excellent solution in this context, he says.

Systemair's modular Geniox airhandling unit, Schmelzer says, is a standardised and modular product, allowing customisation according to client needs. He says recent advancements include the development of Geniox models equipped with larger ECO heat exchanger units. These enhancements, he says, improve performance by boosting energyrecovery systems without increasing the unit's overall size. This approach allows consultants to choose the optimal size for the heat-recovery section, which is essential for enhancing the unit's efficiency while maintaining the same size for other components.

Schmelzer says that energy-recovery technology deserves much more

Scandinavia REGION REPORT

attention, as it aims to enhance the overall energy efficiency of buildings by capturing and utilising the energy in the exhaust air. While heat pumps are commonly used for heating and cooling, he says, they are not always integrated into ventilation systems. This gap is addressed with integrated heat pump units, he says. Integrated heat pump systems have a lower carbon footprint than traditional systems, especially when powered by renewable electricity, he says. The benefits include reduced on-site installation time, due to their single-casing design, and elimination of extra piping, he says. And with intelligent control systems, he adds, these units can respond to real-time demand, providing only the needed heating or cooling, making them an effective solution for addressing climate change.

Retrofitting

Embring says that from Munters’ perspective, recent innovations focus heavily on reducing energy costs and transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. “The biggest energy consumption lies in regenerating the sorptive rotor, so to find ways to reduce this and move from fossil sources to renewal sources have been our focus,” he says. “Other areas have been to improve fans and controls to run the systems only as much as needed, when it is needed.”

Al Bawaliz says retrofitting of gas boilers is a very big challenge –economically as well as capacity- and skill-wise. The market still needs to learn how to install heat pumps to ensure that the heating system performs according to expectations, he says. “Installers

must learn how to ensure the lowest possible supply temperatures for a heat pump to achieve the highest efficiency,” he says. “This may imply necessary, marginal investments in the internal hydronic system.”

Expanding on retrofitting, Schmelzer says that the key lies in carefully assessing the specific needs of each project. For instance, selecting the appropriate fan is crucial for meeting energy demands in both retrofit and new construction projects, he says. This requires clear and comprehensive technical documentation, which is vital for ensuring the optimal performance and efficiency of ventilation systems and facilitating fair comparisons between products, he says. “Independent thirdparty organisations, like Eurovent and AMCA, are critical to providing rigorous certification processes and building trust between manufacturers and customers,” he says. “This is one of the pillars of our Green Ventilation mark, designed to guide our customers towards our most sustainable products.”

Schmelzer says fans should incorporate the latest EC or AC motor technologies. The Green Ventilation standards, he says, mandate that labelled fans feature EC motors with an IE5 efficiency class, or AC motors with an efficiency class of IE3, or higher. EC motors, he says, ensure energy savings, operational flexibility and reduced maintenance needs, thereby enhancing overall system performance and reliability.

Market trends and consumer preferences

Schmelzer says that similar to other global markets, the HVACR sector in Scandinavia is influenced by megatrends such as sustainability, digital transformation and geopolitical shifts, which are driving the demand for energyefficient solutions and high-quality indoor air systems. The region’s strong focus on circular economy principles necessitates industry players to prioritise transparency and ensure complete traceability across their supply chains, he says.

Schmelzer notes that technological advancements, such as intelligent product solutions, and advanced automation and control systems are

shaping the market. These innovations, he says, not only enhance energy efficiency but also simplify installation procedures and guarantee reliable performance. The ability to customise products regionally, backed by a global presence, allows HVACR companies to effectively meet diverse customer requirements throughout Scandinavia, he says.

Schmelzer says that consumer preferences in Scandinavia are influenced by industry trends such as sustainability and digitalisation. At Systemair, these trends guide the strategic decisions, he says. Production strategy emphasises standardisation and automation, encapsulated in the Systemair Production Model (SPM), he says. Built on methodology principles, SPM focuses on organisational structure, standardised tasks, daily monitoring and ongoing enhancement, enabling the company to efficiently meet consumer demands while maintaining production efficiency, he says.

Embring says that while the market is advancing in technology, primarily through digitalisation and data analytics, it is evolving slowly from a B2B perspective with minimal visible customer demand compared to the B2C sector, which has seen a higher demand. He adds that there is a higher demand for connected units and the ability to monitor and control systems online.

Economic and environmental impacts

Economic factors, including GDP growth, have a direct impact on the HVACR market, influencing investment levels and operational costs. Schmelzer says that despite facing challenges, such as increased delivery costs, component shortages and extended delivery times during 2022-2023, Systemair achieved production and delivery, supported by investments in new, energy-efficient machinery designed to minimise waste and prioritise operator safety and ergonomics. He says that Systemair optimised its logistics operations, enhancing the flow from suppliers to factories and onward to customers through meticulous planning and control.

Scenic summer aerial panorama of the Old Town architecture in Stockholm, Sweden

This optimisation strategy resulted in shorter and fewer transport journeys, contributing to reduced costs, improved safety standards and lower emissions, he says.

Embring says that economic factors, like GDP growth, primarily influence the HVACR market's construction side from a commercial perspective. When inflation rises alongside interest rates, the market becomes volatile, leading to a decline in activity, he says, adding that the industrial side is generally less affected unless these conditions persist for an extended period.

Embring also highlights that during the pandemic, IAQ became a significant priority in many areas and has remained important in some sectors. However, with the rise in energy prices following Russia's conflict with Ukraine, the emphasis has largely shifted back to energy efficiency, he adds.

Schmelzer says that IAQ and energy

efficiency are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary aspects of optimising building performance. Scandinavian countries, known for their leadership in IAQ advancements, have prioritised promoting healthy IAQ for many years, he says. In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been heightened global attention on IAQ, resulting in the issuance of new standards and guidelines by international bodies, he says.

Future opportunities and collaborations

Al Bawaliz says there are numerous opportunities based on Danfoss’ learnings in energy storage and heat recovery. Flexibility, closely linked to storage, presents another significant opportunity that can also be applied to cooling, he says. The development of energy-efficient components and solutions, such as variable speed compressors, will be crucial, he says.

Given the current global energy situation, there are significant growth opportunities for HVACR companies both domestically and internationally, particularly for those that develop energyefficient products and solutions with a lower carbon footprint, Embring says. Many Scandinavian companies are well-represented in the GCC region, but there is still a heavy reliance on fossil energy sources, leading the GCC market to focus on low-cost, fossilbased products, Embring says. It would be beneficial to see government policies promoting a shift away from this dependence, he says. “If this would happen, I believe there would be a higher potential of real collaboration between Scandinavian and GCC region HVACR companies, since there would be a real change in the market,” he says. “At the same time, there are many good initiatives coming from the region to support energy savings.”

Eurovent Middle East ‘HVACR Industry Day Conference’ conducts

Industry association raises the flag for proactive engagement to tackle market issues; highlights the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and the need for regulatory compliance to meet global environmental standards

Report by Hamna Sheikh, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

THE EUROVENT HVACR Industry Day, by Eurovent Middle East on May 30 in Dubai, gathered manufacturers and other stakeholders in the HVACR sector to discuss regulations, advancements and the possible direction ahead. The conference addressed key topics, such as the ratification of the Kigali Amendment by GCC region countries; ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ), post-pandemic; and the impact of international regulations on the HVACR industry.

Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude for the industry's resilience and emphasised

the importance of proactive engagement to tackle market issues. He welcomed new board members and acknowledged recent leadership transitions, including Andrea Cavalet as the new President of Eurovent Middle East.

Cavalet, who is also General Manager, Epta Middle East, opened the session with an overview of the current trends and challenges in the HVACR market. He highlighted the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and the need for regulatory compliance to meet global environmental standards. Cavalet stressed that the HVACR industry must continue to innovate and adopt new technologies to stay competitive and sustainable.

Cavalet said: “The HVACR industry plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Middle East, and since we face challenges like energy demand and growing focus on sustainability, our contribution to energy efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, and green approach for education and training will be vital for this region. This meeting serves as our dialogue platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

Lattner, resonating Cavalet’s words, led the discussion relating to regulatory updates in Saudi Arabia, including efforts to implement standby power regulations, and revisions to the regulation on Large Capacity Air Conditioning. He highlighted the association's advocacy efforts in addressing the regulatory changes, emphasising the importance of collective action in shaping regulations that support industry interests. He also highlighted partnerships with organisations, such as the United Nations Environment Program UNEP, aimed at providing advice, guidance and recommendations to government organisations involved in refrigerant transition efforts.

Lattner discussed ongoing efforts in standardisation, including participation in committees and discussions on

L-R: Bharath Babu, General Manager – MEKAR Air Handling Units; Praveen Gupta, DirectorProduct Management & Application Engineering - HVAC, Middle East; Markus Lattner, Managing Director – Eurovent Middle East; Rajesh Malik, Director of Strategic Sales, Key Accounts and Business Strategy – Middle East and Srinivasan Rangan, Senior Director – Engineering – Taqeef

Gulf regional standards for HVACR equipment. He emphasised the importance of the efforts in ensuring consistency and quality in industry practices.

Lattner outlined educational initiatives, including the development of academy courses and training programmes aimed at enhancing industry expertise and standards. The initiatives, he said, reflect a commitment to professional development and the raising of industry standards. He mentioned plans for joint industry congresses and conferences, highlighting the association's efforts to increase visibility and impact in key markets such as Saudi Arabia.

Khalid Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia, at UNEP, gave the Keynote Address, during which he presented an overview on the future of environmental regulations and their impact on local economies.

Klaly commenced his presentation by emphasising the historical success of the Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, which marked a significant international effort to combat ozone layer depletion. The Protocol initially targeted eight major ozone-depleting substances but has since expanded to control nearly 100 harmful chemicals,

he said. He added that as of 2009, it achieved universal ratification by 197 countries, underscoring its global significance and effectiveness.

Highlighting the gradual recovery of the ozone layer, Klaly said, “We are expecting that the ozone layer will return to its original conditions by 2060 following the implementation of the Protocol.” The successful phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons by 2010 and other hazardous substances by 2015 have collectively been a significant milestone, he said.

Klaly said that the Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, represents the next phase in global environmental policy, focusing on the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Pointing to the fact that although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they have a high global warming potential (GWP), he added that the Amendment aims to reduce HFC use by 85% by 2050, which is projected to prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by mid-century.

In his detailed breakdown, Klaly explained that industrialised countries are ahead in the HFC phase-out schedule, with a completion target of 2036. Meanwhile, developing countries, including those in West Asia, have until

2047 to achieve an 85% reduction, he said. He said that the first phase-out targets for West Asia are set for 2025, with a significant milestone of reducing HFC consumption by 67.5%.

Klaly highlighted the importance of regional coordination and capacitybuilding, noting that many West Asian countries have already implemented HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs). These plans include regulatory updates, training for customs officers and technicians, and financial assistance for industry transitions, he said.

Discussing the implementation challenges of the Kigali Amendment, Klaly emphasised the need for integrating climate change policies, energy efficiency measures and safety standards due to the hazardous nature of many HFC alternatives. He said, “We need to ensure that proposed alternatives are suitable for our region, especially considering our hightemperature conditions.”

Klaly concluded his address with a call to action for the remaining countries to ratify the amendment and join the global effort to mitigate climate change.

Following Klaly's address, Lattner led a panel discussion involving Ajay Katyal, Strategic Marketing Leader-Advanced Materials, Honeywell; Imran Master, Senior Manager, Product Management, Rheem MEA; Cavalet; Maaz Irfan, Senior Product Engineer II, Taqeef; and Anuj Malhotra, Senior Marketing Manager (Middle East,Africa), Copeland.

The panellists deliberated on the impact, and implementation challenges, of the Kigali Amendment on the HVACR sector. The discussion kicked off with an invitation for general feedback on a presentation that addressed the industry's current state and future direction. Irfan expressed optimism about the industry's progress, noting the concerted efforts by organisations like Eurovent to set and update energy efficiency standards and implement the Kigali Amendment.

Katyal emphasised the importance of learning from past transitions, such as the phase-out of HCFCs. He highlighted the need for a strategic approach to avoid repeating past mistakes. “We are not starting fresh,” he said. “It's a similar

Markus Lattner leads the panel discussion involving (seated L-R) Vilas Bakshi, Arthur Hechinger, Mohammed Noufal, Adam Dhia and Dani Elamana

During a networking session

POST-EVENT REPORT

journey. Understanding what worked and what didn’t will be crucial for this transition.” Katyal also pointed out to the necessity of securing reliable sources for new refrigerants, considering the impact on consumers as well as producers.

Cavalet recalled the massive technological changes in Europe driven by legislation, which pressured the industry into substantial investments. He remarked that while the direction is clear, the exact path remains uncertain.

Malhotra raised concerns about the region's readiness to adopt new regulations swiftly. He noted the fast-approaching deadlines and the potential for significant industry stress if the transition is delayed. “We are sandwiched between three continents with big HVACR markets,” he said, stressing the importance of timing and regulatory clarity.

Master acknowledged the challenges in implementing the Kigali Amendment, but he drew optimism from the industry’s previous experiences and the current level of awareness and engagement. "It's a journey, not a task that will be completed in two years," he said, emphasising the importance of a phased approach.

Lattner highlighted the disconnect between the desire for regulatory changes and the lack of implementation frameworks. Master responded by stressing the inevitability of enforced recovery and recycling measures due to reduced refrigerant supply. Katyal added that while an idealistic approach to reclaiming refrigerants is challenging, it is necessary to start implementing practical steps to move forward. Cavalet suggested that end-user controls and technician certification could enhance compliance and awareness. “A system of controls and fines might be complex but necessary,” he said.

Members of the audience voiced concerns about relying on enduser awareness and suggested that manufacturers should lead the transition. One of them pointed out that while developers are moving towards sustainable practices, manufacturers need to initiate changes proactively.

The panellists agreed that a coordinated effort involving policy makers, industry players and

certification bodies is essential for a smooth transition. “The direction has to come from the policymakers,” Malhotra said, underscoring the need for regulatory guidance to drive industry compliance.

The panel discussion concluded with a consensus that while the Kigali Amendment presents significant challenges, a collaborative and informed approach can facilitate a successful transition. The industry must leverage past experiences, enhance regulatory frameworks and ensure stakeholder engagement to navigate the complexities ahead.

Lattner, then making a presentation, highlighted Eurovent Middle East’s educational initiative – the HVCR Leadership Academy. Established in October 2023, the Academy addresses a critical industry gap – the lack of skilled professionals, Lattner said. He emphasised the importance of this initiative, noting that over the past eight years, a recurring complaint from industry stakeholders has been the insufficient knowledge and skills in the market.

The Academy's offerings are divided into two primary streams –knowledge development for consulting and branding engineers, and technical training for HVACR technicians, Lattner said. The initial courses have already seen significant engagement, with 160 participants enrolled in the first annual unit course programme, of which 18 completed all requirements and received certification, he added.

Lattner announced the introduction of a comprehensive IAQ management programme, set to launch in September. The programme, he said, would span three levels – IAQ Supervisor, IAQ Manager and IAQ Specialist – catering to varying levels of expertise and focusing on the measurement, management and improvement of IAQ.

Nerissa Deoraj, Executive Director, Eurovent Middle East, joined Lattner on stage to discuss market intelligence, a vital component for the industry’s growth. She outlined the methodology for data collection and the types of reports generated. The reports, she said, provide critical insights into market

size, sales volumes, energy efficiency of products and overall market trends.

She said that by participating, manufacturers receive detailed market analyses, identify new business opportunities and gain a clearer understanding of their market position relative to competitors. She added that these insights help in navigating regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance with standards such as the EU’s eco-design regulations.

Lattner and Deoraj highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiatives. On the market intelligence front, the data collected will aid in strategic decisionmaking and policy advocacy, Lattner said. He added that by presenting accurate market data, Eurovent Middle East can engage with governments more effectively, and advocate for policies that enhance industry standards and sustainability.

In a subsequent panel discussion –on ventilation and IAQ, post-pandemic – also moderated by Lattner, data underpinned the interactions. Adam Dhia, General Manager, Systemair; Dani Elamana, Sales and Technical Director, Camfil Middle East; Vilas Bakshi, Regional Director, Aeroseal; Arthur Hechinger, Sales Manager, ebmPapst ME; and Mohammed Noufal, Key Account Manager, Regal Rexnord were the panellists.

Bakshi said that minimal long-term changes are obvious, post-pandemic, noting that discussions on air quality and contamination have not significantly increased. Protocols for duct cleaning are generally absent, except in some hospitals, he said.

Elamana highlighted that COVID-19 has at least initiated conversations about IAQ, which was previously neglected. Indoor air pollution is significantly higher than outdoor air, and while momentum for improved IAQ is growing, substantial changes have yet to be seen, he said, resonating Bakshi’s observation. “Indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air,” he said. “It’s 2-5 times, but we are not affected. That’s why we take it for granted.”

Dhia reported a spike in demand for ventilation and filtration systems, globally, particularly in New York, but

noted no significant local changes. Awareness is increasing, but actual implementation lags behind, he said.

Noufal indicated that while there was a temporary increase in focus on dedicated ventilation units during the pandemic, interest has since waned, returning to pre-pandemic norms.

Hechinger discussed the influence of EC fans on energy efficiency, noting that while Europe has mature regulations driving interest in EC technology, the Middle East is gradually catching up, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where EC fans are becoming more prevalent in new projects. Noufal confirmed that Saudi Arabia mandates IE3 motors, enhancing energy efficiency in large projects.

The panellists agreed on the need for stronger regulations similar to those in Europe to promote energy-efficient ventilation systems in the Middle East. Hechinger and Dhia said that European regulations, such as the ERP directive, have driven substantial energy savings and could serve as a model for the Middle East. Hechinger said, “European regulations have driven the global market trend in energy efficiency, and we

hope to follow these specific regulations in the Middle East.”

Bakshi pointed out that most ductsealing jobs are still only performed in need to solve immediate problems rather than for the purpose of maintaining IAQ and saving energy in the long term. The potential energy savings from reduced duct leakage are significant, with payback periods ranging from one to two years, he pointed out.

Lattner emphasised the need for the industry to raise awareness about the importance of ventilation in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. He suggested focusing on comprehensive solutions that consider ventilation and chiller efficiency.

The panellists engaged in a lively interaction with members of the audience. One of them, addressing the panellists, in general, highlighted a growing interest in IAQ-related studies. “I was really surprised to hear from everyone on the panel this negative feedback about Indoor Air Quality,” he said. “You mentioned that you are selling units and solutions, but it seems no one is, or very few

are, buying these solutions. However, we've done a number of Indoor Air Quality studies, and we see there is a growing interest. Maybe there is a growing interest in understanding the importance of Indoor Air Quality and in finding out or measuring Indoor Air Quality. Maybe we haven't yet reached the part where people say they need a solution, and then your companies will come in.”

Responding to this, Elamana said: “There is a discussion going on every day to improve Indoor Air Quality, but no tangible actions are being taken.” He pointed out the gap between discussions on standards, such as ISO 16890, and their implementation, particularly post-COVID. He added: “Even post-COVID, no consultants are specifying these filters for better efficiency and standards. So, there is discussion, but no definite actions are being taken.”

Weighing in, Dhia stressed the need to translate awareness into action. He emphasised the importance of demonstrating the significance of IAQ, especially in light of recent events, and called for topdown initiatives to drive change.

Bakshi highlighted the critical role of duct cleaning in improving IAQ, pointing out a lack of awareness and protocols among building owners. Lattner reinforced the need for practical solutions, announcing the development of an IAQ management course that includes protocols like duct cleaning. He concluded the panel discussion, emphasising the significance of ventilation, and of system transitions for sustainability. He encouraged an industry culture of continued engagemen t.

Markus Lattner moderates a panel discussion. Seated (L-R): Maaz Irfan, Ajay Katyal, Andrea Cavalet, Anuj Malhotra and Imran Master

Attendees at the Eurovent HVACR Industry Day Conference

‘

COMPLETE PREVENTION OF REFRIGERANT LEAKS IS A CONTINUOUS EFFORT’

It requires ongoing training, monitoring and maintenance, says Tugrul Kumal , Deputy Director of White Goods at Hisense Middle East. Excerpts from an interview he gave to Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East...

YEARS on from the introduction of LCAC technology, what validated operational data can you share?

There are several technological developments that have been introduced in recent years to improve the performance, energy efficiency and user experience of these systems. Some of the developments include inverter-driven compressors and other electrical components, which adjust their speed according to the cooling demand, resulting in significant energy savings compared to traditional fixedspeed compressors. This technology has become standard in many ducted split systems and other commercial AC systems, offering better temperature control and lower energy consumption.

Government authorities across the world are also increasingly focusing on meeting, or exceeding, energy efficiency standards set by organisations such as ASHRAE or by rating programmes like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This includes improvements in compressor design, heat exchange technology and overall system efficiency.

When it comes to installation, how important is workmanship? Is the UAE ecosystem of technicians and installers able to execute flawlessly to completely prevent leak of refrigerants?

The installation of air conditioners plays a crucial role in achieving higher efficiency and optimal performance, and is equally important as the design and selection of air conditioning units. Proper installation practices are essential for the long-term efficiency and reliability of the air conditioning system. This includes following manufacturer's guidelines, adhering to local building codes, and using high-quality materials and components. A professional installer will have the expertise and experience to perform a quality installation that maximises efficiency and performance.

The UAE has been proactive in adopting regulations and standards to minimise environmental impact, including regulations related to refrigerant handling and leak prevention. Achieving flawless execution to

completely prevent leakage of refrigerants in the UAE, or in any other region, involves a combination of factors, including regulations, industry standards, technician training, technology and infrastructure. However, achieving perfection in preventing leaks is challenging due to various factors such as human error, equipment failure, and natural wear and tear. While the UAE may have a skilled workforce and stringent regulations, complete prevention of leaks is a continuous effort that requires ongoing training, monitoring and maintenance.

deviations should ideally be justified and transparent to ensure the performance, efficiency and longevity of the air conditioning systems.

What progress is Hisense able to report when it comes to effectively deploying LCAC in high-rises?

Hisense's LCACs (Light Commercial AC systems) have made significant advancements in all their product types to function effectively in tall buildings. This includes offerings with longer vertical and horizontal copper pipe lengths to ensure efficient distribution

Achieving flawless execution to completely prevent leakage of refrigerants in the UAE, or in any other region, involves a combination of factors, including regulations, industry standards, technician training, technology and infrastructure.

ASHRAE Guideline 41 speaks of proper installation and commissioning. Do contracting companies follow such guidelines to a T? Or, are there deviations that are happening that subvert the manufacturers’ objective of providing the best possible efficiencies?

ASHRAE Guideline 41 provides recommendations for the commissioning process of HVAC systems. Many reputable contracting companies strive to follow such guidelines to ensure the proper installation and commissioning of HVAC systems. However, the extent to which they adhere to these guidelines can depend on factors such as project requirements, client preferences, budget constraints and local government regulations. Sometimes, it is noticed that contracting companies may deviate from ASHRAE guidelines due to factors like cost-saving measures, lack of awareness or differing interpretations of the guidelines. However, any

of conditioned air throughout the entire height of the building, without significant loss in performance or efficiency. Hisense uses high-efficiency and stable compressors, along with other components, to achieve this. Additionally, advanced control mechanisms have been implemented to manage temperature variations across different floors and areas within the building. The latest inverter systems incorporate energy-efficient technologies, offering high EER values and practices to optimise energy consumption and reduce operational costs, which is crucial in tall buildings with significant energy demands. Furthermore, Hisense systems offer very low noise output by incorporating sound-dampening technology, and optimised fan and compressor designs.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

‘HFOs CAN OFTEN BE LOWER THAN AMMONIA AND CO2 FROM A TCO PERSPECTIVE’

Matt Spalding , Vice President and General Manager, Energy Sustainability Solutions [ESS] MENA, Honeywell’s Energy and Sustainability Solutions, in conversation with Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East. Excerpts...

ARE YOU seeing any clear timelines when it comes to adopting new low-GWP refrigerants in the region, or is it business as usual?

There is no definitive timeline for the widespread adoption of low-GWP refrigerants in the region, but initiatives such as The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to limit the production and consumption of HFCs, paired with the growing availability of low-GWP refrigerants, will accelerate the transition.

Our scientists and engineers anticipated the need for low-GWP solutions more than a decade ago, investing USD 1 billion into the development and manufacturing of more environmentally friendly refrigerant technologies (HFOs). We continue to be focused on investing in further innovation and exploration into how to build upon the superior performance, energy efficiencies and environmental benefits of our lowGWP solutions.

We are already working with companies in the region to help them transition to our line of low-GWP refrigerants. One example of this is our partnership with Trane Technologies. By utilising the zd (R-1233zd) in their chillers at 26 sites across the UAE, they are avoiding 42,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in the UAE each year.

Have COP28, the UAE Consensus and the Global Cooling Pledge helped trigger a more aggressive approach to mitigating climate change in the region?

COP28, the UAE Consensus and the Global Cooling Pledge are raising awareness about climate change in the region and fostering an environment conducive to innovation. New technology must be developed and implemented for the Middle East to meet emission-reduction targets. We are supporting the industry by ensuring our customers have the low-GWP, energy-efficient solutions that meet their needs now, and we continue to invest in research and development to anticipate the needs of tomorrow. This approach

HFOs are the most energy efficient solution for cooling – as compared to alternatives, HFO-based systems will consume 8%-50% less energy over the lifetime of a commercial refrigerator when compared to CO2, and 5%-21% less energy when compared to propane. Lower energy usage directly translates to lower energy bills and lower costs.

will not only help curb cooling-related emissions but will also strengthen and improve energy efficiencies, leading to reduced energy costs and improved grid/infrastructure resilience.

Generally speaking, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is seen as a greater motivator than emission reduction. Could TCO be used as an effective leverage for more aggressive climate action?

When you look at the total cost of ownership, HFOs can often be lower than ammonia and CO 2 . Companies across the Middle East already recognise the importance of addressing climate change, and HFOs provide the financial incentive for them to do so.

There is recent data from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in the United States that confirms HFOs are the most energy efficient solution for cooling – as compared to alternatives, HFO-based systems will consume 8%50% less energy over the lifetime of a commercial refrigerator when compared to CO2, and 5%-21% less energy when compared to propane. Lower energy usage directly translates to lower energy bills and lower costs.

Towards that end, how can energy efficiency gains and emission reduction potential through deploying new refrigerant technologies be used to goad greater action?

According to the International Energy Agency, commercial and residential

& A

Transition to low-GWP refrigerants

buildings consume nearly one-third of the world’s energy – heating and cooling are responsible for half of that, and are equally impactful sources of emissions. Low-GWP refrigerant technology provides solutions to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency without sacrificing performance and safety.

as this, or the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, help provide the certainty the industry needs to transition away from high-GWP refrigerants. This serves as a reminder to the GCC region that they need to be prepared with retrofitting and new installations for the adoption of more sustainable refrigerant solutions.

The transition to climate-friendly refrigerants is already underway with the international ratification and adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The Kigali Amendment’s phased approach can serve as a powerful roadmap for all nations and industries to responsibly phase down (and eventually out) their use of high-GWP HFCs.

The industry has been preparing for a phase-down of HFCs for several years now, and with the increasing availability of HFOs, this ongoing refrigerant transition will continue to play a substantial role in reducing energy usage, decarbonising buildings and combating climate change.

Europe has been at the forefront of a refrigerant transition, as has been North America. In the case of Europe, the relatively recent initiative of increasing the permissible charge of, say R290, to 500g is a watershed development. It is a collective, collaborative and coordinated effort by the EU and has addressed building codes and occupant safety. What can the GCC region learn from this sort of collective initiative?

This type of initiative shows a growing demand for more environmentally friendly refrigerant solutions across various industries and the need to work collaboratively with government entities to effectively and predictably phase down the use of HFCs. Initiatives such

Saudi Arabia, in particular, has embarked on a cascade of mega developments. The surplus of greenfield projects announced presents a massive opportunity to get things right from the getgo. How can the HVACR industry help leapfrog less-efficient and less-climate-friendly solutions and ensure the adoption of the best-in-class systems towards a more robust sustainable development future?

According to the International Energy Agency, commercial and residential buildings consume nearly one-third of the world’s energy – heating and cooling are responsible for half of that, and are equally impactful sources of emissions. By investing in climatefriendly technology when planning new mega developments, Saudi Arabia and the region have the opportunity to grow their economy while minimising their carbon footprint. By utilising low-GWP solutions that are on the market right now, the HVACR industry can help new developments operate efficiently, safely and sustainably. Implementing

this technology off the bat also helps prevent the need for facility updates down the line, as governments impose new regulations and HFCs are phased out around the globe.

Building-retrofit projects have been gathering pace in the GCC region. What scope do brownfield projects provide for a strong refrigerant transition?

Brownfield projects play a role in the refrigerant transition, as new technology and low-GWP refrigerants are implemented during building retrofits, especially for projects focused on building decarbonisation and electrification. Leveraging existing infrastructure and modernising it to meet new efficiency and environmental standards will facilitate a smooth transition away from HFCs. These retrofit projects also enable the transition, because the timeline for completing them is often much shorter and less complex than the construction of a new facility. These projects allow the refrigerant transition to happen at a more accelerated pace.

Is there a blueprint that can be established for a structured and orderly transition to profoundly climate friendly refrigerants?

The transition to climate-friendly refrigerants is already underway with the international ratification and adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The Kigali Amendment’s phased approach can serve as a powerful roadmap for all nations and industries to responsibly phase down (and eventually out) their use of high-GWP HFCs. While there is certainly more work that needs to be done, various industries and government entities must work together to ensure a structured and orderly transition. Safe and effective low-GWP refrigerants, like HFOs, must also be readily available.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

1 DAY SESSION ON BROAD HVAC APPROACHES

14 OCTOBER 2024

RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

THEME:

Getting things right from the get-go in the new wave of mega developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Towards connected devices for better energy efficiency, Indoor Air Quality and lower Total Cost of Ownership

2 DAY SESSION ON DISTRICT COOLING

15 OCTOBER 2024

RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

THEME:

A need for transformational change in District Cooling for Saudi Arabia to raise the bar on decarbonising existing cities and to get things right from the get-go in new cities

For WP

Refrigeration, being rooted in the Kingdom is about localising technology, and taking advantage of local expertise

‘SAUDI

MADE

WHAT does ‘Saudi Made’ mean to WP Refrigeration from a strategic business perspective, as showing a commitment to the Kingdom’s stated objectives of manufacturing in the country and putting products within immediate reach of customers?

‘Saudi Made’ is the process of localising technology. It is about

taking advantage of local expertise, resources and experiences. And it is about integrating them with advanced technology and the long experience of Bitzer Germany. All of these to achieve customised products that perfectly suit the requirements of the Kingdom and the surrounding region, support the national economy and seek to be the best choice for customers.

How will the factory fuel the growing HVACR needs of the Kingdom, in line with the vast scale and diversity of projects being announced in the Kingdom?

The selection of units and products has focused on the field of commercial and industrial refrigeration, and production will move gradually and according to stages studied with Bitzer Germany, so that it covers the market need in all applications.

What is the profile of products that would be manufactured initially? And what is the long-term vision in terms of a wider range of products, as and when necessary?

The beginning was with outdoor condensing units of all types, air-cooled and water-cooled, and we are now working on launching high-efficiency units, such as Ecostar and Ecolite, in addition to central racks, and we continue to expand to industrial racks.

Does having the factory in Saudi Arabia mean being able to manufacture products that meet region-specific requirements?

Of course, we study the needs of the local market and surrounding markets and work to meet them.

Does the factory include a testing facility that would apply regionspecific testing and certification parameters?

In the factory, the testing and quality control processes necessary for the products are applied exactly with the same technology and precision that is used in Bitzer Germany. As for the efficiency tests for new products, they are carried out in cooperation with local and international laboratories.

What convenience will the factory offer to WP Refrigeration’s base of existing and potential customers in terms of availability of missioncritical spare parts and overall aftermarket services?

The factory includes the main service centre licensed by Bitzer, called Green Point, which is staffed by engineers and technicians who were trained in Bitzer

facilities. The factory also contains a special warehouse for the necessary genuine spare parts.

What would be the range and depth of the aftermarket services to customers, given the proximity to them?

We have specialised and trained teams to carry out maintenance work during and after the warranty period, in addition to the high technical ability to evaluate the condition of existing refrigeration systems and give recommendations to improve their performance.

Would the factory supply only to Saudi Arabia, or is the intent to supply to the broader GCC region? The factory was launched to mainly meet the Saudi market, and with the increase in production capacity, we seek to cover the countries of the region.

What does the collaboration with Bitzer include in terms of transfer of cutting-edge manufacturing technological knowhow?

This project is completely based on the partnership with Bitzer, starting from design and transfer of technological knowledge to operation, training, supervision and application of quality requirements. Bitzer supplies all basic production components that ensure the highest levels of operating and energy efficiency.

What is the built-up area of the factory? Is there scope to expand at the very same site, as per growing needs?

The factory is based on an area of more than 7,000 square metres, equipped with a supporting storage area, and there is a plan to expand in the same industrial area on an area of more than 10,000 square metres.

2023’

BSRIA says Packaged Air Conditioner (PAC) segment reaches nearly 526,650 units, valued at approximately USD 594 million, adding that this volume marks a 4.3% increase from the previous year

ACCORDING to BSRIA, the UAE is one of the biggest construction markets in the Middle East. BSRIA said, “The new residential construction market increased its share in the overall AC market.” In 2023, the UAE’s air conditioning market saw notable growth, with the Packaged Air Conditioner (PAC) segment reaching nearly 526,650 units, valued at approximately USD 594 million, BSRIA said, adding that this volume marks a 4.3% increase from the previous year.

BSRIA estimated that in the chiller market, the total value surged to USD 117.2 million, with around 1,021 units sold, up from 861 units in 2022. It added that the air-handling unit (AHU) market also experienced a significant rise, estimated at USD 70 million for about 11,500 units, reflecting an almost 15% increase in value compared to 2022. Additionally, the fan-coil unit market grew by eight per cent, reaching 176,000 units with a total value of USD 45 million in 2023, BSRIA said. These figures highlight an expansion across various segments of the air conditioning market in the region, BSRIA added.

As the UAE continues to undergo rapid urbanisation and economic diversification, the demand for sophisticated air conditioning systems is escalating, BSRIA said. This detailed feature explores the key trends, economic drivers, regulatory influences and future prospects shaping the UAE air conditioning market in 2024, BSRIA said. In 2023, the market was valued at USD 826.9 million and is projected to reach USD 1.25 billion by 2028, BSRIA said.

Market drivers

According to BSRIA, the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification is a major driver of the air conditioning market. As the nation transitions from an oil-dependent economy to a more diversified one, sectors such as

construction, tourism and real estate are flourishing, BSRIA said, adding that major projects like Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands are testament to this growth, significantly boosting the demand for advanced HVAC systems.

With ongoing and planned public, housing and real estate projects valued at over USD 350 billion, the construction market faced a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shown a strong recovery, BSRIA said. In 2021, the value of contract awards increased by nearly 14% (USD 10 billion), and in 2022, this surged by 50% (USD 15 billion), BSRIA reported. By the first half of 2023, contract awards had already reached USD 17 billion, surpassing the total for 2022, with an additional USD 10 billion in contracts expected by year-end, BSRIA said. Looking ahead, according to BSRIA, Oxford Economics projects a steady growth for the non-residential construction sector at 3.3% and 3.5% for 2024 and 2025, respectively. Similarly, the residential construction market is estimated to grow by 3.9% in 2024 and 3.7% in 2025, with an overall annual growth rate of almost three per cent for the construction sector between 2026 and 2028, BSRIA said.

BSRIA said that the real estate projects will dominate the UAE's future construction landscape, with notable developments being the Oasis by Emaar, valued at USD 20 billion; Azizi Venice by Azizi Development, valued at USD 8.2 billion; Ramhan Island by Eagle Hills Development, valued at USD 3.5 billion; Balghaiylam by Aldar Properties; and the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, valued at USD 2.2 billion.

The UAE's economy continues to thrive, with real GDP growth estimated at 3.5% in 2023, BSRIA said. According to IMF data, BSRIA said, the real GDP is projected to grow by 4%, 4.2% and 4.3% in 2024, 2025 and

UAE Air Conditioning Market REPORT

2026, respectively. The BSRIA study reported that the non-hydrocarbon sector saw growth exceeding four per cent, and is expected to ascend as a result of the ongoing developments in tourism, construction and real estate. Projects like Palm Jebel Ali and the Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands) are significant contributors to this expansion, BSRIA said, adding that the introduction of the UAE Golden Visa, which allows long-term residence for foreigners, is anticipated to attract more investors, especially in real estate, further boosting economic growth.

While the hydrocarbon sector experienced slower growth in 2023, due to production cuts, the new increased production quota for OPEC is expected to spur GDP growth in 2024, BSRIA said. High oil prices have also led to fiscal and external surpluses, BSRIA noted. Additionally, BSRIA said, the introduction of a nine per cent corporate tax in June 2023 is set to gradually increase the national income from non-oil sectors. Private consumption is expected to rise, bolstered by the government's introduction of mandatory unemployment benefits in 2023, BSRIA said. BSRIA added that inflation, which was at 4.8% in 2022, is estimated to decrease to 3.1% in 2023 and remain at two per cent in the coming years.

Regulatory frameworks also play a crucial role, BSRIA said. The UAE has implemented strict energy efficiency standards and sustainability policies, including the Net Zero Energy Building Policy, BSRIA said, adding that the country is making significant strides in energy efficiency and environmental standards for air conditioning. The BSRIA study analysis reported that the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), previously known as the Emirates Authority for Standards and Metrology (ESMA), has updated the implementation dates for the 2019 versions of UAE.S 50101:2019 (Household Air Conditioners) and UAE.S 5010-5:2019 (Central Air Conditioners). These regulations, BSRIA said, which focus on labelling energy efficiency for electrical appliances, were initially set to take effect in January

2021 but had been postponed to January 2023.

In August 2023, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) introduced new specific requirements for certifying ozone-friendly air-cooled unitary air conditioners, BSRIA said. Additionally, BSRIA said, the UAE has committed to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, aiming for an 80% reduction in HFC consumption by 2047. The growth of R32 refrigerants is expected to be limited, especially in higher capacity units, due to the region's high ambient temperatures and the flammability of R32, BSRIA said.

BSRIA said the Middle East is experiencing climate change at twice the global average rate, leading to higher energy consumption. This climate change has significantly influenced consumer behaviour, driving a preference for more energyefficient products, as individuals seek to mitigate rising electricity costs and reduce their environmental footprint, BSRIA said. “The negative impact of global warming causes an increase in the consumption of electricity and carbon emissions,” BSRIA said. “Hence, the government focuses on new regulations in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”

Introduction of Federal Corporate Tax

In June 2023, the UAE implemented a federal corporate tax (CT) at a standard rate of nine per cent, targeting company incomes exceeding Dh 375,000 (USD 102,110), BSRIA reported. This move marks a significant shift in the UAE's fiscal policy, with various implications for businesses operating in the region, BSRIA said.

According to the UAE government's official portal, businesses involved in real estate management, construction, development, agency and brokerage activities are subject to this new tax, along with income from dividends, capital gains, interest, royalties and other investment returns for foreign investors, BSRIA said. However, BSRIA said, certain exemptions are in place,

such as companies that are engaged in the extraction of natural resources. BSRIA said that the CT applies to all businesses and individuals conducting commercial activities under a UAE license, including free zone businesses, provided they comply with regulatory requirements and do not operate on the mainland. Foreign entities and individuals will also be taxed if they conduct ongoing or regular business in the UAE, BSRIA explained.

The CT does not affect personal income, such as salaries or employment income, nor does it apply to interest or income from bank deposits or savings schemes, personal real estate investments or earnings from personal shareholdings, BSRIA said.

The UAE air conditioning market is led by several key players across different segments, BSRIA said. According to the report, the ductless and ducted splits market is dominated by Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu General, Super General, Carrier and Rheem. In the VRF market, Japanese and South Korean brands continue to dominate, with Daikin holding the largest market share, followed by Samsung, LG and Mitsubishi Electric, BSRIA said. It added that the rooftop units segment sees major participation from SKM, Trane, Frimec, Carrier and Rheem, while the chiller market is primarily led by international brands such as Trane, Daikin, Carrier and JCI-York. Meanwhile, BSRIA said, the airside market is dominated by Mekar, Trosten and Euroclima, with significant contributions from Daikin, Carrier, SKM, JCI-York and Trane.

BSRIA said the UAE air conditioning market is on an upward trajectory, fuelled by economic diversification, regulatory support and technological innovation. BSRIA said that as the nation continues to develop and modernise, the demand for advanced HVAC systems will only increase.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

Empower receives ‘leading District Cooling company’ recognition from Dubai Supreme Council of Energy

Company says its work in the field of District Cooling has been acknowledged in the Council’s Demand Side Management Recognition Programme

By CCME Content Team

EMIRATES Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER) said it has been recognised as the leading District Cooling company by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) in its Demand Side Management Recognition Programme, which honours sustainability champions in Dubai. Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE, honoured the winners of the Recognition Programme at a ceremony held at Four Seasons Resort Dubai, in the presence of H.E. Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of DSCE. Empower said that its CEO, H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, received the award on behalf of the company.

H.E. Bin Shafar said: “Winning this prestigious title places a great responsibility on Empower's capable teams performing their duties with world-class professionalism, ensuring

the company’s continued leadership in energy and water efficiency, and keeping abreast of circular economy standards and exceptional innovations that promote a sustainable environment. Empower has achieved several operational milestones during 2023, underscoring its leadership in the District Cooling sector and its dedication to sustainability. Its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability is further demonstrated by its ongoing expansion efforts, serving 1,527 buildings and expanding its District Cooling pipeline network to more than 398 kilometres by 2023. Strategic optimisation and expansion activities have also strengthened its operational excellence and ability to innovate in sustainable cooling solutions. Empower’s services cover the vital residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare sectors.”

H.E. Bin Shafar reiterated that

Empower is committed to contributing to the efforts towards sustainable urban development in the region. “Our commitment is driven by environmental protection and economic prosperity, and reflects Empower’s leading presence in the District Cooling sector,” he said. “By driving the development and deployment of innovative District Cooling solutions, we are setting high energy efficiency and environmentally friendly practices standards, ensuring positive impacts beyond Dubai's changing landscape.” H.E. Bin Shafar stressed that Empower is keen to expand its business and increase its operational efficiency to meet the growing demand for its environmentally friendly services by real estate developers and building owners in the emirate. Empower said that it has delivered a total connected capacity of 1.52 million refrigeration tons (RT) and achieved 1.69 million RT contracted capacity by the end of Q1 2024.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar receives the award from H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

Carrier Joins Eurovent Middle East

The companies have announced a partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation and coordination

By CCME Content Team

CARRIER has joined Eurovent Middle East as a member, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and coordination within the region’s HVACR industry. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Eurovent said Carrier recognises the significance of collaborative frameworks that highlight the market's need for guidance, regulation, education and awareness of available technologies, amidst the transition to low-GWP refrigerants.

Sathya Moorthi, Managing Director, Carrier Middle East, said: “We are pleased to lend our technical

expertise through Eurovent Middle East, a neutral platform dedicated to advancing the growth and sustainability of the HVACR industry. This alliance will facilitate joint initiatives with regional manufacturers to elevate standards and support governments in implementing robust regulatory frameworks.”

Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, said: “The actions we take today will shape the sustainable future we desire. The support of Carrier is a valuable endorsement of the work we have done so far to establish a strong industry association for our

sector. The pertinent insights and contribution that Carrier will bring to our community, as we continue to push for sustainability and energy efficiency, not only complement our efforts but also strengthen our ability to face future challenges and enhance our capabilities in providing education, legislative inputs and industry guidance.”

Eurovent said that it welcomes Carrier into its growing membership base, emphasising the pivotal role of collaborative frameworks in navigating the evolving market landscape. Eurovent added that as the GCC region prepares to ratify the Kigali amendment, steps toward phasing out F-Gases and introducing alternatives will necessitate collective industry efforts to support governments in the implementation of adequate regulatory guidance.

Daikin celebrates its 100th anniversary Commemorates “a century of HVAC-R Leadership”

By CCME Content Team

DAIKIN said it is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of “pioneering innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence in the HVAC-R industry, bringing futureproof solutions to global markets”. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Daikin, which is operating in over 170 countries, said it has evolved into an organisation that is capable of responding to the diverse cultures and values of its global clientele by providing products and services that harness the power of air to create healthy and comfortable spaces. Daikin said it achieved its best result ever in its 100-year history, with 4395.3 billion yen

(28 billion euro), recording breaking sales results worldwide.

Commenting on the celebration, Hasan Onder, President, Daikin Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said, “While celebrating Daikin’s 100-year milestone, we reflect on a century of groundbreaking innovation and growth. Innovation is in Daikin’s DNA, driving us to continually develop advanced technologies that set industry standards. By embracing local citizenship in the Middle East and Africa, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to the specific cultural and environmental demands of each region. As leaders, we recognize our responsibility not only to lead in

technological advancements but also to promote sustainable practices with our current focus on sustainable cooling solutions to reduce environmental impact. Looking ahead, Daikin will continue to prioritize innovation, local engagement, and sustainability, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the HVAC-R industry for the next century and beyond.”

The company was founded in October 1924 as a limited partnership, Osaka Metal Industries. Starting with the production of radiator tubes for aircraft, the company said it has grown into a successful multinational corporation with both an air-conditioning business and a fluorochemical business, commercialising many Japanese and world-first technologies, including Japan’s commercial refrigeration system in the 1930s, the first packaged air conditioners in the 1950s and VRV multi-split commercial air conditioners in 1982.

Daikin said it hosted a ceremony on May 21 at The Symphony Hall, Osaka, Japan, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding. Noriyuki Inoue, Chairman of the Board and Global Group Representative, reflecting on Daikin’s growth to date, and articulating his expectations for its future growth, said, “From a small factory of 15 people at our founding, we have transformed Daikin into a global company with operations in more than 170 countries worldwide, and I am personally mindful of just how far we have come.” said Noriyuki Inoue, Chairman of the Board and Chief Global Group Officer, reflecting on the company’s growth at the ceremony. Inoue also expressed his expectations toward future growth, mentioning “With the spirit of learning from the past and applying those lessons to the future, we would like to further refine our technological capabilities, which are the lifeline for a manufacturer, and contribute to society through our technologies.”

Hasan Onder, President, Daikin Middle East, Turkey and Africa

ASHRAE, GSO sign MoU

The formalisation of the partnership aims to advance global building standards focused on sustainable design and operations

By CCME Content Team

ASHRAE and the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) have announced through a joint press release that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalising their relationship. The partnership is aimed to promote global building standards for sustainable design and operations, the two organisations said.

According to both the organisations, the agreement marks a collaborative effort between ASHRAE and GSO to advance sustainable technology in the built environment. The two organisations added that the collaboration is set to enhance global trade, benefit consumers, and improve building occupant experiences by integrating and harmonising global standardisation activities.

Ginger Scoggins, President, ASHRAE (2024-2025), said: "This collaboration signifies a step towards achieving integration and harmonization in our global standardization activities. ASHRAE is delighted to partner with GSO in our shared commitment to fostering a more sustainable global built environment and driving technical innovation. By adopting common positions at international levels, we aim to benefit global trade, consumers, and building occupants worldwide."

H.E. Nawaf Al Mana, President, GSO, said: “This MoU with ASHRAE will support the establishment of cooperative and constructive working relationships between GSO and ASHRAE, as well as improved communication and coordination in many areas of mutual interest. This MoU will contribute positively to meet the needs of Member States and the GSO’s objectives aiming at advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment, and focusing on building systems, energy efficiency, Indoor Air Quality and sustainability within the industry.”

According to the two organisations, the MoU includes, but is not limited to, the following goals:

• Promoting communication, cooperation and exchange of information about standardisation and related activities

• Providing opportunities to

participate in, and comment on, proposed standards, technical regulations and guidelines

• Cooperating in organising seminars, workshops, conferences, joint awareness programmes, and symposia on public policy and mutual issues

• Promoting joint research in areas where research results will add to the body of knowledge in fields of mutual interests

• Harmonising both parties’ standards related to HVAC and heat pumps between the two regions

ASHRAE and GSO said they also plan to collaborate in specific areas such as standards, technical regulations, conformity assessment, research and statistics, capacity building and information exchange, and the exchange of experts and project teams.

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JCI, EmiratesGBC in IAQ initiative

Reveal key findings from air quality study across UAE educational institutes

By CCME Content Team

JOHNSON Controls (JCI) and Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) shared key insights from a study to analyse Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) across educational institutes in the country. Making the announcement through a Press Release, JCI said the study aims to raise awareness of the main air pollutants and their sources, and promote guidelines to ensure healthier spaces for students.

Mohammad Khalid, Vice President & General Manager, MEA, JCI, said: "As societies and governments increasingly recognize the pressing need to address and enhance the health and well-being of individuals within buildings and enclosed spaces, the significance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has reached unprecedented heights.”

Rohan Chopra, Sales Director, Sustainable Infrastructure, EMEALA, JCI, said: “Measurement and data are the foundation of every effective clean

air strategy and strive to ensure that organizations can map their journey toward a healthier and more sustainable future.”

Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman, EmiratesGBC, said: “The Emirates Green Building Council, through the Emirates Coalition for Green Schools, is dedicated to elevating the environmental standards of schools in the UAE. Our visionary goal is to transform every school into a green haven, ensuring that every child in the UAE receives education in a sustainable environment within this generation.”

According to the EmiratesGBC, a particular focus lies on IAQ, an aspect crucial to student health, well-being and academic performance, JCI said in the Press Release. The Council has conducted comprehensive studies on IAQ, recognising its direct correlation with the holistic development of students, JCI said.

According to recent findings from the

survey, initiated by EmiratesGBC, IAQ emerged as the primary area of concern among parents and communities across the Emirates, JCI said. As a result, JCI said, it teamed up with EmiratesGBC to conduct the study using JCI’s IAQ audit service. JCI said it installed six IAQ devices in each classroom in selected institutes to measure temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5) for a set period of time.

According to JCI, some of the key findings from the initial analysis reveals that:

• Due to higher outdoor PM levels, as anticipated, PM levels were consistently high in 60% of the institutes, where PM 2.5 levels (typically associated with fuel burning, combustion processes and vehicle emissions) were greater than 12 µg/m3 for more than 50% of the time.

• Twenty-five per cent of the institutes are operating at less than 25% of the industry recommended outside air ventilation rates, signalling increased CO2 levels and the need to increase fresh air intake.

• A positive sign for institutes’ growing focus on IAQ, it was observed that newer schools perform better in terms of PM and CO2 levels.

• All institutes exhibited low to normal VOC concentration; 90% showed relative humidity within comfort levels, while 82% showed temperature within comfort levels.

JCI said that along with EmiratesGBC it is outlining a number of recommendations to implement building technology that aids educational institutions in improving IAQ, including identifying means to add outside air ventilation to classrooms, upgrading the level of filtration using higher efficiency filters, and testing and balancing to ensure proper ventilation rates. JCI said EGBC will be launching a study summary during the EGBC Congress, taking place this month.

GLOBAL NEWS

EIA sets out key Green Policies for the next government

Body releases its own manifesto ahead of the July 4 General Election

By CCME Content Team

AS UK political parties hit the campaign trail in earnest for the July 4 General Election, London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has released its own manifesto of key policy recommendations.

The 16-point action plan, Our Planet, Our Problem is released against the backdrop of the mounting triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, EIA said.

EIA said it marks its 40th anniversary this year since it began investigating, exposing and campaigning against environmental crime and abuse. The charity organisation said it believes the next UK Government has a key role to play as a part of international efforts to secure a viable future.

EIA Campaigns Director, Julian Newman delivered copies of Our Planet, Our Problem to the major

political parties this week and said: “The urgency for taking action cannot be overstated. Our key policy recommendations to the parties contesting the next election will, if acted upon, ensure that the country’s next Government implements progressive policies and takes strong actions to show leadership, both at home and internationally, to safeguard the future of our planet.”

Fuelled by climate change, the world’s oceans have broken temperature records every single day over the past year, and 2024 saw the warmest April on record in terms of global air temperatures, EIA said. Analysis of more than 147,500 species found that in excess of 41,000 are threatened with extinction, EIA said. Between 1990 and 2020, about 420 million hectares of forest has been lost, and a further 10 million hectares is being lost each year, EIA said. More

than 12 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the ocean every year, EIA added.

Key asks in EIA’s manifesto include:

• Reinstating the commitment of allocating 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income to international development

• Ensuring environmental and human rights are at the heart of UK trade deals and international development policies

• Making tackling environmental crime a priority and focus of agencies and Government departments responsible for other forms of serious and organised crime

• Putting Nature2030 at the heart of policy at home and abroad by delivering the UN Convention on Biological Diversity 30 x 30 targets

• Cancelling all new oil and gas licences and joining international calls for a managed phase-out of fossil fuels

• Recommitting to the obligations of the 2015 Paris Agreement, substantially strengthening measures to rapidly reduce emissions and achieve net-zero emissions in the early 2040s

• Advocating for an adjustment of the Kigali Amendment of 2016 to accelerate the global phase-down of climate-harming hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants under the Montreal Protocol

• Halting the significant, ongoing decline in biodiversity in the UK by urgently developing robust, time-bound, costed and

quantifiable domestic targets and measures to implement its global commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

• Ensuring that halting and reversing deforestation and

forest degradation are at the forefront of efforts to meet Paris Agreement targets

• Fully implementing the 2021 Environment Act to ensure businesses are using legally sourced forest-risk

commodities, and extending its scope

• Committing to negotiating and adopting an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty and to banning the export of all its plastic waste from the UK

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European associations unite to launch IAQ manifesto

Eurovent and seven other European associations have launched a joint manifesto, titled ‘Good air quality must become a basic human right’, emphasising the critical importance of the quality of the air we breathe in the built environment

By CCME Content Team

EUROVENT and seven other European associations have launched a joint Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) manifesto, titled ‘Good air quality must become a basic human right’. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Eurovent said the manifesto highlights the critical importance of IAQ for health, economy and for future generations. With individuals spending 90% of their

daily lives indoors, ensuring good air quality extends beyond our immediate environment to include the indoor spaces, Eurovent said.

Calling for increased political focus and legislative measures to ensure that IAQ receives the necessary recognition and support it deserves, Eurovent said the manifesto proposes integrating IAQ considerations into the European policy framework to prioritise the health and

comfort of individuals living, working and studying in buildings across Europe.

According to Eurovent, key recommendations to European policymakers include:

• Make ‘access to good quality air’ (including indoor air) a basic human right by bringing the adaptations needed to the European Treaties and Charter of Fundamental Rights, if needed

• Give equal (high) consideration to ‘indoor air quality’ as to ‘ambient air quality’ in the adoption of new and revised EU policies

• Operate a screening of all EU policies fit for improved measures towards good IAQ and make new ambitious suggestions

According to Eurovent, the manifesto is co-signed by the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) Europe; the European Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Contractors (AREA); the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE); the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA); Eurovent; the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA); and GCP Europe. Together, these organisations represent a broad spectrum of stakeholders committed to improving IAQ across Europe, Eurovent said. We are open to other like-minded organisations who would like to join our coalition and push for action on IAQ in Europe, Eurovent said, adding that the manifesto can be downloaded from the Eurovent website.

{Quoteyard}

We bring you a collection of some of the most interesting quotes, extracted from articles in this issue. In case you missed reading, we recommend you flip back to take full advantage of the insights and remarks, in the context in which they have been presented.

Incentives are often used to reduce the costs of efficient appliances for consumers – these drive the market for more efficient appliances and can lead to economies of scale, which in the longer term, reduce the price of products. Successful incentives programmes are designed in a way to limit the negative potential while stimulating the markets through a catalytic effect.

The world is also locked in bitter negotiations, as exemplified in the Pre-COP29 climate conference that ended on the midnight of June 13 in Bonn, Germany. A phony communique, issued after the 50th G7 meeting, in Fasano, Italy, proved to be another trap of verbose commitment.

Most MEP failures stem from defective pipe joints, systems designed for low rainfall intensities, and undersized or poorly maintained lifti ng stations.

For example, similar drainage systems can be applied as those used in Copenhagen's Cloudburst Management Plan, which improved drainage systems to accommodate large amounts of water.

Clean air represents the future and fortune of sustainable cities, as we cannot urbanise people from poverty to cluster them into polluted cities.

Emaar is also exploring interconnectivity between plants to ensure continuous operation, if one plant fails. We are now considering the interconnectivity between the plants. If we have a problem in one of the plants that we could not continue or streamline the operation, we can just switch to the other plant and continue the operation and supply from that one.

McPolin’s call to action was clear: Integrate technically, embrace District Cooling as a fundamental infrastructure, and align politically to ensure a sustainable and efficient cooling solution.

This would mean the electric cost would be AED 0.396 per ton of production, plus 5% VAT, which means the total electrical cost to produce one ton of cooling is AED 0.4158. The cooling plant reports that it runs at 0.9 efficiency kW/ton; however, the water cost is almost 28% of the total electrical cost to produce a ton.

Lattner, resonating Cavalet’s words, led the discussion relating to regulatory updates in Saudi Arabia, including efforts to implement standby power regulations, and revisions to the regulation on Large Capacity Air Conditioning. He highlighted the association's advocacy efforts in addressing the regulatory changes, emphasising the importance of collective action in shaping regulations that support industry interests.

Brownfield projects play a role in the refrigerant transition, as new technology and low-GWP refrigerants are implemented during building retrofits, especially for projects focused on building decarbonisation and electrification.

In the chiller market, the total value surged to USD 117.2 million, with around 1,021 units sold, up from 861 units in 2022. It added that the air-handling unit (AHU) market also experienced a significant rise, estimated at USD 70 million for about 11,500 u nits, reflecting an almost 15% increase in value compared to 2022.

TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR

As part of the HVAC Aftermarket team, you will install, service, repair and carry out preventative maintenance on refrigeration systems and equipment such as...

As a Senior Technician, you will use your strong HVAC technical knowledge to execute site surveys and carry out full dilapidation reports, inspecting all refrigeration components and recommending system enhancements, upgrades and replacements, as necessary. You will understand the customer requirements and concerns by meeting them on a regular basis and provide them required technical services and repair for HVAC systems.

You’re determined and consistent in your approach to work, managing multiple priorities simultaneously because of your excellent planning, and time management skills.

Requirements:

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in servicing, maintenance and overhauling of HVAC-R Systems

• Proven technical knowledge and experience of working on HVAC-R systems (box fans, compact fans, centrifugal fans, valves and motors)

• Ability to read and understand electrical single line diagrams of HVAC systems

• Experience in handling reports & communications in a concise way

• The candidate should have experience & knowledge in the HVAC- R

• Fluent language skills in English (Speaking & writing)

ADMIN-CUM-LOGISTICS OFFICE

Proven work experience as a logistics coordinator cum Admin with a minimum 5 years’ experience in Logistics and admin Roles.

Additional skills:

• Proven ability to implement process improvement initiatives

• Business acumen and strategic thinking.

• Hands-on experience within the logistics industry and administration functions.

• Leadership skills and ability to manage staff

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication skills (English language)

SALES MANAGER

Designing and implementing a strategic sales plan that expands company’s customer base and ensures its strong presence.

Requirements:

• Must have Knowledge & Experience of related items to HVAC-R in the UAE Market

• Comply with local regulations, other regulatory requirements, policies and practices, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments

• Maintain positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors and consultants

• Perform other essential duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant

• The candidate must be a strong sales ‘hunter’ and ability to sell in a direct and channel model

• 5+ years UAE and GCC region Experience of progressively more responsible sales experience (Speaking Arabic and having good knowledge of market will be an additional advantage)

• Must have good contacts with MEP contractors, facility

• management firms, traders, consultants and with export market like the GCC region and Africa

AFTER-SALES DISTRIBUTOR SPECIALIST

Requirements:

• Provide high-level technical assistance support to the assigned distributors

• Manage disputes and warranty costs

• Strengthen relations with the after-sales technicians of the distributors

• Pursue customer satisfaction

• Provide second-level After-Sales support to the Distributors, if necessary

• Provide direct support in on-site coordination with local Distributors’ technicians.

• To attend AQS (After Sales) meeting sessions with the goal of giving feedback on the most important Distributors about progress on quality improvements on units

• To manage warranty claims and related costs and negotiate compensation based on official service agreement

• To collect product quality improvement information suggested by Distributors and transfer them to the department concerned to improve products on production and new design

• Proactively attend new design units project development to promote improvements