CCME - May 2024

SUSTAINABLE

WATER HE AT ING SOLU TIONS

A pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainability

NEWS

• ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter announces new committee

• Leminar, Ebara forge business relationship

• Eurovent announces new recommendation on AHU life cycle cost

INSIDE-OUT

SAUDI BOOM: HARVESTING MEP BUSINESS GROWTH

Mohamed Anees, GRFN Global

MACRO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES

Krishnan Unni Madathil, Bin Khadim Radha & Co

PERSPECTIVES

TACKLING HVAC INEFFICIENCIES

Kevin Laidler, Armstrong Fluid Technology

ADAPTIVE THERMAL COMFORT AND IAQ

Vinod Ramnani, ATE Enterprises

Learn more about this new certification and how it benefits you.

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Eurovent’s certification programme for AHU fans, in collaboration with AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association International), combines the strengths of the world’s most respected AHU and fan certifications, offering a multitude of additional advantages.

Water heaters can play a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainability, but the twin objectives require an innovative approach, says Brian Hempenstall of Rheem Middle East

PERSPECTIVES

TACKLING HVAC INEFFICIENCIES

Saying that one common cause of HVAC inefficiency is component choices, Kevin Laidler, Sales Director of Armstrong Fluid Technology adds that a simple decision to include split-coupled pumps can significantly enhance the ease and efficiency of system maintenance

ADAPTIVE THERMAL COMFORT

A combination of evaporative cooling cycles enables cooling below the wet bulb temperature of air, thus addressing decarbonisation, says Vinod Ramnani of ATE Enterprises

MACRO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES

Maintaining adequate cash can itself become the critical limiting factor around which all other decisions are structured, says Krishnan Unni Madathil of Bin Khadim Radha & Co

INSIDE-OUT

SAUDI BOOM: HARVESTING MEP BUSINESS GROWTH Mohamed Anees of GRFN Global says MEP firms in the GCC region can take full advantage of the sophisticated construction ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

Surendar Balakrishnan Editor

A BASIC INSTINCT FOR ECO-DECENCY

FO R SEVERAL years now, we as a magazine have been systematically exploring the aspects that underpin country-wise excellence in energy efficiency and IAQ performance. So far, the answers to our questions have been simple and yet are ignored or reluctantly paid heed to by those countries that are still abysmally falling short.

To summarise the findings, excellence is the result of not merely strong and reasonably paced regulations that enable compliance whilst protecting commercial interests, and equally strong enforcement mechanisms but also an inherent intellectual honesty, largely speaking, amongst all building industry stakeholders.

The definition of integrity is ‘doing the right thing even when no one is looking’. This integrity is one of the aspects that has consistently underpinned excellence in energy efficiency and IAQ.

An equally important aspect is the collective ethos of the people inhabiting the countries. Theirs is an unwavering belief that the outdoor and the indoor environment cannot be compromised – and they act towards this end as individuals and as communities. It is an internalised sense of eco-decency, which they expect corporates to adhere. So, together with government mandates, their collective vigil keeps corporates honest and steers them on the pathway of excellence.

This chain of events was set in motion decades and, in some instances, even centuries ago that the right instincts were developed in the formative years of industrialisation. Today, it is a matter of habit.

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

Advertising Enquiries

Frédéric Paillé

+971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com

A recent report by IQAir on world air quality showed how some countries are able to meet WHO PM2.5 air pollution guideline. Among them are Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada and New Zealand. Of course, there are other factors that help these countries meet the targets, but it cannot be ignored that government intervention to zealously monitor and report air quality has driven a collective sense of consciousness and responsibility. The people of these countries have remained sensitised to the benefits of clean air, and it remains amongst the top of the socio-economic priority list. The question for other countries, of course, is what needs to be done to develop the right instincts. A possible answer is generational transformation, with a strong focus on the environment while redrafting education policies in schools, colleges and universities. Everyone is a stakeholder.

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

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Our representative in Asia (except India) +852 307 80 826 judywang2000@vip.126.com

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Founder, CPI Media Group Dominic De Sousa (1959-2015)

Published by

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. 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.

MACRO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

By Krishnan Unni Madathil

NAVIGATING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES

At times, maintaining adequate cash can itself become the critical limiting factor around which all other decisions are structured, says Krishnan Unni Madathil

IT WOULD be quite fair to say that the year 2024 so far has lived under the long shadow of events starting from 2020 to 2023. While the aftereffects of the coronavirus pandemic are beginning to wear off now – even as the effects of the ultra-loose monetary response to the Covid-19 shock to the world economy will continue to be felt for years to come – the world, and our region especially, is reeling from more traditional shocks, including regional conflict, instability and, over the past few weeks, erratic weather.

Businesses in the UAE are also slowly waking up to the reality of the ongoing implementation of the UAE Corporate Tax regime, with the first corporate tax returns waiting to be submitted by February 28, 2025. For most businesses, whose accounting period ends on December 31, their first accounting period for consideration for corporate tax will be the twelve-month period from January 1, 2024 through to December 31, 2024, with corporate tax returns due for submission and payment by September 30, 2025.

What has been remarkable about the overall picture in the wind of such tremendous changes and turbulence is the continued resilience of so much of the constituents of the world economy, which has contributed to a picture of overall growth and stability despite clear downside risks. At least from a psychological point of view, this means

that it is not all doom-and-gloom. For all the troubles facing the world at present, it seems the apt response now is that of the stoic: “This too shall pass”.

I have been CFO-ing for a few of my non-audit clients over the past three years or so, which has offered me an opportunity to take my gloves off from my usual chops as an external auditor and financial consultant and to get my knuckles down with the challenges facing small and medium businesses on an ongoing basis. This is not easy, not just for me, but even for masters of the consulting profession, such as CK Prahalad (deceased), former professor at the Harvard Business School, who coined the well-known business concept of “core competences”, who was the go-to guy for corporate advice for Fortune 500 businesses, but who himself failed in business on three separate occasions!

The main business challenge for CFOs in the UAE seems to be deceptively simple – to ensure that there is money in the bank when it is needed. If I were to put this in more ephemeral terms, I would put it down as this –peace of mind.

And at times of heightened business turbulence, having adequate cash reserves at bank becomes that much more of a priority. To this end, we have to keep track of our customer receipts inwards, of vendor payments outwards, of salary and benefit commitments,

Krishnan Unni Madathil Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co Chartered Accountants, writes a bi-monthly macroanalysis on geopolitics, incumbent political structures, global business and finance exclusively for Climate Control Middle East He may be contacted at krishnan.madathil@binkhadimradha.com

as well as payments towards growth expenditure.

Over the course of my career as an external auditor in the GCC region, I have often been left perplexed by the number of long-established businesses whose cash at bank reserves are not enough to cover 4-6 months of payroll. For businesses which are at a younger stage of development, this is even more difficult, even as they oftentimes benefit from the largesse of beneficent startup stage financing. In my capacity as an external consultant, I often get into arguments with management as to the fragile nature of their cash positions, and the subsequent need to plan outflows not just on the back of an envelope, but to plan outflows in a formalised, budgeted manner. A guilty pleasure of mine has been to peruse the commerce sections of Arabic newspapers of record to look for details of businesses that have gone under, in particular looking at the position of their outstanding creditors when they declared bankruptcy. Call me a grave-digger, if you will, but there is such a thing as a business autopsy, and we learn as much, if not more, from reading about the failure of businesses as much as we do from reading about their success.

The reader will be surprised to know that of the number of businesses

with turnovers greater than even AED 30 million – if not greater still – the budgetary process is not much more than a hope and a prayer. Far too many giants in business have become dinosaurs because of this for it to be a completely unheard of proposition.

One of the unintended benefits of the incoming corporate tax regime is that it will force a number of businesses, especially in the small and medium sector, to finally create annual financial statements that conform to international standards of accounting and financial presentation, which means that for perhaps the first time in their commercial life, a number of businesses will see their annual “report card”. Wholly unintentionally, this increased formality in business reporting may nudge business owners and management towards more financially sustainable decisions, and towards long-term thinking. We may thereby see more conservative business decisions, a tightening of credit terms and possibly more flexible but assured debt settlement schemes driven by market forces. It may not

be helpful to be needlessly punitive in what already is a considerably free market to conduct transactions, but the introduction of corporate taxes and an annual requirement to record and file returns may incentivise more structured business decision-making.

Due to recent politically induced turbulence in the region, it is clear that the cost of business has increased on multiple fronts. In particular, cost of freight and transport has increased due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Yemen, with both ends of the Red Sea under threat of disruption. The isolation of Iran may increase in the coming few months, and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is being felt in more ways by regional players in the MENA region than one can comprehend. Even the IMF estimates economic growth in the MENA region overall to be a subdued 2.7% in 2024, followed by an improvement to 4.2% in 2025, assuming the conflicts disturbing the region are resolved by that time.

None of this can serve as an excuse for individual businesses in the UAE, and their management, to not lend adequate

consideration to the survival and growth of their business, to take it through these turbulent times. It begins with simple things: Clearly defining the goals of the business, mapping out the cash flow for a period of at least 24 months, laying adequate buffers for the tough times and operating with adequate cash reserves. At times, maintaining adequate cash can itself become the critical limiting factor around which all other decisions are structured.

Thinking about cash and budgeting is in many ways like thinking about passing through a storm. While it may be initially frightening and exhilarating, the fact that we are lending serious consideration to navigating the storm at all is in itself a clear indication of our hope for a better future. Let us see our businesses through the turbulent times; let us take those simple steps and see it through.

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.

INSIDE-OUT

SAUDI BOOM: HARVESTING MEP BUSINESS GROWTH AND STABILITY

Mohamed Anees of GRFN Global says MEP consultancy and contracting firms in the GCC region can take full advantage of the sophisticated construction ecosystem that mega-developments in the Kingdom are engendering

IN THE past decade, the Middle East has witnessed a significant increase in the development of the construction market. With a dynamic that fostered the emergence of several consultancies and contracting companies to cater to the diverse range of projects newly initiated, this increase was approached as an extension to the practice standards and norms that have been in place. But within this market, Saudi Arabia has become uniquely synonymous with visionary mega developments and new projects being announced as well as ambitious targets and requirements that symbolise a paradigm shift in

the architecture, engineering and construction industries within the Kingdom. These iconic projects are not just reshaping the development skyline but are also redefining the standards of practice for local and regional consultancies.

The transformation in Saudi Arabia presents a golden opportunity for regional consultancies to elevate their services and offerings to unprecedented levels. Substantial investments and a commitment to excellence provide great opportunities for consultancies and contractors to offer their services in an unconventional dynamic that fosters creativity and innovation.

The essence of these megadevelopments is marked by a distinct shift within the market towards meeting and exceeding international standards in building performance, sustainability and technological integration. And aside from the fact that the GCC region has always aimed to adopt international standards within its projects, this shift represents a higher level of commitment and articulation that is positively affecting sustainable developments and building performance. With that happening, consultancies now face a landscape where the bar for quality and innovation is continuously being raised to not only align with global best practices but also conform to the local environment and culture.

Consultancies are at the forefront of this change, tasked with translating visions into tangible realities. With

Mohamed Anees, Regional Business Development and Communications Director at GRFN Global, may be reached at anees@grfn.global.

budgets that are larger than the practice norm, consultancies and contractors are offered the freedom to utilise cuttingedge technologies and innovative design frameworks that might have been constrained by financial restrictions in regular projects. This has opened new avenues for development on the service offering side as well as on the internal operations side.

The ripple effects of Saudi Arabia’s new mega-developments are being felt regionally and internationally. Within the region, the fierce competition and high requirements compel consultancies to elevate their standards to meet competition, often collaborating with global firms to enhance their expertise and output quality. Internationally, the success of these projects places the region’s consultancies in a favourable position to attract more partnerships and projects, expanding their footprint and influence across the industry. It also helps in adopting international best practices and higher standards that in time, should set the new standard benchmarks and practice norms in the region.

Additionally, and as there has always been a significant gap between innovative academic research in building performance and its practical application, the current wave of mega-

developments provides the muchneeded financial support and market opportunities to bridge this gap. Consultancies now have the resources to experiment with new ideas and integrate them into mainstream practices more swiftly, and as these projects progress and operate, the collection and analysis of performance data will further develop research, making sustainable practices more accessible and costeffective. This not only accelerates the continuous adoption of innovative solutions but also enhances the built environment within the region.

On another note, with the new industry landscape, it has started to become more challenging to find local and regional consultancies and contractors that can keep up to pace with these ambitious projects. As the requirements get more complex, the calibre available as well as technical capabilities will require substantial development. While this is a positive note when it comes to elevating service standards, it might hinder the opportunities to swiftly include local and regional consultancies. The close integration and collaboration process that is being adopted involves all stakeholders in an interdisciplinary approach. This might be a new

challenge for some of the region’s more traditional consultancies, as it requires enhancing the consultancies’ technical capabilities and adopting a new mindset in approaching the developments and projects. On the contractor side, the scale and technical requirements are even higher, and with the scale of these projects, a substantial investment is required to be able to match the currently available workload; but aside from these being challenges to consultancies and contractors, they are positive indicators to a prosperous market.

It is, however, a concern when it comes to the sustainability of this dynamic. The opportunity provided now for the consulting and contracting industries is substantial and could provide rapid growth in the short term, but it is paramount that they focus not only on expanding in terms of technical capabilities and scale, but also on adopting resilient and adaptable growth, which could be maintainable after the market normalises. With that in mind, consultancies can reap multiple longterm benefits while smoothly navigating that high load period.

It is also a significant achievement to see sustainability evolving from a mere buzzword to a foundational component of modern architecture in the Kingdom. These developments are a great opportunity to standardise high-level sustainable practices, potentially setting new norms for the industry. And as these projects come to completion, they offer a template for future developments.

What is happening in the Kingdom is truly remarkable, with benefits and a positive impact that extends to the entire region for years to come. It is up to the different stakeholders now to keep up with the pace of development, while having agile frameworks and methodologies to deliver their services, and to make sure they embed the new practice dynamics within their compani es.

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.

TACKLING HVAC INEFFICIENCIES

Saying that one common cause of HVAC inefficiency is component choices, Kevin Laidler of Armstrong Fluid

Technology adds that a simple decision to include splitcoupled pumps can significantly enhance the ease and efficiency of system maintenance...

ACROSS THE Middle East, highperformance HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment. However, they are also one of the leading drivers of regional energy consumption. Air conditioning alone contributes up to 70% of the GCC region’s annual peak electricity consumption, with cooling demand set to grow even further in the next decade.

This is compounded by regional HVAC usage rates, and the continuous demands under which the average system operates. Take as an example the UAE, which is not only one of the world's highest energy consumers per capita but is also reflective of energy trends within the wider region. In the UAE, HVAC usage is powered by factors such as economic diversification, which is leading to rapid urban and industrial expansion, and population growth. But this growth is complicated by the threat of environmental instability in an already hot and arid climate.

In the Middle East, temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average. And, as the mercury soars, the strain on HVAC systems intensifies, leading to increased energy

consumption and greater inefficiencies in cooling. This creates a concerning feedback loop, as higher energy consumption contributes to further climate change, perpetuating the cycle of rising temperatures and increased demand for cooling solutions. As a result, addressing HVAC inefficiencies becomes not just an energy-saving exercise but also a crucial way to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the region.

With both urbanisation and temperatures on the rise across the region, the need for efficient and reliable HVAC systems is greater than ever. Because within any system, inefficiencies can quickly lead to poor performance, higher operating costs and a larger carbon footprint.

Compared to a unit performing at optimal efficiency, an underperforming HVAC unit can easily increase energy bills by up to 30%. Over time, this can lead to substantial financial losses for building owners, occupants and businesses alike.

So, what are the common causes of HVAC inefficiencies? And what can be done to ensure energy-efficient, cost-efficient and sustainable operations?

One common cause of HVAC

inefficiency is component choices, made when a system is designed and specified. Both the overall system design, and the choices of components, factor into the efficiency of the system, as well as the time and cost related to repair and maintenance.

For example, a simple choice to include split-coupled pumps can significantly enhance the ease and efficiency of system maintenance. With a traditional pump design, simple maintenance tasks often require significant time and effort, as technicians may need to disassemble pumps to access and service mechanical seals. This process can result in extended downtime, impacting the system's overall productivity and efficiency.

A split-coupled pump design allows for the separation of the motor and pump assembly without disturbing the motor, shaft or impeller. This feature streamlines maintenance procedures by providing easier access to bearings and seals, for inspection, repair or replacement. As a result, technicians can perform maintenance tasks more efficiently and minimise downtime. By incorporating best practices into the design and commissioning phase, building owners and facilities

managers can simplify maintenance procedures, reduce downtime and ensure optimal performance.

However, this also brings us to another common cause of HVAC inefficiency – irregular maintenance. When maintenance is overlooked, a system’s performance can deteriorate rapidly – and this leads to decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption and higher repair costs.

Implementing a regular maintenance schedule and a proactive service strategy is the first step towards addressing these issues. By carrying out frequent and thorough checks, tests and preventive maintenance, technicians can minimise downtime, lower repair costs and ensure a comfortable indoor environment for occupants while realising long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.

However, with even the most diligent of maintenance schedules, an outdated HVAC system will ultimately result in inefficiencies.

Older systems with limited diagnostic capabilities often lack the advanced features necessary for effective monitoring and maintenance, which makes it much more difficult to identify and address system issues.

Additionally, outdated technology may struggle to meet modern energy efficiency standards, resulting in higher energy consumption and operating costs.

Thankfully, advancements in HVAC technology offer promising solutions to these challenges.

Predictive maintenance capabilities, for instance, leverage data analytics and sensor technologies to monitor system performance in real time. By analysing trends and detecting anomalies, predictive maintenance systems can identify potential issues before they cause performance degradation, or even escalate into system failures.

Predictive maintenance tools, such as a cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform, are essential for optimal efficiency in any modern HVAC system. Such a platform continuously collects and analyses data on pump performance, including flow rates, pressure levels and energy consumption, to identify inefficiencies and promptly alert maintenance personnel before any issues lead to catastrophic system failures.

By proactively addressing maintenance needs, businesses can reduce downtime, lower repair

costs and improve system reliability. Predictive maintenance also enables more efficient resource allocation, allowing maintenance teams to prioritise tasks based on urgency. And this results in greater operational efficiency and reduced costs, to ensure optimal HVAC performance. A well-commissioned, wellmaintained and technologically advanced HVAC system is the difference between a cost-effective, energy-efficient system, and a time, cost, and energy-intensive one. However, with diligent design, installation and commissioning, regular preventive maintenance, and the implementation of modern technologies such as predictive maintenance, HVAC inefficiencies can be mitigated. And a more efficient system means that businesses benefit not only from greater energy savings but also from better system reliability and longe vity.

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.

IGNITING CHANGE: T HE P OWER OF SUSTA INA BLE

WATER HE AT ING SOLU TIONS

Water heaters can play a vital role in enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainability in our buildings, but the twin objectives require an innovative approach, says Brian Hempenstall , Managing

Director,

Rheem Middle East

IN RECENT decades, investment in the built environment has transformed the landscape of the Middle East – quite literally. Between 1975 and 2019, the UAE alone witnessed a 1,000% increase in population growth. And now, with several mega-projects that are expected to house millions of people, well underway, Saudi Arabia is also laying the foundation for imminent urban population growth.

The rapid rate of urbanisation has created an interesting dichotomy. As

Brian Hempenstall

cities in the region grow, so does the construction of residential, office, hospitality and leisure facilities –spaces that are all deeply intertwined with human behaviour. This surge in urban development has sparked a demand for human-centric design, with one key consideration in mind –occupant comfort.

At the same time, the rapid rate of urbanisation has also led to a surge in energy demand. Since 1980, energy consumption in the Middle East has grown faster than the region’s GDP.

COVER STORY

This phenomenon has been intensified by the onset of regional climate change, with temperatures in the Middle East rising twice as fast as the global average

Now more than ever, regional governments are placing sustainability firmly at the heart of urban development. The UAE has outlined a strategy to achieve a 70% reduction in the country’s carbon footprint by 2050, and Saudi Arabia is aiming to reach zero net emissions by 2060.

So, the burning question remains: As an industry, how do we balance the demand for occupant comfort with regional sustainability goals? How do we create comfortable spaces in an eco-conscious way? The answer lies in energy-efficient solutions.

In increasingly hot and arid climates, a water heater may not be the first appliance we think of when it comes to optimising efficiency – however, on average, water heating accounts for nearly 20% of domestic energy usage, with figures for commercial energy usage varying based on the size and

type of facility. After air conditioning, this is typically the second-largest expense. So, for developers seeking to produce more sustainable, energyefficient buildings, the strategy for heating water is a crucial consideration.

In recent years, there has been a drive towards heat pumps across many parts of the globe.

Heat pumps use a vapour compression cycle to transfer lowgrade heat energy into hot water. An air-to-water heat pump draws energy from the surrounding atmosphere. Therefore, the energy source is free, and due to the vapour compression cycle, the only energy consumed is that used to drive the electrical components of the appliance. This makes heat pumps an extremely energy-efficient solution, particularly across the Middle East, because both efficiency and performance increase with the ambient air temperature.

Utilising heat pump technology in both commercial and residential projects not only aids in conserving energy but also reduces the total

connected load. By doing so, there is a subsequent decrease in the need for additional wires, control panels and transformers, resulting in significant cost savings during the initial procurement phase. This efficient approach ultimately benefits investors by preserving a substantial amount of capital.

In addition, hybrid water heaters, which leverage WiFi-enabled technology, help users control and monitor their water heater’s energy consumption through their mobile devices, empowering them to use energy more consciously. These systems can also deliver enhanced maintenance support, as they provide advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting for installers and maintenance engineers. This helps expedite service, address issues more efficiently and prevent small repairs from snowballing into larger and more severe maintenance concerns. The integration of smarter water heaters can help building owners and occupants make more informed decisions about energy consumption.

In commercial or residential applications, durable, energyefficient solutions, such as heat pumps, often require a larger upfront investment, but in the long term, they deliver better ROI by saving costs on various levels.

Evidently, occupant comfort and energy efficiency should not be treated as two separate challenges. Rather, they should be considered as mutually beneficial opportunities for system optimisation. By investing in well-designed water products that benefit from cutting-edge technology and are built to last, building owners not only stand to save money and uphold their reputation but can also play a vital role in safeguarding the future of our planet.

IN THE VANGUARD of combating climate change, nations are escalating their commitments to slashing carbon emissions and bolstering sustainability. This paradigm shift mandates radical enhancements in utility systems, transforming traditional operational efficiencies to conform to rigorous environmental standards. Meeting these standards is challenging, requiring the seamless integration of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies that mitigate environmental impacts without sacrificing operational efficiency. Endress+Hauser

CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRAL TO GLOBAL CLIMATE INITIATIVES IMPROVEMENT

Endress+Hauser’s innovative services help navigate the path to climate resilience through contributing to large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage projects in the region, among other key initiatives, says Mahmoud Jarrar, Regional Director Strategic Service, Endress+Hauser

At the helm of these transformative efforts, Endress+Hauser delivers critical technologies and services integral to global climate initiatives. Our dedication empowers the utilities sector to navigate these challenges with groundbreaking solutions, like carbon capture and an expansive digital ecosystem engineered to bolster sustainability efforts.

Pioneering in carbon capture Endress+Hauser has been instrumental in large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage projects in the region,

Mahmoud Jarrar

orchestrating the design and delivery of comprehensive Custody Metering packages equipped with sophisticated control systems for CO2 measurement. This also includes construction of a carbon dioxide compression facility, where our advanced technologies continue to play a crucial role. Not only do these technologies comply with stringent environmental regulations, but they also facilitate strategic carbon footprint management, marking significant progress in carbon capture endeavours and contributing to global carbon reduction goals.

Cultivating a strong and resilient digital ecosystem

Our commitment to refining utility management transcends mere technological provision, embracing a robust digital ecosystem that elevates operational efficiencies and sustainability. The cornerstone of this transformation is our Smart Support Connect and Remote Asset Monitoring services. These services provide advanced tools that refine diagnostics and maintenance

workflows, significantly boosting uptime and enhancing plant availability. By integrating these services, utilities can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and reliability, critical in today’s energy landscape.

Smart Support: Streamlining operations and minimising costs

Endress+Hauser’s connected support service revolutionises the maintenance and diagnostics of process-critical equipment. By enhancing measurement confidence and minimising total cost of ownership, this innovative service significantly cuts operating expenses. It includes comprehensive remote support for diagnostics, troubleshooting and maintenance operations. Additionally, our Smart Support ensures timely remote guidance on service operations, significantly enhancing team expertise while reducing the time and costs associated with diagnostics, troubleshooting and maintenance. This proactive support is vital in minimising process downtimes and swiftly restoring operational functionality.

Through these strategic initiatives, Endress+Hauser not only aids utilities in tackling current challenges but also prepares them to meet future demands. Our approach guarantees a sustainable and efficient operational landscape, underlining our leadership in innovation and customer support. By equipping our clients with advanced technologies and expert services, we position them at the forefront of utility management technology, ready to lead in an environmentally conscious market.

You can get more information at https://eh.digital/3WKb2O6 or by scanning the QR code, below:

ADAPTIVE THERMAL COMFORT AND BETTER IAQ

A combination of evaporative cooling cycles enables cooling below the wet bulb temperature of air, thus addressing the most pressing challenges of our times –decarbonisation, says Vinod Ramnani of ATE Enterprises

IN OUR engineering science studies, we were taught it is theoretically impossible to cool below the wet bulb temperature of air by evaporating water. It is no surprise that the majority of us find it hard to believe there exists a combination of evaporative cooling cycles by which it is not only possible to cool “below the wet bulb” temperature of air but also has been successfully deployed in numerous applications. Let us understand how we can use these cycles to help address the most pressing challenge of our times –decarbonisation.

To understand the possibilities better, a few concepts should be understood…

Direct evaporative cooling – DEC

Direct evaporative cooling lowers the temperature of air by using the latent heat of evaporation, changing water to vapour. Warm dry air is changed to cool moist air. Heat in the air is used to evaporate water. Since no heat is added or removed, this is an adiabatic process. The enthalpy of

the air – or energy of the air – does not change. Such direct evaporative systems vary from being 70-95% effective in temperature reduction related to the incoming air's wet-bulb temperature.

Indirect evaporative cooling – IEC IEC is performed in a heat exchanger. Thermodynamically, an indirect evaporative cooler passes primary or product air (supply air) over the dry side of the heat exchanger and secondary or working air (scavenging air) over the wet side of the heat exchanger. The wet side absorbs heat from the dry side to evaporate water and, therefore, cools the dry side with the latent heat of vaporising water into the air. The scavenging air that facilitates the vaporisation is exhausted out. The primary air is cooled without any addition of water; and thus, it becomes a purely sensible cooling process.

This process is indicated below for a plate type heat exchanger.

The supply air stream on the dry side of the plate travels in cross flow to the scavenging air on the wet side. The effectiveness of these types of coolers is reported to approach 85% of the incoming air wet bulb temperature when the difference between air dry bulb and wet bulb temperature is more than 15 degrees C.

Indirect and direct evaporative cooling – IDEC

Combining both the above cycles –that is, indirect and direct evaporative cooling – IDEC – an effective cooling process emerges which achieves significantly better results and sub wet bulb cooling. The product air (supply air) temperature on the dry side of the plate easily reaches below the wet bulb temperature of the incoming air at the end of two cycles.

Adaptive cooling and ASHRAE Standard 55

• As almost all new buildings in the GCC region are going for air conditioning systems, we can expect that 70% of the energy consumption in the buildings will be by HVAC systems alone. With respect to this alarming possibility, it is worthwhile to consider an alternative line of thought

• The inside comfort conditions specified during the 1970s and the 1980s used to be 25.5 degrees C, while the present specs call for 22 degrees C in a large majority of comfort air conditioning applications. This single set point change will give rise to 11% extra (approximately) energy consumption.

• Countries like Japan, Indonesia and China have statutory/ government regulations on set point temperatures and clothing protocols in summer. They have been reaping enormous savings for quite some years now.

• Now, it is time to think about a similar approach – an adaptive approach – for energy saving. This relies on the purpose defined in ASHRAE Standard 55.

• The fundamental concept is to stretch the range of comfort temperature. An adaptive approach also shows that the ambient outside air temperature is the most important parameter that affects the comfort temperature.

• ASHRAE Standard 55 intends to apply the criteria of temperature, humidity, air speed, and the level of clothing of people and their activities (metabolic rate) and find human comfort over a wider range of temperatures.

• By accepting comfort temperatures of around 26-30 degrees C allied with enhanced air movement, occupants can be kept within the comfort zone (as can be at lower temperatures), while achieving substantial energy savings.

Applications of Indirect Evaporative cooling sub wet bulb temperature (SWBT) evaporative cooling: IDEC

The SWBT evaporative cooling system operates on the principle of two stage “indirect + direct evaporative air conditioning – IDEC”, comprising air prefilters, blower, water distribution system, sensible heat exchanger (IEC) and an adiabatic heat exchanger constructed of cellulose or equivalent type of cooling pads employed to evaporatively cool the treated air after IEC.

Let us look at what kind of cooling temperature of air can be achieved with the above arrangement with two stages (Indirect + Direct) cooling in dry and semi-humid conditions.

Let us take Riyadh (hot and dry), and Dubai (hot and humid) cities for the analysis.

RIYADH:

DUBAI:

Ambient temperature as per ASHRAE Temperature achieved after first stage (IEC) Temperature achieved after two stages (IEC+DEC)

Max DBT: 43.3 degrees C and co-incident WBT: 23.6 degrees C 27.50 degrees C/19.0 degrees C 19.80 degrees C/18.03 degrees C 16

Max WBT: 35.4 degrees C and co-incident WBT: 30.0 degrees C

In addition to the above, these systems will significantly save power consumption vis-à-vis air conditioning systems in dry climates by more than 70% and in humid climates by nearly 45% during peak summer conditions. Further, in comparison to air conditioning, which is predominantly recirculated air system, these systems

(operating on the adaptive comfort principle) are 100% fresh air systems, resulting in significantly better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Adopting IEC for pre-cooling of fresh air for centrally airconditioned buildings Introducing treated fresh air into conditioned spaces with pre-cooling by

Indirect Evaporative Cooling (in lieu of heat wheels) saves power, as heat wheel does not provide the following distinct advantages.

• Eliminates return air ducting

• Zero cross contamination

• Lower capital investment

• Lower footprint

• Minimised maintenance

• Best-in-class payback

With increased focus on retrofittable decarbonisation, it is time we look at this alternative indirect evaporative cooling technology seriously.

With distinct advantages of power savings, excellent IAQ (100% fresh air system) and applicability of indirect evaporative cooling in humid and tropical climates, indirect evaporative cooling-based systems deserve to be considered for various applications, including industries, warehouses, religious places, sports arenas and outdoor air cooling. In short, they deserve a prominent place in contemporary high-performance buildings.

UAE Council for Climate Action discusses efforts to elevate climate ambition

Officials discuss progress on the National Climate Plan and strategies to boost public environmental awareness in preparation for COP29

By CCME Content Team

The UAE Council for Climate Action met to assess national efforts to elevate climate ambition, in preparation for the upcoming COP29, scheduled to take place in the Republic of Azerbaijan later this year. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the Council said the discussions revolved around strategies to strengthen the country's climate action and make progress in implementing national initiatives and plans geared towards achieving Net Zero by 2050. H.E. Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), chaired the meeting, the Council said.

H.E. Dr. Al Dahak said: “Climate change is a reality with significant repercussions for us and every nation, worldwide. We acknowledge the major impact climate change has on crucial

upcoming COP29, to take place in the Republic of Azerbaijan, later this year. In the meantime, we will continue to advance our local and global projects and initiatives as part of our endeavour to mitigate climate change."

The Council said that the meeting addressed topics related to the implementation of national climate initiatives, including the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, cross-sectoral collaboration and the importance of joint work in streamlining objectives.

The discussions also covered the progress made in drafting federal law aimed at mitigating climate impact to facilitate the UAE's journey towards climate neutrality and advancements in establishing a 'Carbon Credits Trading Platform', in turn aimed at fostering sustainable and innovative financing for green projects, the Council said.

sectors, which has led us to intensify efforts to mitigate its negative effects. We need to expedite innovation and implement solutions to combat and adapt to climate change. This aligns with our commitment to achieving Net Zero in the UAE by 2050.”

"Our leadership entrusts us with the responsibility to establish a distinguished Emirati model that addresses climate change while keeping up with fast-paced development. Achieving this goal will enhance cooperation and coordination among all relevant stakeholders, including government entities, private sector and all sections of society. The outcomes of COP28 underscored the UAE's prominent position in global climate action, and has inspired us to strengthen our position even more as we prepare for our participation in the

The Council said the discussions addressed the progress made on the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition (NDCA), designed to elevate ambition across all sectors and foster their engagement in attaining climate neutrality.

The Council said that in the upcoming phase, the NDCA will be deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainability efforts, introducing strategies for advancing research to bolster climate action in diverse sectors and facilitating a comprehensive national discourse on the UAE's engagement during COP29.

The Council said it reviewed the ‘Carbon Pricing Policy’, which aims to encourage companies to reduce carbon emissions by studying direct and indirect carbon pricing mechanisms and advancements in the National Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System.

The Azerbaijan landscape. Inset: H.E. Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak

Further, the Council reviewed the strategies to bolster the UAE’s engagement in COP29, such as harnessing the UAE's capabilities to contribute effectively to global climate action, especially in advancing climate finance for a just and equitable energy transition worldwide, while aiding nations in confronting and adapting to climate change and incorporating action plans, priorities and methods to showcase the UAE's leadership position in climate action through local and global projects and initiatives.

The Council said participants in the meeting discussed ways to strengthen the UAE's national

governance structure, to ensure a unified approach to national climate efforts and to enhance alignment among all entities involved in the UAE's climate action.

The meeting aimed to improve efforts towards raising environmental awareness in the UAE among various stakeholders and communities, the Council said, adding that the focus was also on engaging various entities to carry out environmental and climate awareness, as well as on ways to increase the number and effectiveness of environmental studies and research in the country.

According to the Council,

representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), the Ministry of E conomy, the Ministry of Education, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EGA), the Fujairah Environment Authority, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Emirates Global Aluminiu m (EGA) attended the meeting.

Regal Rexnord joins Eurovent Middle East as member

Eurovent says Regal’s coming on board signals further growth of its membership base

By CCME Content Team

EUROVENT Middle East said Regal Rexnord has joined as a member, in support of joint initiatives in regulatory development, education and raising awareness on energy efficiency and sustainability. Making the announcement through a Press release, Eurovent Middle East said Regal Rexnord’s coming on board signals further growth of its membership base.

Eurovent Middle East said Regal Rexnord is a manufacturer of

automation solutions, electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation and mechanical power transmission products. Eurovent added that the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with manufacturer Nicotra Gebhardt as one of several brands under the Regal Rexnord umbrella.

Vijay Kambhammettu, Director of Sales, Marketing & NPD (PES Segment - MEA), Regal Rexnord, said: “We are poised to contribute our expertise

towards the collaborative framework of Eurovent Middle East, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices within the HVACR sector. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for us to engage with industry leaders, exchange on best practices, and benefit from valuable resources and networking opportunities. Eurovent Middle East is an excellent platform for cooperation and coordination, taking initiative in so many different aspects. We are happy to support this approach and look forward to being part of the discussion.”

Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, added: “We greatly appreciate the endorsement and support from Regal Rexnord. This collaboration re-affirms the values and vision of the Association and its members, jointly working towards improved energy efficiency and sustainable practices in the HVACR context and underlines that the demand for industry-wide collaboration is immense. Together, we have a better chance to elevate industry standards and enhance best practices within the HVACR industry.”

Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East

Vijay Kambhammettu, Director of Sales, Marketing & NPD, Regal Rexnord

Daikin extends special support to flood-affected communities

Company says support includes free inspections and special rates for repairing its air conditioning units in offices, apartments and villas across the UAE, and understanding the challenges faced by the communities whose spaces have been impacted by the floods

By CCME Content Team

IN THE wake of the recent severe weather conditions across the UAE, Daikin announced that it stands in solidarity with affected residents and businesses dealing with damaged property, lost furniture and more. Making the announcement through a Press release, Daikin said it will undertake free inspections and special rates for repairing its air conditioning units in offices, apartments and villas across the UAE, and understanding the challenges

faced by the communities whose spaces have been impacted by the floods.

Daikin said it recognises the critical importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every member of the community during times of adversity. The company said that understanding that a comfortable environment is essential for healing and recovery, it is stepping forward to offer complimentary AC inspections for its units to assess any damage caused by the floods and special rates on parts and repairs. Daikin further said that this initiative aims to aid homeowners and businesses in restoring comfort and normalcy to their living and working spaces.

Daikin said this initiative is a testament to its commitment to supporting the UAE government's

Dantherm offers flood relief

Says it is stepping up to assist with recovery efforts in the UAE

By CCME Content Team

IN THE aftermath of the recent flooding in Dubai, Dantherm, a provider of climate control solutions, is stepping up to assist with recovery efforts. The company

said it has a wide range of products specifically designed to address the challenges posed by flood damage.

Ziad Ibrahim, Regional Sales Manager (Middle East), Dantherm, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting

efforts to assist the communities during times of crisis.

Samer Alawiah, Managing Director, UAE at Daikin Middle East & Africa, said: “We understand the challenges many families face in the aftermath of the recent adverse weather conditions. In moments of hardship, we extend a compassionate hand, committed to aiding customers in restoring comfort and tranquillity to their homes. Our dedicated service team offers free inspections and thorough support on parts and services, ensuring the wellbeing of the community remains our utmost concern. We aim to provide assistance and support wherever we can and contribute to the recovery efforts.”

Daikin said it has ensured that its after-sale and service fleet, processes, technicians, service staff, engineers and manpower are fully equipped to mobilise swiftly in response to AC downtime requests. The company also said that this commitment extends special support to affected customers, exemplifying its dedication to social responsibility.

Daikin said it encourages residents and businesses in affected areas to make use of this initiative, available until May 31, by reaching out to its nearest Daikin service hub to schedule an inspection appointment.

Alawiah said: “We will relentlessly strive to alleviate the burden of adversity, ensuring your living and working spaces are havens once again. The wellbeing of our customers is our priority, and we are here to assist every step of the way.”

the region, said, "We manufacture a lot of solutions for this situation and for drying buildings after floods."

The company supplies dehumidifiers, air purifiers and ventilation systems, which can effectively remove excess moisture from buildings, preventing mould growth and accelerating the drying process.

Dantherm said it is able to offer products for residential and commercial use, with options for homes, businesses, construction sites and disaster relief.

Ziad Ibrahim

ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter announces new committee

Shares events for the new Society Year, including technical sessions, training programmes, industry visits, technical conferences, sports tournaments and student chapter formation initiatives

By CCME Content Team

THE ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter held an installation ceremony to introduce the new working committee for the 2024-2025 Society Year. Making the announcement through a Press Release, ISHRAE said the event included Anoop Ballaney, Society President, ISHRAE and Mihir Sanghavi, Society Vice President, Marketing and Communications, ISHRAE, as chief guests.

ISHRAE highlighted that the ceremony also welcomed H.E. Alexi

Gunasekra, Consul General of Sri Lanka, and H.E. K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce), Consulate General of India in Dubai, who also participated in launching the ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter's Instagram handle and You Tube page.

ISHRAE said the new committee, led by President Agnel D'Souza Dsouza, is committed to knowledge sharing and industry engagement. ISHRAE said it declared the calendar of events for the new Society Year,

including technical sessions, training programmes, industry visits, technical conferences, sports tournaments and student chapter formation initiatives.

The Sub Chapter congratulated the new team, which includes:

• Ajith Abraham, President-Elect

• S.S. Swamy, Secretary

• Vijay Vaidyanathan, Treasurer

• Moan Abraham, Immediate Past President

ISHRAE said it also recognised the following Chapter working committee members:

Arvind Rotiwar, Abdul Razak Shaikh, Bhakti More, Bhavya Rakesh Rao, Harshal Dhakad, Jacob Antony, Prashanth B.S. Iyengar, Neelivethil Rajeev, Sameera khan, Ravi Wadhwani, Sanu Chenthamarakshan, Unni Krishnan S.P., Utpal Joshi, Vajra Shetty and Resmy Nair.

L-R: Mihir Sanghavi, HVAC&R Engineer & Entrepreneur, ISHRAE; Moan Abraham, Entrepreneur, Immediate Past President, ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter, Co-Founder, Aircon Comfort Solutions LLP, Director & Managing Partner, Phileo PM Aircondition & Refrigeration Trading; Vijay Vaidyanathan, Treasurer, ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter; Anoop Ballaney, Society President, ISHRAE HQ; Agnel D'Souza, Founder / Managing Director - A.B.L Group, President, ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter; Ajith Abraham, Assistant General Manager, Leminar Air Conditioning Company LLC, President Elect, ISHRAE UAE; S .S. Swamy, Area Manager - Middle East & Africa, Snowman Middle East FZCO, Secretary, ISHRAE UAE Sub Chapter

Agnel D'Souza

Ajith Abraham

S .S. Swamy

Vijay Vaidyanathan

1 DAY SESSION ON BROAD HVAC APPROACHES

14 OCTOBER 2023, 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

www.dcdialogue.com

2 DAY SESSION ON DISTRICT COOLING

15 OCTOBER 2023, 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

Empower announces Q1 2024 results

District Cooling provider reports AED 538 million in revenue

By CCME Content Team

EMPOWER Q1, 2024

EMPOWER Q1, 2023

Q1, 2024 Revenue Q1, 2024 EBITDA Q1, 2023 Revenue Q1, 2023 EBITDA

EMPOWER announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 through a press release, reporting revenue of AED 538 million, with an increase of 8.8%, and EBITDA of AED 313 million, with a growth of 8.2%, compared to the same period of 2023. Empower claimed that it earned AED 182 million as profit before tax with growth of 8.6% compared to the same period of 2023. The District Cooling company added that the net profit after tax amounted to AED 166 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2024.

Empower said it has recorded a consolidated revenue of AED 3.1 billion during the past 12 months, between April 2023 and March 2024, compared to AED 2.8 billion between April 2022 and March 2023, posting a growth of 9.2%. Empower said its EBITDA for the period starting from April 2023 to March 2024 amounted to AED 1.5 billion, compared to AED 1.4 billion for the period starting from April 2022 to March 2023, representing a growth of 6.2%.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, attributed the remarkable growth in the first quarter of 2024 to the demand for the company's services across Dubai. “We saw a significant demand from the wide range of new mixed-use projects that joined Empower's portfolio during the recent period, resulting in new growth rates in the volume of production and operational capacity,” he said.

Bin Shafar emphasised that the primary factor driving Empower's financial performance and the

achievement of the quarterly results is the rise in recurring and sustainable revenues with a focus on increasing operational efficiencies. These revenues, he said, stem from the recovery of diverse economic activities and various sectors in Dubai, with a particular emphasis on the real estate sector, which is central to the company's business and operations.

Quarterly updates

Empower said the first quarter witnessed a significant increase in Empower’s business, with the signing of 37 new contracts to provide over 34,000 refrigeration tons to various projects and buildings in Dubai. “This indicates a growing acceptance of environmentally friendly District Cooling services among real estate developers and building owners in the Emirate,” Empower said.

The company said that Data Hub Integrated Solutions (Moro), a subsidiary

and the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), awarded a Green Certificate to Empower for hosting its major IT workloads on Moro Hub’s Green Data Center, acknowledging its role in contributing to environmental sustainability. By hosting its IT workloads at Moro’s Green Data Center, Empower reduced carbon emissions by approximately 35,371 kilograms of CO2 equivalent during the hosting period, contributing to preserving the environment.

In January, Empower signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASHRAE for the development of a unified and globally approved District Cooling Standard, which it said, will be adopted by various countries with emerging District Cooling infrastructure by 2025. Empower added that it also joined hands with ASHRAE through another MoU for a research study to develop the next and third-generation District Cooling Systems. According to Empower, the research study aims to investigate and analyse emerging trends and advancements to identify the forthcoming generation of District Cooling technology, specifically concentrating on the transition from traditional to first and second-generation District Cooling systems to innovative third-generation models.

Empower said the International District Energy Association (IDEA) honoured H.E. Bin Shafar, who achieved a qualitative shift in the pivotal and environmentally friendly District Cooling industry and an expansion of its positive gains in terms of social and economic sustainability.

Empower said its Annual General Meeting, which was held during the first quarter, approved the Board of Directors' proposal to distribute cash dividends to shareholders for the second half of 2023, totalling AED 425 million (AED 0.0425 per share), equivalent to 42.5% of the company's paid-up capital. Empower added that this amount was paid during the month of April and that with this dividend payment, the company fulfilled its commitment to distribute AED 850 million (AED 0.085 per share) as annual dividends.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

Empower, Al Habtoor Group sign agreement

District Cooling utility provider says it will provide chilled water to Al Habtoor Tower

By CCME Content Team

EMIRATES Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) announced that it has signed an agreement with Al Habtoor Group to supply the Al Habtoor Tower with District Cooling services of approximately 7,200 refrigeration tons (RT) (equivalent to 75% of the peak cooling capacity of Burj Khalifa). Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said Al Habtoor Tower, expected to provide housing for over 5,000 residents, will be supplied with Empower's District Cooling services by the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.

building with the most efficient and high-quality District Cooling services. Al Habtoor Tower is a unique addition to the city's skyline and an architectural and engineering icon that will enrich Dubai's future landscape of building projects and bring up the lifestyle of residents to unprecedented levels of luxury.”

Empower said the agreement was signed at Al Habtoor Group's head office, by H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, and Mohammed Khalaf Al-Habtoor, Vice Chairman & CEO, Al Habtoor Group. The District Cooling utility provider said that located in a prime spot along Sheikh Zayed Road, spanning a building area of 3,517,313 square feet and towering 350 metres this

project offers a distinctive perspective of the Dubai Water Canal's banks. Empower said that according to its statement on the DFM website, the development boasts 87 floors, housing 1,701 residential units alongside retail spaces, health and fitness amenities, and facilities catering to business needs, conferences and diverse events.

Empower said Al Habtoor Tower residential project will be built by the China Railway 18th Bureau Group Ltd and served by Empower's Business Bay District Cooling plant.

H.E. Bin Shafar said: “We are proud to provide the world's largest residential

Al-Habtoor said, “Our Group is keen to collaborate with government agencies to contribute to achieving Dubai's goals of reducing carbon footprint, protecting the climate and promoting community health by providing our portfolio of real estate projects in Dubai with competitive and environmentally friendly cooling services.”

The District Cooling utility provider said Al Habtoor also underlined that the Group identified Empower as the perfect partner to realise these objectives, particularly due to its capacity and efficiency in servicing the Al Habtoor Tower project.

https://ccme.news/event/dc-dialogue/

Mohammed Khalaf Al-Habtoor and H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

BRONZE SPONSORS

EDF Group, J-Power and Yamna receive 1 Mtpa green ammonia project in Oman

Consortium says it will allow the development of a large-scale green ammonia project with a capacity of one million tons per year

By CCME Content Team

ELECTRICITÉ de France S.A. and its subsidiary, EDF Renewables (EDF Group), Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power) and Yamna Co Ltd (Yamna) announced that they were awarded a land block by Hydrogen Oman SPC (Hydrom), a state-owned company and leader of the Omani hydrogen vision. Making the announcement through a Press release, the consortium announced that spanning over 341 square kilometres, the land block located in the Governorate of Dhofar will allow the development of a large-scale green ammonia project with a capacity of one million tons per year.

The consortium said that leveraging Oman's excellent renewable energy resources, it intends to install approximately 4.5 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity coupled with battery storage and approximately 2.5 gigawatts of state-of-the-art electrolyser. The consortium further said the hydrogen produced would then be supplied to an ammonia plant to be built in the Salalah Free Zone.

The consortium said it signed a project development agreement and sub-usufruct agreement with Hydrom, granting it the exclusive right to develop, build, own, operate and maintain the project for 47 years.

The consortium said the project agreement was signed by H. E. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom; Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East, EDF Group; Olivier Bordes, CEO Middle East, EDF Renewables; Michihide Kita, Director General, International Business Development Department, J-Power; and Abdelaziz Yatribi, CEO, Yamna. The consortium said the signing closes the Hydrom Phase A Round 2 competitive green hydrogen tender procedure launched by Hydrom in June 2023, and enshrines the award of the land block to the consortium, for the development of the Project. Furthermore, the consortium said, the award materialises the successful partnership between its members. The consortium added that once commercially operational, the project will make Oman home to one of

the world’s largest green hydrogen and derivatives plants.

H.E. Al Aufi said: “Oman is strategically located between two key green hydrogen demand centres in Europe and Asia. In addition, our tier-1 infrastructure and logistics capabilities have enabled us to leverage our firstmover advantage in the global hydrogen industry. The availability of renewable natural resources in Oman, coupled with the country’s favourable geopolitical positioning, investor-friendly policies and progressive energy transition strategies, make it one of the most suitable countries for green hydrogen production. I would like to congratulate EDF Group, J-Power and Yamna on their awarding and look forward to working together to realise our collective vision.”

Beatrice Buffon, Chairwoman and CEO, EDF Renewables and Vice President in charge of the International Division, EDF Group, said: “EDF Group and its subsidiary EDF Renewables are proud to be awarded, alongside their partners in the Hydrom project. This achievement demonstrates Oman's trust

L-R: Abdelaziz Yatribi, Olivier Bordes, H.E. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Luc Koechlin and Michihide Kita

in our decarbonisation solutions. With its hydrogen plan, EDF is supporting the energy transition of the sectors which emit the most CO2. Hydrogen fuels a future where sustainability meets innovation. This is why we are not just generating power, we are paving the way for cleaner, greener and more innovative energy solutions for the generations to come”.

Hiroyasu Sugiyama, Executive Vice President, J-Power, said: “We are honoured by this great opportunity to participate in the project and to collaborate with Omani stakeholders as well as our partners. Considering the

development of renewable energies and renewable-based hydrogen, the project is in line with our strategy, Blue Mission 2050, to accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality. It will contribute to both Oman and global net-zeroemissions goals.”

Yatribi said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with our partners, with a target to deliver a transformational flagship project for Oman and the global hydrogen industry. We are eager to significantly contribute to the success of this project by leveraging on our expertise of

green hydrogen and ammonia and our experience in Oman.”

The consortium said green hydrogen and its derivatives are crucial for Oman’s energy transition and sustainability strategy, as the government aims to raise renewable energy-based hydrogen production to at least one million tons per annum by 2030, as part of the Oman National Energy Strategy 2040.

The consortium said it would continue the development of the project by conducting detailed studies with a view to swiftly deliver this transformational project for Oman and the energy transition.

Leminar, Ebara forge business relationship

Company says the aim is to provide comprehensive pumping solutions

By CCME Content Team

LEMINAR announced the signing of a distributorship agreement with Ebara Pumps Middle East FZE, a fully owned subsidiary of EBARA Corporation Japan, on April 4. Making the announcement through a Press release, Leminar said, the collaboration marks a notable advancement in its commitment to offering comprehensive pumping solutions to the market, while emphasising the shared dedication of both entities towards delivering high-quality solutions that meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.

Leminar said that founded in 1912, Ebara Corporation was originally established as a pump manufacturing company in Tokyo, Japan, swiftly

diversifying its offerings to include a comprehensive array of products essential for industrial and infrastructure development across five continents. The company said that Ebara is one of the largest centrifugal pump manufacturers in Japan and across the world today and added that it is renowned for its century of relentless innovation and unwavering commitment to quality in the standard and custom pump markets.

Pramodh Idicheria, Chief Operating Officer, Leminar Global, said: “We're excited to announce our distributorship for sales and service of water and waste water pumps required in building services in the territory of the UAE with Ebara. By leveraging our collective strengths, we are

poised to deliver unparalleled pumping solutions tailored to the demands of our customers in the UAE. Together, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence, ensuring our clients receive world-class products and services that exceed customers’ expectations.”

Commenting on this strategic business relationship, Haruki Komatsu, Managing Director, Ebara Pumps Middle East FZE, said: “We are delighted to announce our distributorship for sales and service of water and waste water pumps required in building services in the territory of UAE with Leminar. This collaboration signifies a strategic alignment of our shared values and goals, further reinforcing our commitment to fostering a sustainable society in the UAE. We anticipate a mutually beneficial relationship that will drive innovation and create lasting impact in our community.”

Kartik Raval, Senior General Manager, Leminar, said: “Our expertise and market presence, combined with Ebara's legacy of excellence in pump manufacturing, promise to deliver unmatched value and reliability to customers across the UAE. This business relationship underscores our commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and contribute to the nation's sustainable development goals.

Pramodh Idicheria and Haruki Komatsu during the signing ceremony. In the backdrop are senior Leminar officials, with Kartik Raval third from left

UNEZA announces joint intent to scale renewable capacity by 2.5 times to 2030

Alliance says its members have announced action plan at the IRENA Assembly and will focus on increasing the speed of grid investment and development

By CCME Content Team

THE Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) announced that it adopted the UNEZA Roadmap to 2030, which targets a total increase of renewable energy capacity within its portfolios to 749GW by 2030, an increase of 2.5 times relative to 2023.

Making the announcement through a Press release, UNEZA said, its members’ joint renewables ambition was announced alongside a grid infrastructure action plan.

UNEZA said the plan, revealed at the 14th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), addresses the pressing need to scale and modernise global grid infrastructure to support clean power development and the tripling of renewables by 2030. According to IRENA, around USD 720 billion per year of investment in power grids and flexibility is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C.

UNEZA said in a joint, high-level statement that its CEOs stressed the centrality of enabling grid infrastructure and urged the policy and regulatory community to engage the industry to address bottlenecks and unlock capital flows.

According to UNEZA, the action plan focuses on three key critical areas:

• De-risking supply chains.

• Facilitating policy & regulatory support.

• Mobilising capital.

UNEZA said the joint statement and action plan were announced on April 17 at the 14th IRENA Assembly Ministerial Roundtable ‘Infrastructure for the Energy Transition: Utilities for Net Zero Alliance’.

Francesco La Camera, DirectorGeneral, IRENA, said: "The shift towards a renewables-based energy system is accelerating, and with the adoption of a global goal to triple

renewable power capacity by 2030 at COP28, this trend is expected to intensify. IRENA’s WETO shows that this goal will be met only with modernising infrastructure designed for the fossil fuel era to more interconnected and flexible systems that support renewables. The announcement of a grid infrastructure action plan by the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance is a significant step to addressing this urgent need, showcasing the central role that utilities can play in transforming our energy systems and realising net-zero targets.”

H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, said: “Utilities play a crucial role in delivering mitigation measures that align global development with a netzero future and are central to a future energy system that is in harmony with nature and the environment. Building on the momentum from COP28, we are advancing the design and implementation of our action plan and call on utilities worldwide to join this initiative, showcasing their ongoing

commitment to meaningful action.”

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TAQA and Co-Chair of the Alliance, said: “The global utilities community is taking bold, decisive steps towards the tripling of renewables by 2030, not just in terms of our concrete investment plans but also in our drive to address energy transition bottlenecks – particularly for grids. It is increasingly recognised that grid infrastructure development is critical to enable the energy transition and expansion of clean power capacity. However, we need to do more across industry and policy to encourage more supply chain capacity, address the gridlock in permitting for grids and increase capital flows.”

Martin Pibworth, Chief Commercial Officer, SSE plc and Co-Chair of UNEZA, said: "Our combined plans for accelerating renewables deployment will go a long way towards achieving our 2030 goal, but we also know that utilities can’t do it alone. We also need to build resilient supply

Francesco La Camera and Jasim Husain Thabet

chains that can meet this surge in demand, and we need bold enabling policy and regulatory mechanisms to underpin investments and accelerate the speed at which we can build. That is why we are coming together today to demonstrate our intent to the global supply chain and offer practical, actionable recommendations to policymakers, which we hope will help unlock real delivery on the ground and keep us on a pathway to trebling renewables this decade.”

Launched at COP28, UNEZA said it counts many of the leading global utilities among its members. UNEZA

said that it is led by the UAE’s TAQA (Abu Dhabi National Energy Company), and founding entities include Bui Power Authority, DEWA, DLO Energy, EDF, EDP, Edison International, E.ON, Enel, Engie, Etihad Water and Electricity, Hitachi Energy, Iberdrola, Jinko Power, KEGOC, KenGen, Masdar, National Grid, Octopus Energy, RWE, Sacremento Municipal Utility District, Schneider Electric, Siemens, SSE, Tenaga, Uniper and Xlinks. Green Grids Initiative and ACWA Power are recent new additions to the community.

Furthermore, UNEZA said that

the Alliance secretariat is guided and hosted by IRENA and supported by partners, including the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Global Renewables Alliance and Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional, Green Grids Initiative.

UNEZA said it invites companies to join the common vision of accelerating the energy transition, and the membership is open to utilities, developers, power system technology companies and knowledge partners determined to expedite the transition towards a net zero future by 2050.

Victaulic announces new appointment

Neil Wypior comes on board

By CCME Content Team

, the US-headquartered mechanical pipe joining systems provider, announced that it has hired Neil Wypior as the Offsite Construction Manager in Saudi Arabia. Making the announcement through a Press release, Victaulic said expertise in industrialised construction and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) solutions, along with a specialisation in modular construction.

Furthermore, the company said, Wypior would drive its growth and presence across Saudi

Branden Kotyk, Vice President and General Manager, EMEA, Victaulic, said: "Saudi Arabia continues to experience a surge in construction across megaprojects, housing, infrastructure and more. We are thrilled to welcome

Wypior to the Victaulic team. His unparalleled experience and 360-degree knowledge of our industries make Wypior the perfect fit for our vision of growth and innovation."

Victaulic said that Wypior's most recent experience was as an industrialised construction consultant (MEP) for NEOM, and before that, he was the Founder and Managing Director of EVO MEP and Managing Director of PREFAB MEP. The company also said that Wypior is recognised as a thought leader who actively contributes to MEP innovation through associations, events and educational activities.

Wypior said: "I am delighted to join Victaulic and embark on this new chapter of my career. Having used Victaulic's solutions myself through my years as a skilled tradesman, I have always understood the value and potential of Victaulic's systems to revolutionise the industry. I'm eager to leverage my knowledge of the Saudi Arabian market to make a meaningful impact on construction in the region."

European Union launches ‘EU-GCC Green Transition Project’

EU says launch of the project signifies a turning point in the global transition towards a clean energy future

By CCME Content Team

THE EUROPEAN Union announced that in a significant step forward for clean energy and climate action, it launched the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition project. Making the announcement through a Press release, the EU said the event took place at the IRENA pavilion during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in April in Abu Dhabi.

The EU said that the project aims to create a joint platform to exchange best practices and expertise between the EU and the GCC region stakeholders, promoting and adopting policies and technologies that support the GCC region’s green transition and fostering a collaborative business environment between EU green tech companies and their counterparts in the Gulf region. The launch of the project signifies a turning point in the global transition towards a clean energy future, marking a critical commitment to collaboration that sets a powerful example for the international community, paving the way for a more

sustainable and prosperous future for all, EU further said.

The EU said the launch event featured keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including H.E. Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, Lukasz Kolinski Head, Unit Renewables and Energy System Integration at the European Commission, and Tarig Ahmed, Regional Programme Officer - MENA Region, IRENA. The EU also said the speakers underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges and highlighted the transformative potential of the EU-GCC Cooperation on the Green Transition Project.

The EU said that in her opening speech, H.E. Berger, emphasised the project’s significance in the collective fight against climate change, highlighting the essential role of businesses from the EU and the GCC region countries in implementing the

global targets of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. The EU also added that she underlined that enhancing the business environment through this project can play a pivotal role in reaching those targets.

Kolinski said: “Collaboration between the EU and GCC region on green transition is essential for achieving our climate goals. This initiative will drive innovation, create new opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Ahmed said: “I strongly believe that the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project is timely and is a pivotal initiative to enable renewable energy solutions and encourage regional collaboration. This project is an essential milestone towards achieving a sustainable future for the GCC region and ultimately to our planet.”

The EU said that a key event highlight, echoing this year’s theme of the IRENA General Assembly, was the roundtable discussion titled “Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition”. The discussion, the EU said, focused on how the EU and GCC region can work together to develop robust infrastructure for significantly increasing renewable energy in the region, implement effective clean energy policies and equip their workforce with the necessary skills for the evolving energy landscape. Furthermore, the EU said, the discussion explored avenues for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint project development, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The EU said that the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project is poised to catalyse change. By fostering deeper collaboration, the project aims to increase the deployment of renewable energy sources significantly, stimulate environmental protection efforts, enhance economic growth and diversification, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change impacts, the EU further said.

H.E. Lucie Berger

ALEC acquires stake in INPROSERV Middle East

Company says aim of the acquisition is to enhance the long-term performance of built assets

By CCME Content Team

ALEC said it has incorporated INPROSERV into the Group. The deal, ALEC said, sees it take a stake in the Middle East company together with INPROSERV International, which also has physical offices in Europe and Africa and serves major infrastructure projects across the globe.

“Over the years, we have steadily expanded our core areas of expertise through rigorous R&D, world-class talent development programs and strategic acquisitions of market-leading organisations that embody the principles that are a hallmark of our brand,” said Barry Lewis, CEO, ALEC. “With INPROSERV Middle East now part of the ALEC Group, we are propelling ourselves further ahead, solidifying our position as the partner-of-choice for

end-to-end delivery and maintenance of the region's most ambitious construction endeavours.”

ALEC said INPROSERV offers services for oil refineries, bulk fuel tank storage terminals, offshore Oil & Gas rigs, mines, power stations, construction sites, commercial buildings and manufacturing plants. These services, ALEC said, include bulk fuel storage tank construction mechanical work, and repairs and maintenance. ALEC added that the focus will be on extending these services to new and existing clients across the Middle East.

John Deeb, COO, ALEC, said: “Our business has been on a steady upward trajectory, a direct outcome of strategic decisions aligned with our destination statement. Therefore, it’s crucial to enter into the right partnerships to

strengthen our ability to deliver worldclass projects. The incorporation of INPROSERV into the ALEC Group will bring added value to both our existing and future clients.”

Schalk Engelbrecht, General Manager, INPROSERV, said: “The Middle East has always been a focus market for INPROSERV, and this partnership furthers the scope of our business in the region. We are proud to be part of the ALEC Group, as this paves the way for our expertise to be applied to a wide range of iconic projects. We are especially impressed by the synergies between their teams and subsidiaries, which will ensure that the skills of our team of experts perfectly complements the impressive range of services that the Group offers.”

Cooling Solutions

Factory: Dubai Industrial City, Dubai. | Phone: +971 4 5893311. | Email: info@safario.com Head Office: 1505, Latifa Towers, Shaikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 60091, Dubai. Phone: 971 4 3239032. | Email: info1@safario.com

AMCA International announces new appointment

Nazme Mohsina comes on board

By CCME Content Team

AIR Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc. announced the appointment of Nazme Mohsina as its Global Technical Director. Making the announcement through a Press release, AMCA said that Mohsina, who returns to AMCA International following two years with a climate and energy consultancy, will be responsible for supporting California investor-owned utilities on HVACappliance-efficiency standards, providing analysis and advice on federal rulemakings and technical guidance for complying with California Title 20 regulations for fan and industrial-blower

efficiency, and participating in ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee (SSPC) 90.1.

AMCA said that with a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronic

engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, Mohsina got her start with AMCA International in 2011, working part-time checking manufacturer catalogues for compliance with requirements of the Certified Ratings Program (CRP). The Association further said that she proved to be a quick study, eventually landing a full-time position as a project engineer.

AMCA said that when the United States Department of Energy announced its intention to regulate fans, Mohsina volunteered to develop databases and spreadsheets of product data and analyse the data in support of AMCA International's advocacy efforts. The Association further said she was soon drawn into other projects, including developing and updating AMCA International test standards. Moreover, AMCA said, her knowledge of Middle Eastern

Eurovent announces new recommendation on AHU life cycle cost

Association says it aims to support the environmental impact assessment of AHUs

By CCME Content Team

EU ROVENT announced the release of an industry recommendation that provides a methodology to calculate life cycle energy consumption and costs of air-handling units (AHUs). Making the announcement through a Press release, Eurovent said, it aims to support the environmental impact assessment of AHUs.

Eurovent said that the ‘Eurovent Recommendation 6/19: Life cycle cost calculation for AHUs’ defines a standardised methodology for calculating the energy demand and the resulting life cycle costs (LCC) of AHUs to estimate the total costs of ownership of the unit over its

lifetime. Since the energy demand of an AHU normally has a major impact on the overall environmental impact, Eurovent said, this publication can be seen as a very important step forward to ensure harmonised procedures to assess the product environmental footprint of AHUs. Furthermore, Euorvent said, the calculation rules defined in Eurovent 6/19 are based on scientific basics and available standards, where available, related to the performance of components in AHUs, including their characteristics in part-load operation.

Martin Lenz, Chairperson, PGAHU, said: “We are convinced that this

new recommendation has significant importance to achieve a harmonised European procedure for AHU life cycle assessment. Furthermore, the methodology allows selecting the perfectly fitting AHU for each application based on environmental and economic aspects (total costs of ownership). It makes me proud that we were able to develop this very helpful method and recommendation with so many European experts from the Eurovent network.”

Eurovent said this document was developed jointly by participants of the Special Project ‘Air Handling Units 2030’ (SP-AHU1).

Nazme Mohsina

and Indian cultures proved integral to AMCA International's growth in the Middle East region.

AMCA said that in March 2017, Mohsina was promoted to associate director of certification, a role that saw her as responsible for directing the

activities and managing the staff of the CRP. The Association said her technical acumen and intense focus on member satisfaction led to her promotion to technical director in May 2019, a position that saw her responsible for the operations of the AMCA International

headquarters laboratory, AMCA International independent laboratories, the AMCA International Laboratory Accreditation Program, and the CRP.

AMCA said that in 2020, Mohsina was named to EngineeredSystems magazine's 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC list.

FOUNDED TO LEAD

Allied has grown into one of the leading Engineering and Project Management firms in the Middle East, boasting offices in 3 major Countries in the Middle East (Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Allied offers full range of Engineering and Project Management services provided by nearly 140 dedicated professionals distributed among Egypt, UAE and KSA.

The company is a multidisciplinary consulting firm and has a track record and specialization in Buildings, Industrial Works and District Cooling and Power Generation Plants.

ASHRAE releases technical programme for CIDCO 2024

ASHRAE says topics include decarbonisation, digital twins, AI, distributed energy resources and workforce development

By CCME Content Team

ASHRAE has released a comprehensive technical programme for its 2024 Conference for Integrated Design, Construction & Operations (CIDCO), which will take place from June 24 to 26 in Indianapolis. Making the announcement through a Press release, ASHRAE said that early bird registration is available through April 30.

ASHRAE said CIDCO, rebranded from the former Building Performance Analysis Conference, provides an in-depth look at existing tools

and applied knowledge, as well as the study and introduction of new technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality to design, construct, and operate buildings.

John Bynum, Conference Chair, CIDCO, said: “This conference will present a holistic approach to building sustainability, merging design, construction, and operations to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact. Conference attendees will learn how to leverage

integrated analysis and digital practice management to make informed decisions throughout the building lifecycle, from conceptualisations to operation.”

ASHRAE said the two-day conference will include keynotes, seminars, panel discussions and debates from more than 60 presenters.

According to ASHRAE, keynote sessions will feature presentations from Kent Peterson, P.E., ASHRAE Presidential Fellow and Vice President, P2S Inc., on Technology's Evolving Role in Advancing Decarbonisation in Building Design, Construction and Operation and Rajnish B. Setty, ASHRAE Member and President, Setty & Associates International on DataDriven Future for Integrated Design, Construction and Operations.

Furthermore, ASHRAE said, CIDCO will include these highly anticipated panel discussions:

■ ASHRAE HQ Project: Lessons Learned

Moderator: Ginger Scoggins, Engineered Designs Inc, Cary, NC, Panellists: Stephanie Reiniche, ASHRAE, Peachtree Corners, GA; Stanton Stafford, PE, LEED Fellow, Member, Buro Happold, Atlanta, GA and Darren Draper, PE, LEED AP, Epsten Group, Atlanta, GA.

In this panel, Scoggins will moderate a discussion among project contributors on lessons learned from the renovation of ASHRAE's current net-zero energy-efficient global headquarters.

■ President's Roundtable on Workforce Development

Moderator: Dennis Knight, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Whole Building Systems, LLC, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Panellists: Darryl Boyce, Carleton University, Kemptville, Canada; Luke C H Leung, PE, Fellow Member, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, CHICAGO, IL; Luke Moylan, Pipefitters Local Union No. 533 and Martin Dieryckx, Fellow Member, Daikin Europe N.V., Torhout, Belgium

The panel will discuss the challenge of workforce development in the HVAC&R industry and how to compete with other tech-savvy industries to attract new workers and engage and upskill the existing workforce.

■ The Importance of Optimising Distributed Energy Resources in Grid-Interactive Buildings for Carbon Neutrality

Moderator: Snowil Lopes

Panellists: Ramtin Hadidi, Miles Hunter Martschink Jr, P.E., Associate and Wayne Johnson, Clemson University, Clemson, SC RMF Engineering, Clemson, SC Duke Energy

Panel participants will explore how commercial and institutional buildings would benefit from newer technologies in distributed energy resources such as small hydro/wind

turbines, solar PV, batteries and onpremises recovery systems.

ASHRAE said the 2024 CIDCO Showdown (formerly the LowDown Showdown) offers the opportunity for teams to compete using BIM tools, processes and strategies to design, construct and operate a proposed model building. This year, ASHRAE said that teams would design a holistic, mixed-use, multilevel,

medium-sized office building in Indianapolis that purposefully considers all spatial, environmental and human factors. Furthermore, ASHRAE said, CIDCO will be held in conjunction with the 2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference, which will take place from June 23 to 26 in Indianapolis, and added that all Annual Conference registrants will have access to CIDCO conference sessions.

{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.

One of the unintended benefits of the incoming corporate tax regime is that it will force a number of businesses, especially in the small and medium sector, to finally create annual financial statements that conform to international standards of accounting and financial presentation, which means that for perhaps the first time in their commercial life, a number of businesses will see their annual “report card”.

The transformation in Saudi Arabia presents a golden opportunity for regional consultancies to elevate their services and offerings to unprecedented levels. Substantial investments and a commitment to excellence provide great opportunities for consultancies and contractors to offer their services in an unconventional dynamic that fosters creativity and innovation.

A split-coupled pump design allows for the separation of the motor and pump assembly without disturbing the motor, shaft or impeller. This feature streamlines maintenance procedures by providing easier access to bearings and seals, for inspection, repair or replacement. As a result, technicians can perform maintenance tasks more efficiently and minimise downtime.

Countries like Japan, Indonesia and China have statutory/government regulations on set point temperatures and clothing protocols in summer. They have been reaping enormous savings for quite some years now.

In recent decades, investment in the built environment has transformed the landscape of the Middle East – quite literally. Between 1975 and 2019, the UAE alone witnessed a 1,000% increase in population growth. And now, with several megaprojects that are expected to house millions of people, well underway, Saudi Arabia is also laying the foundation for imminent urban population growth.