CCME - February 2024

U A E M I N I S T RY O F C L I M AT E C H A N G E A N D E N V I R O N M E N T L A U D S E X T E N S I O N O F ' Y E A R O F S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y ' T O 2 0 2 4

February 2024

CHICAGO

PERSPECTIVE

HOPE

‘Cloud supervisory platforms can unlock the untapped potential of BMS data’ Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, Facilio

COUNTRY REPORT ‘Italy is spotlighting energy refurbishment, IAQ’

Articulations on climate action, IAQ at AHR 2024

END-POINT Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, CEO, AHI Carrier

NEWS • AMCA updates Fan Sound-Testing Standard 320 • Danfoss, Google enter into strategic partnership • Mekar joins Eurovent Middle East • Güntner announces Güntner Impact° Summit

REGULATION ROUNDUP

INSIDE-OUT

FILTER FOCUS

APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Dalip Singh, Sr. Technical Analyst AHRI MENA

FOLLOWING UP ON THE GLOBAL COOLING PLEDGE Omnia Halawani, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global

THE BROKEN LADDER OF IAQ Dr Iyad Al-Attar, independent air filtration consultant

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VOL. 19 NO. 02  FEBRUARY 2024

COVER STORY

CHICAGO HOPE page

Articulations on climate action, IAQ at AHR 2024

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GUEST COLUMNS MACRO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS IS 2024 GOING TO BE THE YEAR OF DECISIONS? For Krishnan Unni Madathil, Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co. Chartered Accountants, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’, with a firm jaw to match

REGULATION ROUNDUP APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Dalip Singh, Sr. Technical Analyst - AHRI MENA, discusses the pivotal role of appliances in net-zero initiatives

INSIDE-OUT FOLLOWING UP ON THE GLOBAL COOLING PLEDGE Consultants are uniquely positioned to positively impact the transformation needed to achieve the targets of the Pledge, says Omnia Halawani, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global

FILTER FOCUS THE BROKEN LADDER OF IAQ Dr Iyad Al-Attar, independent air filtration consultant, offers a historical perspective on urbanisation and air quality, emphasising how humans have been polluting, living, working and filtering air unsustainably

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PERSPECTIVE ‘CLOUD SUPERVISORY PLATFORMS CAN UNLOCK THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BMS DATA’

Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, Facilio, providing an update, elaborates on how IoT-based automation and monitoring systems are shaping the future of building operations

COUNTRY REPORT ‘ITALY IS SPOTLIGHTING ENERGY REFURBISHMENT, IAQ’

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Gloria Gualdi, Marketing and eBusiness Manager, MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, speaks on energy efficiency regulation in Italy, and Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (National Recovery and Resilience Plan)

REGULARS

END POINT

04 eDItor'S note 30 Regional News 38 Global News 58 Quoteyard

COLLABORATION AS A CONSCIOUS BUSINESS STRATEGY

48

Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, CEO, AHI Carrier, speaks on his life journey and on the unique experiences that shaped his professional outlook and approach to engineering and business leadership

www.climatecontrolme.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

CHICAGO HOPE

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Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR U A E M I N I S T RY O F C L I M AT E C H A N G E A N D E N V I R O N M E N T L A U D S E X T E N S I O N O F ' Y E A R O F S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y ' T O 2 0 2 4

February 2024

CHICAGO

PERSPECTIVE

HOPE

‘Cloud supervisory platforms can unlock the untapped potential of BMS data’ Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, Facilio

COUNTRY REPORT ‘Italy is spotlighting energy refurbishment, IAQ’

Articulations on climate action, IAQ at AHR 2024

END-POINT Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, CEO, AHI Carrier

NEWS • AMCA updates Fan Sound-Testing Standard 320 • Danfoss, Google enter into strategic partnership • Mekar joins Eurovent Middle East • Güntner announces Güntner Impact° Summit

REGULATION ROUNDUP

INSIDE-OUT

FILTER FOCUS

APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Dalip Singh, Sr. Technical Analyst AHRI MENA

FOLLOWING UP ON THE GLOBAL COOLING PLEDGE Omnia Halawani, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global

THE BROKEN LADDER OF IAQ Dr Iyad Al-Attar, independent air filtration consultant

Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early!

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Visit our website: climatecontrolme.com/digital Also available at

ith the embers of COP28 still burning bright, it was exciting to travel to Chicago for the AHR Expo, which concluded on January 24. The Global Cooling Pledge, which was one among nine non-negotiated declarations, pledges and charters that constituted key outcomes of the COP28 Presidential Action Agenda, was the basis of my interactions with a diversity of stakeholders at the Expo.

The fact that the United States was one of the signatories of the Pledge added that extra bit of context for the interactions, though I must hastily add that the Expo was a global HVACR event, with exhibitors from around the world dotting the vast landscape of companies on the show floor.

Considering that the Pledge provides an opportunity to commit to sustainable cooling with concrete actions, it was interesting to ask manufacturers of HVACR equipment, in particular, on how they proposed to respond to such a key outcome of COP28. Just in case you have not read the details of the Pledge, it aims to raise ambition and international cooperation through collective global targets to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68% from December 2023 to 2050, significantly increase access to sustainable cooling by 2030, and increase the global average efficiency of new air conditioners by 50%.

In addition to meeting manufacturers on the subject, the Expo was an opportunity to meet Steve Yurek, the CEO and President of AHRI, for an exclusive face-to-face. The interview appears in this issue, as part of a detailed post-event coverage, as does the broadcast version in Climate Control Middle East’s new-look Web site (ccme.news); please do visit and share feedback on what you think.

Another point of discussion during the Expo was ASHRAE Standard 241. The manufacturers I met spoke with candour and shared interesting insights. Their views, too, form part of the post-event coverage and of the broadcast feature in the new Web site. At this juncture, it is pertinent to mention that visiting the Expo was an opportunity to meet the man who led the development of the Standard. Dr Bill Bahnfleth, Professor in the Department of Architectural Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, and the Chairperson of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, spearheaded the drafting of the Standard, and for that, he won the Editor’s Choice Award during the 13th Edition of the Climate Control Awards, in December 2023. He was not able to attend the ceremony, and so the Expo became a venue to hand over the trophy to him.

February is a busy month. I am headed to ACREX, mid-month, in Noida, India, and from there, to Big 5 Construct Saudi, towards the end of the month, in Riyadh. And then, there is Mostra Convegno, in mid-March, in Milan, Italy, that Climate Control Middle East will be participating in.. So, quite a lot to look forward to in Q1, really!

Climate Control Middle East magazine proudly supports the UAE President’s initiative of extending the ‘Year of Sustainability’ to the whole of 2024.

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

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February 2024

EMPANELLED COLUMNISTS

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.

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.

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”.

Antonios Dimitracopoulos Partner, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP, writes on legal affairs pertaining to the construction industry.

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

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

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

Head Office PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE Web: www.cpi-industry.com Printed by: Jaguar Printing Press L.L.C © Copyright 2024 CPI Industry.

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While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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MACRO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

By Krishnan Unni Madathil

IS 2024 GOING TO BE THE YEAR OF DECISIONS? For Krishnan Unni Madathil, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’, with a firm jaw to match

T

HE YEAR 2024 has been billed

by The Economist magazine as the year of electoral decisions.

At various times during the year, a combined total of nearly four billion people across the world will be going to the polls to elect their leaders and representatives, with varying degrees of electoral freedom and agency, making it the world’s biggest year ever for civic decision-making. It also serves us well to be made aware that we are collectively in the midst of the longestrunning monetary experiment in the history of the world, with the pandemicera spree of quantitative easing still making its way through to nooks and crannies of the global economy. The unprecedented inflationary effects of this monetary splurge, and the ever more assiduous efforts to suppress word of the impact of this inflation on society, and the inevitable frustration which that produces, is laying the ground for an upsurge in populist politics across the world, where public decisions are made through the electoral franchise. Against what seems to be all odds, the world is faced with the prospect, daunting to some, of yet another Donald Trump presidency in the United States. Even Mr Putin will be submitting himself to the ballot at some point in the middle of the year.

For a part of the world that is economically so closely linked to the rest of the world, it is worthwhile for us to consider the goings-on in some of the major trade partners of our bases in the UAE and the GCC region. China has

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February 2024

emerged from the pandemic a weaker and surprisingly shaky-legged economic superpower to be. Domestic demand in China, while still massive in absolute terms, continues to grow at a rate unsuited to whetting the appetites of suppliers from the Middle East. Growth rates in the EU have fallen short sharply, with the economies of many countries officially billed to slip into recession at some point during the year. The war in the Ukraine with Russia, formerly the EU’s main energy supplier, has not helped matters for them, even as it has proved an opportune moment for oil and gas suppliers with spare capacity, such as Qatar. Decision-points abound for the countries in Europe this year, from Sweden (of all places!) deciding to arm up and send a forward contingent to Estonia, with Finland, which borders and has a history of giving Russia the bloody nose, deciding to join NATO. A more consequential decision, which had already been made, was by Angela Merkel, when, during her tenure, Germany decided to do away with nuclear power plants (in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan), and to pledge the majority of energy custom to Russia.

Economic growth rates in the United States have registered surprising resilience, with US businesses and consumers finally putting the pandemic behind them. This, together with one robust jobs report after another, may in fact provide a major boost in strengthening Joe Biden’s chances of

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.

being a two-term President later this year. In India, another “democratic partner” and an increasingly present one at that, as well as a major customer of the Gulf countries, economic growth has been strong as well. This, as well as a track record for prudent, results-oriented economic management, may be enough to push Modi past the finish line when the hustings in his country are up in May, in what has been billed tongue-in-cheek as history’s biggest election.

The year is filled with decisions to be made for us in the world of business as well, and they bear resonance to the world of civics and politics in more ways than one might initially think.

At first, people around the world seem to wish to wholeheartedly push for more stability, whatever their situations are. There is simply so much instability and trepidation renting the air, rendered no less unstable by the cornucopia of civilian and military conflicts raging across parts of the world, as well as the increasingly bitter partisanship that has coloured so much of democratic societies like an infestation.

Like people, businesses also like stability and certainty. They like small, incremental changes to the status quo, if there has to be any at all. They like clear guidelines and adequate timeframes in which to make adjustments. The

source of anguish for so many people in so many parts of the world seems to simply be that the onslaught of change has been too rapid for their comfort and has left them stranded, leading to a society with substantial differences between winners and losers, between the fortunate and the less fortunate.

They could learn a thing or two from the way the UAE has gone about implementing what amounts to a paradigm shift in the conduct of business in the country – the UAE Corporate Tax. The declaration of the tax regime took place in the middle of 2023, and businesses and businesspersons across the UAE have been given as much as 15 months in order to get their business books and records in order so that they are ready for submitting their first Corporate Tax Return submissions within nine months to either one of February 2025 or September 2025, depending on their business’s chosen calendar year-end. The government agency in charge of implementing the Corporate Tax regime – the UAE Federal Tax Authority – has done remarkable work in organising conferences and setting up discussion sessions, where businesspersons from the smallest business to large MNCs can all have their doubts about the incoming corporate tax regime cleared.

The decision that has to be made by businesses during this time is simple: Do they wish to face UAE Corporate Tax in a state of preparedness and readiness, or do they wish to face it in a state of confusion, disorganisation and general disarray? I would be lying if I told you, the reader, that, in my experience, everyone is absolutely set and raring to take the UAE Corporate Tax regime head-on. Many are not even fully at home with the cash implications of the UAE Corporate Tax regime on their businesses either. Decades and decades of tax-free business has led to a certain degree of sunken inertia among businesses towards the incoming UAE Corporate Tax regime, which I am fairly certain will lead to a lastminute rush towards achieving some sort of compliance with the rules and regulations. Or, like many in the civic and political world, they, too, simply

wish that the most painful and difficult adjustments merely involve doing what they have to do and passing them over.

This sort of hopeful fatalism is also not out of character.

What is commendable in all this is the emphasis of the UAE leadership on , or “stability”, and , or “coordination”. They are fairly resigned to the fact that the days of hydrocarbon-induced largesse will soon enter its early evening, and that, if not eliminated completely, will at least cease to be as tasteful an income proposition as before. The UAE leadership at the federal level, and the Dubai leadership at the emirate level, have come up with multiple forward-looking plans, including Vision 2030 for the UAE and D33 for Dubai, which envisages nothing less than a complete transformation of the country. This is the stuff which in the days of yore used to call for debates.

The UAE does things differently.

The country understands the need for change, but also understands

that change has to be shepherded carefully, so that the cartwheel of change does not fall out of track and just becomes an unholy mess.

Hence, the need for “stability” and “coordination”. Hence the long time periods given for companies to prepare themselves to the best extent possible for the UAE Corporate Tax regime. It is this combination of a clear, well-announced set of goals, a clear intent to make it happen, a clear set of small milestones leading up to the desired objective and a system of obtaining feedback and actively adopting the learnings from that into the future course of action that distinguishes the UAE in achieving what so many billions of people around the world will be hoping for as they go to the polling booths during this year.

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.

www.climatecontrolme.com

7

REGULATION ROUNDUP

APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Saying that appliances are at the core of net-zero initiatives, Dalip Singh presents the first in a series of three articles covering the importance of appliances in the context of energy efficiency, their policy framework, and the societal and environmental benefits

W

HILE this article covers general aspects of the above scope, the second article, in the month of April, will cover regulations & MEPS, including how those are designed; the third article, in June, will focus on labels and incentives. For now, let’s focus on laying the ground on the topic of appliances.

Why is appliance energy efficiency important?

Appliances are at the core of net-zero initiatives, due to their widespread presence typically in every household the world over. In developed countries, household appliances typically account

for a significant portion of residential electricity consumption. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in the United States, about 60% of residential electricity consumption is attributed to appliances, electronics, lighting and other equipment.

The Brainy Insights reports that the global household appliances market was valued at USD 600 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2032. The Middle East and Africa Home Appliances Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of five per cent by 2028.

The electricity consumption per capita in the GCC region countries is

EES&L

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

highly ranked worldwide and increasing by the passing of every year in many of the countries. The usage of appliances at a vast scale is one of the important rationales behind this increase, apart from the low quality of the building envelope, a large building area and occupant behaviour. The total annual electricity consumption per capita in the GCC region countries was between 7,000 and 18,000 kWh, whereas the global average was approximately 3,000 kWh in 2018.

The growing use of personal electronic devices and appliances, including televisions, computers, office equipment and smart phones, releases heat into the ambient air and increases the need for space cooling in buildings.

The use of any appliance impacts energy use in buildings in two ways: 1. Energy to operate the appliance and 2. Cooling energy used to remove heat gain from the appliances

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February 2024

Electric usage - typical villa - GCC region

4%

4%

3%

5%

2. Energy labels, which are used to address information barriers and enable consumers to make more informed choices at the point of purchase, either by showing the comparative performance of all appliances (rating labels) or by identifying the best-in-class products (endorsement labels).

These labels also support building energy codes and energy efficiency programmes by making information more available.

Air Conditioning Lighting

7%

Water Heating

67% 10%

Refrigeration Cooking Washing Other

The energy consumed by an electronic device or appliance is emitted as heat or radiative heat both while in operation and in standby mode. This heat adds to an already large set of heat gains in buildings, including from bathing, cooking, lighting and heat directly from people. All heat gained within a building adds to space cooling loads and the energy needed to achieve thermal comfort. Typically, more energyefficient appliances will use less energy and emit less heat. While appliances have been getting much more efficient, they have also been greatly increasing in number. As the use of electronic devices and appliances continues to grow, the amount of energy needed to cool rooms to comfortable levels will also increase.

Appliance energy efficiency is crucial for addressing environmental challenges, promoting economic savings and for ensuring sustainable and responsible use of energy resources. It plays a vital role in the broader efforts to create a more resilient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy landscape.

Appliance energy efficiency policy framework plays an important role in reducing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – consistent with efforts to limit the long-term increase in average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees C and achieving the net-zero goal. The global pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050 requires all governments to significantly strengthen and then successfully implement their energy and climate policies.

Appliances efficiency policy: Framework National appliances regulations have been in existence since the 1970s and have since proliferated. As of 2021, Energy Efficiency Standard & Labelling (EES&L) programmes have been in existence in more than 120 countries around the world and have been applied to more than 100 types of appliances and equipment in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. While the design and coverage of EES&L programmes vary according to national circumstances, they provide the cornerstone of most national energy and climate change mitigation programmes.

Typically, EES&L programmes use one or both of the following complementary tools as the basis to improve the energy efficiency performance of appliances and equipment: 1. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which are employed to overcome barriers to improved efficiency – such as potentially higher purchase prices – and to provide a level playing field in competitive markets by prohibiting the least efficient products. MEPS for cooling equipment pushes the market towards equipment that will reduce energy use by eliminating the least efficient models and lowering the cost of more efficient equipment through a virtuous cycle of innovation and economies of scale.

These two measures may be complemented by other policy measures, such as subsidies and rebates to help transform markets.

MEPS, energy labels and subsidies/ rebates are collectively referred to as “Energy Efficiency Appliances Policy Package”, and will be covered in more detail in the upcoming two articles in subsequent editions of Climate Control Middle East magazine.

Appliances efficiency policy Impact: Energy System and CO2 A 2021 International Energy Agency (IEA) report states that the longest-running EES&L programmes with the largest product coverage have collectively reduced their countries’ total annual electricity consumption by about 15% of their country’s total electricity consumption. Around two-thirds of these savings are seen in the residential sector, while savings in the services and industrial sectors each account for onesixth of the total.

The following nine economies – Australia, Brazil, China, EU, India, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa and the United States – together saved approximately 1,580 TWh in 2018. It is estimated that global savings of around 3,500 TWh could have been realised in 2020, if all countries had adopted similar measures, roughly equivalent to halving the total electricity consumption of China.

Under these programmes, new, more efficient products are continually entering the market and replacing older, less efficient ones, compounding the energy savings year after year, as the overall stock of appliances becomes more efficient.

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REGULATION ROUNDUP EES&L programmes also extend beyond electricity to cover Oil & Gas-powered space and water heating. Given that fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix, energy savings through EES&L programmes also lead to substantial CO2 emission reductions, making the recorded greenhouse gas emission impacts attributable to EES&L programmes equally impressive. In the United States, MEPS avoided 343 Mt CO2 in 2020, equivalent to 7.1% of all national energy-related emissions for 2019.

Appliances efficiency policy impact: Costs, employment and household incomes EES&L programmes are highly costeffective, with energy cost savings often many times larger than any increases in the cost of purchasing products or administering the programme. Usually, regulators end up estimating a higher cost of meeting efficiency requirements than the actual. In fact, most products in countries with EES&L programmes have become both more efficient and cheaper over the duration of these programmes. Falling consumer purchase prices suggest that more stringent policy settings still deliver net consumer benefits. EES&L programmes are one of the lowest-cost policies available to reduce CO2 emissions.

EES&L programmes also directly create jobs in manufacturing, wholesale, retail and maintenance, and indirectly through the spending of fuel cost savings in the local economy.

While direct job creation is significant, the creation of indirect jobs can be 3-5 times larger. In Australia, an estimated 59,000-236,000 people work in roles related to the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings.

Appliances efficiency policy impact: Energy consumption of appliances EES&L programmes typically reduce the average energy consumption of most new products around 2-3 times faster than similar products not covered by such programmes.

Average annual improvement rates for new appliances’ energy consumption

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February 2024

are primarily determined by the stringency of policy settings within EES&L programmes and the frequency at which they are updated. EES&L programmes set the bar for new products entering the market, raising the average efficiency of all products in use over time. Average energy reductions between 10% and 30% are usual to achieve over moderate time frames for the stock of most regulated products.

The Japanese Top Runner Programme is one good example of an EES&L programme where the average expected improvement rate across all products (total 19) was 24%, while the average improvement rate achieved was 33% over a time frame of 5-8 years.

Appliances efficiency policy impact: Innovation and appliance product prices EES&L programmes have been an important driver of innovation in appliances and equipment since beginning. The need to meet performance requirements has demanded the invention of new technologies, manufacturing techniques and control systems that would not otherwise have been widely adopted.

Some EES&L programmes also foster innovation through advanced signalling of future efficiency requirements. This is achieved by adopting the previously highest energy label grade as the new minimum performance level at regular intervals.

EES&L programmes worldwide have also supported the widescale adoption of inverter technology in the air-conditioner industry, a significant change that provides a range of consumer benefits, especially lower energy bills. By developing new air conditioner test methods and metrics that are more representative of consumer behaviour, EES&L programmes have helped demonstrate the real-life advantages of inverter technologies over conventional equipment to consumers.

Other “co-benefits” from EES&L programmes include improvements to people’s comfort, health and finances, leading to stronger, more resilient

EES&L

regional economies. Devices that are both energy- and water-efficient, such as low-flow showerheads, dishwashers and washing machines, can considerably reduce water consumption and sewage output. The most effective means of improving the energy efficiency of such products is to reduce the amount of water that is required for them to fulfil their function.

The main health benefit of energyefficient equipment is reduced air pollution, thanks to reduced direct emissions from the combustion of gas, oil, coal and biomass for cooking, and for space and water heating, as well as reduced indirect emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity.

In summary, EES&L programmes are the “quiet achiever” among energy policies delivering large energy and cost savings and enabling the transition to a cleaner energy future. Reflecting the increasing recognition, EES&L programmes have continued to grow in quantity to a greater number of countries and in scope to include a wider range of appliances and equipment.

References: 1. IEA/4E TCP (2021), Achievements of Energy Efficiency Appliance and Equipment Standards and Labelling Programmes: A global assessment in 2021, License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO 2. IEA/4E TCP, “Achievements of Energy Efficiency Appliance and Equipment Standards and Labelling Programmes,” Paris, 2021.

3. Transitioning to Super EnergyEfficient Room Air Conditioners: Nov. 2021 AEEE, CIFF, Sheetal 4. OECD/IEA 2017, Space Cooling Energy Efficiency Insights: Brief 5. Electricity consumption indicators and energy efficiency in residential buildings in GCC countries: Extensive review: Radwan A. Almasri a, M.S. Al Shitawi 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.

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COVER STORY

CHICAGO

HOPE The ASHRAE Winter Conference and the AHR Expo, in Chicago, were opportunities to meet HVACR industry stakeholders and exclusively gather feedback on ASHRAE Standard 241, and perspectives on the industry’s response to the Global Cooling Pledge, one of the key outcomes of the recently concluded COP28, in the UAE. Climate Control Middle East reporting from the ground in Chicago on whether the industry represents hope in addressing the need for aggressive climate action and for better IAQ or not…

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February 2024

Understanding ASHRAE Standard 241

T

HE 2024 edition of the ASHRAE Winter Conference, held from January 20 to 24, in Chicago, in the United States, proved to be a dynamic convergence of HVAC&R industry leaders, experts and professionals with a central focus on critical topics such as decarbonisation, climate change and Artificial Intelligence.

The Conference saw a strong gathering of industry professionals with nearly 3,800 people registering to attend, and including 458 committee meetings, 125 technical sessions, and numerous social events and activities.

In addition, the AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition), spanning 527,000 net square feet of exhibit space, at McCormick Place, hosted more than 1,860 exhibitors, including 344 international exhibitors, unveiling HVAC&R technologies, products and services. An estimated 50,000 people attended the Expo over three days.

The Expo marked a week of learning, reconnecting, perusing and demo-ing HVACR products in the marketplace.

Topics that came up for discussion at the Expo included decarbonisation – from equipment on the floor to discussions

in education programming – refrigerant regulation updates, the heat pump resurgence and the unveiling of many new products that are shaping the path forward for HVACR. Mark Stevens, Show Manager, AHR Expo, said: “The industry showed up for business in Chicago.

Throughout the year, we have followed discussions regarding regulation rollouts, decarbonisation trends and various other tracks about how we conduct business as an industry. It was evident in the halls that the professionals in attendance were primed to create solutions and drive the business forward.”

According to ASHRAE, the top three most-attended Winter Conference sessions were: • Seminar 13: Thermal Energy Storage – A Critical Strategy for Decarbonisation • Seminar 19: LIVESTREAM – Beneficial Electrification • Seminar 8: The Logical Way to Tap into Decarbonisation – Hydronic District Energy Systems One of the highlights of the Conference were the updates shared

by Ginger Scoggins, President 2023-24,

The recently released ASHRAE Standard 241 Control of Infectious Aerosols is a road map for mitigating the spread of pathogens in the built environment. Climate Control Middle East spoke to a cross-section of stakeholders on the new Standard at the Expo.

And here is what they had to say...

Chris Ahne

Vice President - Sales, Genesis Air, Inc “I believe ASHRAE Standard 241 will greatly benefit our industry, especially in the face of the global pandemic.

Many were unprepared to manage buildings and ensure employee safety. Standard 241 provides excellent guidance on making buildings safer, offering criteria for enhancing safety through building design.

“As a manufacturer, we appreciate the specification of conditions for providing equivalent clean air. A valid test method for rating our product's removal or inactivation efficiency of challenging microorganisms in buildings, especially during

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COVER STORY infectious modes, allows us to test our products accordingly. This lets us demonstrate to designers and end-users that our products align with Standard 241.

“Including appendices detailing how to achieve equivalent clean air, based on product types – such as particle filters or aircleaning devices – is valuable.

The appendices reference specific test methodologies, like ASHRAE Standard 52 and others. Currently, limited standards apply to existing products, prompting our active participation in committees to develop new standards. This effort aims to expand the application of air-cleaning technologies, adding them to the list of accepted test methods for validating product efficiencies.

“It's crucial to clarify that some manufacturers claiming their products are '241 certified' may be misleading. Standard 241 is not a certification standard for products; it’s a building design standard.

Product certification should be based on recognised standards, like ASHRAE Standard 52, ISO standards or AHRI standards, ensuring that products meet the criteria outlined in ASHRAE Standard 241.”

F.C. Wiser III

President, Dynamic Air Quality Solutions “The comparison between particles in indoor and outdoor air is a critical aspect, especially when determining the amount of outdoor air and its associated costs. Extensive research had already been conducted on these factors before the onset of the pandemic. It wasn't that we were caught off guard;

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ASHRAE, about the Society's current theme, “Challenge Accepted: Tackling the Climate Crisis”, during her State of the Society Address. Scoggins said: “We built on a declaration to be a collective body of problem-solvers in tackling the global climate crisis. ASHRAE regions and chapters showed an exemplary commitment to understanding how climate change affects building planning, design, construction and operation. Still, they volunteered time and expertise to develop resources to support actionable, wide-scale building decarbonisation practices. Once we recognise the challenge, we will find ways to accept responsibility for making changes in our activities to make a difference. Big or small, all changes help our efforts, and we appreciate them.” Scoggins also spoke on the expanding interest in ASHRAE's decarbonisation conferences and support from the U.S. Federal Government for ASHRAE's recently published updated energy-efficiency standard for existing buildings, Standard 100.

In one of the other sessions, Dr Carolyn Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Buildings and Industry, for the U.S. Department of Energy, one of the invitees to the ASHRAE President's Luncheon, spoke on building decarbonisation leadership. Dr Snyder said: "I want to share my deep gratitude and appreciation from the DoE for all of the work that ASHRAE does and for your longstanding close partnership with our agency. Last November, our Deputy Secretary announced our new National Building Decarbonisation Strategy for the United States. We need to prioritise and centre around equity, affordability and resilience – all key themes that we see throughout this conference and areas where you have been leading for decades. It will require energy efficiency gains estimated at 35% by 2035 and 50% by 2050. Despite all the massive energy efficiency savings we have to date in our country, there's so much more that we need to do to achieve these targets.

It is as if we wrote this blueprint looking at your Conference agenda for this week.

You are already leaders across those topics. What you're doing here in your organisation is making a real impact on our country today, but more importantly,

it is making an immense impact on our buildings, our communities and our homes for decades to come and for our children and grandchildren."

During the Conference, Scoggins announced the winners of the 2023 Decarbonisation Challenge, a grant programme to assist ASHRAE chapters in implementing decarbonisation projects in their communities. According to ASHRAE, 43 applications were submitted, and nine chapters will receive grants ranging between USD 2,000 and USD 10,000 for a total of USD 65,850, with additional matching funds from partnering organisations of the selected projects. ASHRAE underlined that the projected carbon savings will be 2.3 million kilograms of CO2 over the life cycles of the selected projects based on submitted calculations. Furthermore, the Society said that in line with its commitment to solving the technical challenges of building decarbonisation, the Board of Directors approved the transition of the ASHRAE Task Force for Building Decarbonisation from an ad hoc committee (TFBD) to the permanent Centre of Excellence for Building Decarbonisation.

In addition, the Society also delved into its collaborative efforts with Empower, the UAE-based District Cooling utility provider. During the conference, the Society said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Empower to develop a unified and globally approved District Cooling standard. The Society also signed a new agreement with OzonAction, under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a 2024-2025 Work Plan, themed "Refrigerant Management for Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency in Developing Economies". According to ASHRAE, the plan emphasises making tools and programmes for sound management of refrigerants available and accessible to stakeholders in developing countries.

For his part, Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President and Secretary, ASHRAE, provided updates on the Society's ongoing initiatives, highlighting its 130 years of service to the built environment.

Littleton said: "In the year 2150, 130 years into the future, how will ASHRAE

members judge our Society's work today? Will this decade be the tipping point for building decarbonisation? Will buildings truly protect occupants from indoor and outdoor health threats? In 2150, will ASHRAE's vision of a healthy and sustainable built environment for all be realised? I believe the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We have the talent, we have the wisdom, we have the passion. In 2150, ASHRAE members will look back on you – on us here today – and marvel at the pace of progress."

Joining the conversation, Kimberly Pires, Special Projects Manager, International Exposition Company, which owns and operates the AHR Expo, said: "We are excited about the turnout at the 2024 HR Expo in Chicago this year.

The crowds filled the aisles, and the education sessions were super exciting.

We are proud to have one of our biggest seminar programmes, featuring free seminars and innovation awards. I am especially proud of our innovation award submissions this year. We donated USD 25,000 to a local tech school – for high school students considering entering the industry. So, we are trying to promote our workforce development, because they are the industry's future, and we want to bring them in and help them feel the excitement. One of the objectives behind the AHR Expo is to bring people together, help them feel that community, and know that it’s here for them. And well over the decade, we have gone from being exhibitors on the show floor to being a lot more than that, like how the education programme has grown. Now, more organisations are participating in and giving seminars and sharing their knowledge and the technologies they have been working on."

Furthermore, she discussed the workforce development programme and said: "It has been a new realisation that we need to invest in the industry's future, or else it will die out. Thus, we have to rise to the challenge and see new products, new service technicians and ways that we can improve their innovation."

In the past decade, Pires said, innovation awards have gained prominence, with a particular focus on emerging topics. This year, she

added, one of the hot topics is artificial intelligence (AI), which is evident on the show floor and in our education programmes. "Many exhibitors are embracing AI, recognising its significance for the future,” she said. “While it's still a relatively young field, it's becoming unavoidable, and we are featuring it prominently in both our exhibition and educational initiatives."

Echoing some of the points by Pires, Ali A. Jaradat, Regional Head of OEMs – Middle East, Belimo, and one of the visitors to the Expo, said he was attending the show out of curiosity to see the customers who are exhibiting or visiting. “Moreover, we have our booth, and I look forward to exploring more products to gain knowledge about innovation, especially in the context of digital transformation within the HVAC industry,” he said.

During the Conference, ASHRAE also highlighted its Learning Institute and said that ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) now offers 18 courses, including: • Starting the Path to Net-Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.12022 • Understanding ASHRAE Standard 241 Control of Infectious Aerosols – Background, Overview, and Key Requirements • V in HVAC – Health and Energy Improvements Using the Indoor Air Quality Procedures • Is Your Building Ready? Applying ASHRAE Standard 241 Control of Infectious Aerosols – Facility Assessment, Planning, and Implementation ASHRAE said all registered attendees of the conference, both in-person and virtual, will have access to the virtual conference platform during the conference and 12 months postconference. Furthermore, ASHRAE said the 2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference will take place from June 22 to 26 in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States and that the 2025 Winter Conference will take place from February 8 to 12, 2025 and the AHR Expo, from February 10 to 12, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, in the United States.

rather, there was a reluctance to accept the findings, leading to a deviation from established practices.

“In March or April 2020, an engineering firm approached me, intending to release a statement dismissing the significance of airborne transmission in buildings, suggesting that it wasn't a real concern. I advised against publishing such an analysis, emphasising that there was a clear connection between airborne transmission and the virus. It was essential to recognise that buildings play a role in the movement of airborne particles.”

Stephen Yurek

CEO and President, AHRI “I think people are evaluating the intensity or interest in the subject. Interest spiked during the pandemic but has since decreased. However, it still persists, particularly in commercial spaces. Examining ASHRAE Standard 169 for testing methods to assess these claims is crucial. We'll be working with ASHRAE to explore potential methods.

“There's also the question of market acceptance. Will people pay a premium for a certified or standard-compliant product? This remains unknown. We frequently write standards with ASHRAE and assess certification programmes.

Sometimes, manufacturers express the need for a certain standard, but the market may not share the same interest. Engaging with building owners, managers and associations to gauge interest is essential, especially considering the multitude of certification schemes, like USGBC’s LEED and others in the market.”

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COVER STORY

‘MAINTAINING SEPARATE STANDARDS MAKES IT CHALLENGING TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE SURVEILLANCE’ Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East caught up with Stephen Yurek, President & CEO, AHRI, to discuss a diverse range of topics concerning the HVACR industry.

Excerpts from the interaction...

I

S there a timeframe we can

establish to being aggressive in addressing climate change? How can we speed up the process of manufacturers responding to the need for more sustainable cooling solutions?

Manufacturers have the capabilities and abilities to respond. They are waiting for the market signals and the cues in the market to indicate that it's ready for purchase. They have sufficient capacity to manufacture and have developed the supply chains and technology necessary. The urgency and ability to act exist; however, the need is to educate Americans about the availability of these products.

Manufacturers can then sell these products into the marketplace, delivering sustainability. It is about bridging the gap between aspirations and actions. Aspirations set the goals, and everyone is striving for them.

The challenge is bringing the market and consumers along with these aspirations. The aim is to make them understand that adopting eco-friendly options is essential. For instance, when replacing a water heater, the choice should be a heat pump water heater, different from the same old technology.

Similarly, in heating systems, opting for an air-to-water heat pump is more sustainable than a boiler. For cooling,

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the focus should be on systems that are efficient and use environmentally friendly refrigerants. The Global Cooling Pledge aims to create urgency and contribute to the education piece.

Manufacturers are ready with products, but there needs to be demand, and creating that demand involves educating consumers about available options and possibilities.

We have SEER 24, but it comes with a certain cost. You spoke about affordability, but the cost of the capital equipment, the cost of spare parts are factors that are almost like

impediments when it comes to market acceptance. But at the same time, going to my earlier question about the need for speeding up the process, is there some sort of market mechanism that can be introduced to bridge the gap between affordability and the cost of, say, R&D and everything that is going into product development to achieve SEER 24? The world is perhaps waiting for action akin to leapfrogging and making sure we are getting closer to the kind of energy efficiency that we need to make a profound difference in how we respond to the 1.5 degrees C goal.

It would be great if we had that solution; you and I would be very rich. Figuring out how to make something affordable for everybody is crucial. In the US, various initiatives have been put in place through acts of Congress, such as the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act), aiming to address affordability issues.

The challenge lies in the first-cost difference between current technology and newer, more efficient, sustainable technology, making it accessible for people below the upper 20% or even 50%. One approach is reducing equipment costs, considering higher efficiencies often involve more expensive materials like copper and aluminium. Therefore, finding ways to lower manufacturing costs is essential to establishing a more reasonable price point. Additionally, exploring new financing mechanisms becomes crucial, enabling those who can't pay outright to afford it over the equipment's lifespan. This might involve innovative approaches or subsidies, similar to the tax credits and rebates implemented through the IRA, aiming to assist consumers in reducing the overall cost. However, more than relying on tax credits or rebates might be required, prompting the need to explore alternative financing methods to make sustainable technology affordable for everyone.

And when you speak to manufacturers, what is the message you are receiving?

I mean, they are all committed to it.

But they're also dedicated to ensuring, as I said at the beginning, that they have sustainable but cost-effective solutions for everyone. What we are talking about is not like an automobile going from gas to an EV or other things seen as luxuries. Heating, cooling and hot water are life necessities, essential for a productive, safe and healthy life.

It is crucial to ensure that everyone, from the poorest to the richest, has access to this technology. Providing options and continually raising the bar is essential. While leapfrogging would be great, it would require significant financing to make it affordable for people. Instead, taking steps and gradually raising the bar makes things more accessible. Simultaneously, it is vital to reduce the environmental impact of equipment and ensure essential heating, cooling and refrigeration persist. It is not a one-time leap, but a gradual process aligning with market affordability, all leading towards longterm goals like those for 2030, 2040 or 2050. This encourages ingenuity and diverse solutions not only for product development but also for successful selling and financing.

Being realistic about goals is essential. The 2050 goals set the vision, but it's crucial to consider what can be achieved by 2030 to significantly reduce environmental impact and get products in use. During this period, we can learn, develop new technology, and set the stage for the next steps in 2030, 2035 or 2040. As we approach netzero, the cost increases exponentially.

It is important to figure out how to lower this peak, making the transition more affordable while maintaining environmental sustainability.

I want to speak on AHRI’s role in the Middle East. There is a call for region-specific testing and certification mechanisms in the Middle East, and towards that end, you have established subcommittees. You are engaging stakeholders in the Middle East

Understanding the Global Cooling Pledge The Global Cooling Pledge, which emerged as one of the key outcomes of the COP28 Summit that concluded in December 2023, provides an opportunity to commit to sustainable cooling with concrete actions, considering that it aims to raise ambition and international cooperation through collective global targets to reduce cooling-related emissions by 68% from now to 2050, significantly increase access to sustainable cooling by 2030 and to increase the global average efficiency of new air conditioners by 50%. What inspiration can the HVACR industry draw from the Pledge? We at Climate Control Middle East spoke to a cross-section of stakeholders at AHR Expo 2024 in Chicago, and here's what they had to say.

Varun Pahwa

President, Desiccant Rotors International (DRI) “Decarbonisation is gaining momentum as a prominent theme. I believe it is crucial for manufacturers, designers and application teams to maintain a strong focus on the intrinsic carbon footprint of specified and used products, and the operational carbon emitted during the manufacturing process. Additionally, considering the energy consumption in the ongoing operations of all products is essential, given its direct correlation to government policies. Across all these aspects, there is a need for being very conscious regarding our carbon footprint.

This aligns well with the challenges our industry is currently facing.”

Stephen Yurek

CEO and President, AHRI “It seems like the pledge attempts to catch up to the industry.

The HVACR sector has been a leader in sustainability and climate change within the industry. We were instrumental in driving initiatives, like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Agreement.

Over time, we have consistently pursued new technologies to enhance sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and minimise carbon emissions in our products. This involves strategies such as reducing the size of heat exchangers and other innovations, reflecting our longstanding commitment to overall sustainability. The Pledge, in essence, serves as a means to communicate this story to consumers and the wider public, showcasing the industry's ongoing efforts in these technologies.

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COVER STORY “The Pledge aims to ensure that individuals, worldwide – whether in North America, Europe or elsewhere – have access to affordable, efficient, and lifesaving cooling and heating and water heating technologies. It underscores the industry's readiness to bring forth innovations and technologies developed by manufacturers. The challenge lies in waiting for market signals and readiness from consumers, building owners and homeowners to adopt these technologies.

The urgency to educate is crucial, emphasising the need to convey the availability of these technologies to the public. Manufacturers are ready to sell products that deliver sustainability, but market awareness and consumer understanding are essential to drive the adoption of these technologies.

“While aspirations set goals, bringing the market and consumers along with those aspirations is essential. The Pledge plays a role in creating urgency and educating the public. For instance, when replacing a water heater, the focus should shift from replicating the same technology to installing a heat pump water heater. Similarly, opting for an air-to-water heat pump instead of a boiler in heating systems can contribute to sustainability. Choosing a system with high efficiency and an environmentally friendly refrigerant is crucial in cooling. The Pledge aims to foster a sense of urgency in educating consumers, ultimately driving the adoption of sustainable technologies.”

Daniel Becker

Export Department, Full Gauge “As a manufacturer producing controllers for refrigeration, we must be responsible. Our responsibility is to supply customers, OEMs and manufacturers with controllers capable of handling new refrigerants. This involves incorporating inverter or proportional controllers into the new equipment, resulting in cost reduction, lower maintenance expenses and a positive impact on global warming. Working with environmentally friendly refrigerants, such as hydrocarbons or CO2, allows us to achieve efficiency comparable to traditional options without adversely affecting the environment.

“We offer customers and OEMs products equipped to handle these advanced refrigerants, featuring new functionalities that ensure compressors operate efficiently without unnecessary energy wastage. The manufacturer's primary obligation is to provide technologies aligned with these requirements. We understand the necessary steps and must integrate them into our products, offering verbal outputs, cost-saving features, economic setpoints and energy management software. We aim to empower customers and OEMs to maximise their efforts in saving money and reducing costs.”

Luis Ojeda

Product Manager, Onicon “We are committed to deliver the highest measurement accuracy to our customers. Our devices provide measurements in terms of the percentage of the reading, not the percentage of the full scale. This means that our accuracy remains unaffected by variations in flow rates. “We aim to offer optimal accuracy, enabling individuals to comprehend their buildings and systems better. This, in turn, aids in reducing overall CO2 emissions and carbon production costs.”

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and trying to get their feedback.

How is that progressing, and what is the next step? Are we going to see region-specific testing in a more profound way?

Do you have a timeline for it?

It’s progressing. AHRI’s MENA region office was established right as COVID was coming in. My last trip, pre-COVID, was in March of 2020, as I was flying back from Dubai and establishing the main office. Between then and today, significant progress has been made in increasing the representation of the Middle East and North African HVACR industry and manufacturers. As you mentioned, we have established a region-specific standards committee to regionalise standards for the Middle East and North Africa due to their unique climate zone needs. With that, we have been successful in working with and will continue to do so with other product categories to have a more cohesive and harmonised policy in the GCC region.

Looking at the existing diversity in systems and labels within the region, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE and others, we have worked on harmonising these standards. I can't recall the specific product category off the top of my head, but one of them is moving towards a common labelling scheme. We plan to continue these efforts. Additionally, we signed an agreement with the GCC region to explore the development of a lab in the MENA region for testing our equipment. Initially focused on residential and light-commercial sizes, the lab will expand based on demand from manufacturers. This approach aims to address the challenges posed by shipping over long distances, as seen during COVID and recent regional conflicts. Regarding timelines, particularly for the lab, it involves developing a business case with the GCC region, securing funding and the actual construction, making it unlikely to be operational by the end of this year.

Despite the challenges, we are working to progress as quickly as possible.

As the president and CEO, I often express ideas, assuming they can be implemented swiftly. However, the reality unfolds when we engage with

the staff and other stakeholders. They affirm their commitment, saying, "Yes, we can do this."

Specifically regarding the lab, the initial step involves developing a comprehensive business case with the GCC region. Subsequently, we must strategise funding and navigate various logistical considerations. The entire process, from planning to actual construction, will undoubtedly take some time. While my ideal scenario envisions having the lab up and running by the end of this year, the likelihood of achieving that goal may be limited. Nevertheless, we are actively working towards making it happen as swiftly as possible.

I am interested in knowing more about the timeline. You spoke about harmonising of standards.

What has been the initial response to that?

It has been exceedingly positive. The harmonised standards and labels have proven beneficial for market surveillance, ensuring that products sold and installed align with the region's and respective governments' energy and climate goals. The realisation has set in that maintaining separate standards makes it challenging to conduct effective surveillance and to verify the correctness of products.

Moreover, the unified approach reduces costs, directly addressing the concerns raised earlier. Having multiple certification, labelling and reporting schemes and standards complicates product design and testing for smaller markets and increases overall costs. A consolidated approach, catering to a larger market, results in reduced costs for everyone, making these products more affordable and allowing for a more robust push towards sustainability.

I would like to discuss the global movement towards refrigerant transition. Are we having headwinds in the form of building codes? Europe has gone ahead and allowed 500g of refrigerant charge, in the case of R-290. What is happening here in the United States? Or, would such a move come up against building code?

Tim Eorgan

Manager of Specified Products, Carlisle Companies “Our primary goal is to reduce the energy footprint of buildings, whether residential or commercial. One of our key strategies involves sealing ductwork comprehensively, employing robust and specialised sealants. These sealants are applied between the panels, creating a balloon system that maximises the efficiency of the duct system. When the HVAC system is in operation, whether dispensing cool or warm air, we strive to ensure that the maximum amount reaches its destination through grilles. The objective behind the sealant is to transform the duct system into an airtight vessel. The generated hot or cool air remains conserved within the network when the HVAC system is activated. This ensures efficient distribution, whether to the back bedroom in a residential setting or various conference rooms and offices in a commercial building.”

Building codes and safety standards, often overlooked, play a crucial role, especially as we transition from higher-GWP refrigerants to lower-GWP ones. The challenge lies in lower-GWP refrigerants being more volatile and dispersing more quickly due to their reduced atmospheric lifespan. Our focus has been keeping international safety standards, and constantly updating them based on new research and information. These safety standards are then integrated into building codes, a process that takes time to effect change.

Safety standards, including ISO and ICC standards, are drafted by industry experts, while building codes involve various stakeholders, such as fire marshals, building owners and insurance companies. Achieving approval for A2Ls (lower charge) in safety codes in the United States took considerable time, but we've made substantial progress, with most states now fully A2L-compliant. Approval for higher charge faces more significant challenges, especially considering potential litigation. Incremental steps are essential and gradually expanding to commercial refrigeration. Building expertise among technicians, building owners and others is crucial. While progress may not match Europe's pace, a steady approach will lead to adopting more efficient and safer refrigerants for heating and cooling applications.

So, would you say Europe took a slightly different approach?

Yes, Europe has taken a more aspirational and aggressive approach toward these initiatives. Each country has its unique considerations, and the United States tend to be more cautious, particularly concerning safety and legal aspects, compared to Europe. It’s not about being less safe; rather, the differences in systems and regulations make the United States' approach more cautious.

In the United States, a robust legal system and concerns about liability, especially when introducing flammable refrigerants into occupied spaces, contribute to a slower pace.

The stringent legal framework aims to avoid potential accidents with high liability costs for companies. Europe, with a somewhat less litigious system, can move more swiftly.

While Europe's positive experiences may serve as valuable lessons, the United States will likely proceed cautiously, considering its legal and safety landscape. The education and adoption process may be slower in the United States compared to the European Union.

Climate Control Middle East would like to acknowledge and appreciate the support and assistance of ASHRAE, AHRI and the International Exposition Company in enabling the gathering of information during the twin events.

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INSIDE-OUT

FOLLOWING UP ON THE GLOBAL COOLING PLEDGE Consultants, across expertise spanning design, retrofitting, innovation and collaboration, are uniquely positioned to positively impact the transformation needed to achieve the ambitious targets of the Pledge, says Omnia Halawani

G

IVEN the indispensable role of cooling in sustainable development, alongside its substantial energy consumption, targeting this sector for energy use reductions and emissions mitigation is a logical and strategic choice. The critical importance of cooling for maintaining food safety, medical supply integrity, and comfortable living and working environments underscores its nonnegotiable part in society. Combining its indispensability with the high energy demand associated with cooling technologies, signifies a considerable opportunity for environmental gains through efficiency improvements.

This dual perspective renders the cooling sector a straightforward choice for exerting collaborative efforts to reduce energy consumption and curb emissions. Stemming from this recognition, the COP28 UAE presidency spearheaded a Global Cooling Pledge in collaboration with the Cool Coalition of the United Nations Environment Program as a delivery partner.

The Global Cooling Pledge is a voluntary pledge that intends to “raise ambition and international cooperation through collective targets on improving energy efficiency and climate friendly approaches, while increasing access to sustainable cooling for the most vulnerable”. It targets climate-warming emissions from cooling stemming from

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air conditioning as well as refrigeration for food and medicine.

As a summary, the 63 countries that signed the pledge committed to reduce, by 2050, their cooling-related emissions by at least 68% compared to 2022 levels, to increase access to sustainable cooling by 2030, and to increase the global average efficiency of new air conditioning equipment by 50%. These commitments are part of a broader set of objectives that include the implementation of minimum energy performance standards by 2030, marking a significant step towards mitigating climate change impacts through targeted actions in the cooling sector.

The construction industry globally is pivotal in advancing the goals of the Global Cooling Pledge via the enhancement of the cooling technologies and installations in new and existing buildings.

On a governmental level, national Demand Side Management strategies intend to tackle and accelerate the delivery of energy efficiency targets.

With cooling being major energy users in our region, any strategy intended to tackle energy efficiency must tackle cooling as a vital consumer. Increasing cooling efficiency is possible via multiple programmes that can tackle cooling from different angles and aspects: Buildings codes, existing building

Omnia Halawani is Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global. She may be contacted at omnia@grfn.global.

retrofits, equipment efficiencies, and the promotion of more efficient cooling technologies like District Cooling.

In a market study conducted for the Dubai Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (Dubai RSB), grfn studied the in-situ efficiencies of different cooling technologies. The study was carried out through on-site testing to capture the actual performance, incorporating factors like the systems' age and maintenance routines into the evaluation. Data was collected over an extended period, factoring in different weather conditions, to establish the yearly average efficiencies of each technology. The Dubai RSB reports that the weighted average efficiency of cooling systems (other than District Cooling) was assessed to be 1.51 kW/ TR, whilst District Cooling efficiency calculated from data provided to the RSB by District Cooling firms is 0.92 kW/ TR. From the date of the study (2016), it has been observed from several District Cooling plants that grfn designed or managed energy efficiency retrofits on, that improved efficiencies are achievable even beyond the reported District Cooling efficiencies in the study.

Given these insights, it becomes evident that stakeholders in the construction and urban planning sectors should champion the adoption

of District Cooling solutions, wherever practical and feasible. The demonstrably higher efficiency of District Cooling not only underscores its viability as a sustainable option but also highlights its potential in contributing to the broader objectives of energy conservation and emissions reduction. In scenarii where District Cooling may not be a viable option, it is incumbent upon designers to advocate for and implement the most efficient alternative cooling technologies available. This dual approach ensures that regardless of the specific constraints or opportunities presented by a project, the overarching goal remains the pursuit of optimal energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in cooling solutions.

Consultants can channel their expertise into four verticals to support the targets of the Global Cooling Pledge.

First, and as a primary role for consultants, it is vital to influence the early stages of construction by incorporating design measures that focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, the integration of innovative technologies and the specifying of heightened efficiency requirements for cooling technologies in the tender documents of projects. Through designs, consultants can advocate passive strategies to reduce cooling demands and the dependency on mechanical cooling. This is further tackled through optimising mechanical

cooling, which requires an approach that encompasses the right sizing of the demand load, tackling the energy efficiency of the cooling technology, the selection of eco-friendly refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), and implementing design measures to improve the overall operational energy use efficiency of the installed systems, like advanced controls, heat recovery, demand control ventilation and thermal energy storage systems, among a plethora of possible options.

A second role for consultants is the advocacy of improving the existing building stock through energy audits and retrofits. Retrofitting older AC systems with more efficient models is normally the most rewarding and quite straightforward energy conservation measure that can be sought. With air conditioning using the major component of energy use in buildings, retrofitting inefficient installations with more efficient counterparts results in attractive energy bill reductions and the by-product reduction in emissions. This aligns with the goal of increasing access to sustainable cooling by enhancing the performance of existing installations.

A third role is the accelerator role for driving innovation and advancement in AC technologies. By specifying highefficiency equipment in their projects, consultants can influence market trends and encourage manufacturers to prioritise the development of more sustainable

products. In addition, the consultants’ involvement in R&D collaborations can support the advancement of AC technologies. This partnership should aim to ensuring that new products meet the evolving needs of sustainable construction and contribute to the global effort to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The fourth role is a collaborative role with governmental, non-governmental and regulatory/ standardising entities that is built on advocacy and education initiatives. Engaging in such partnerships and collaborative efforts can amplify the impact of the contribution of the construction industry to the Global Cooling Pledge. Consultants can serve as advisors, aiding in the development and updating of international standards and national building codes that emphasise cooling efficiency. By advocating for the inclusion of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and renewable energy-based cooling solutions in regulatory frameworks, consultants can drive systemic changes that support sustainable cooling practices.

Consultants, across expertise spanning design, retrofitting, innovation and collaboration, are uniquely positioned to positively impact the transformation needed to achieve the ambitious targets of the Global Cooling Pledge. Our role extends to leading education and raising awareness among all stakeholders, including contractors and building owners. This is vital to ensuring the widespread adoption of best practices and creating a culture where sustainable cooling is not just a goal but a standard practice. The construction industry, as a whole, can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption and emissions, moving us closer to the sustainable future envisioned in the Global Cooling Pledge and getting us on a pathway consistent with the overarching target as the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C. 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.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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FILTER FOCUS

THE BROKEN LADDER OF IAQ Dr Iyad Al-Attar offers a historical perspective on urbanisation and air quality, emphasising how humans have been polluting, living, working and filtering air unsustainably

H

ISTORICALLY speaking, cities were perceived as unnatural for humanity and a culmination of our exile from rural life, where clean air and resources are abundant. In describing the isolation that falls on a soul in a city, Jean-Jacques Rousseau would declare towns as "the abyss of the human species” while dismissing cities as “pestilential to man's morals, health and liberties”. As countries strive to depart from poverty to prosperity through building cities, the unprecedented scale, speed and scope of urbanisation spark doubts about its sustainable growth.

Cities expanded, attracting inhabitants through their novelty as hubs of commerce, culture, education and economic opportunity. Urban population went from five per cent of the total population in the early 1800s

to 54%, today[1]. Recent projections show that the global urban population in cities could reach 68% by 2050, adding 2.5 billion people to the urban environment. Although cities can represent a low-carbon way to live, where 80% of economic activity occurs[2], they consume 78% of the

Image: © Dr. Iyad Al-Attar

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

global energy generated and produce 60% of greenhouse gas emissions.

However, they only account for two per cent of the Earth’s surface[3].

There may be nothing wrong with inviting people to move to the city and enhance their standard of living.

There is nothing naive in intending to break the cycle of poverty by getting a decent education and attaining economic empowerment for dignified earnings and retirement. However, we cannot get people out of poverty and cluster them into polluted cities, limiting them to a mutually exclusive choice of being poor or polluted.

Furthermore, clustering people in cities renders them a catalyst for virus transmission, impacting more inhabitants and sparking additional environmental, economic and social complexities. Why can't we grow without polluting? If the data is correct and the science is precise, then inducing positive change requires that

we grant our planet and its ecosystems a chance to regenerate.

During the pandemic, air quality came under scrutiny, revealing the long-standing weaknesses in the installed air filters in HVAC systems that compromise the fitness of the built environment design and its building envelope for human occupancy. Cutting corners when selecting air filters can quickly result in frequent maintenance issues, deteriorate IAQ and accelerate the ageing of HVAC equipment.

Although retrofitting has been the hype in recent years, alongside gentrification initiatives, their mere focus is land and property valuation rather than establishing infrastructure for air quality monitoring and enhancement.

Furthermore, as building owners and decision-makers take a laissez-faire approach to air quality enhancement and inclusion, they exempt themselves from exposing human occupants to polluted air. They think providing their maintenance teams with primitive tools, such as screwdrivers and safety shoes, will position them to succeed.

Going the extra mile Ambient conditions impact the performance of HVAC and filtration systems differently, as pollutant types, concentrations, size distributions, filter loading, and heat and moisture levels may vary simultaneously. Today, the premise of comprehensive air filtration solutions should be more inclusive to look beyond particle capture and include similar solutions for gaseous and bio-aerosols. Although air monitoring and filtration technologies may be ready to be enablers of better IAQ, they cannot be the only drivers of a healthy environment. Furthermore, capturing all pollutant types is not only impractical but also improbable. This is partly due to squeezing air filters in limited spaces within air-handling units focusing on particle capture only.

Ultimately, such limitations impede any attempt to provide sustainable filter performance to enhance air quality by attaching higher filtration efficiency against all airborne pollutants. Therefore, continuous air quality monitoring characterises

contaminants of interest and sets the filtration stages to mitigate their concentrations appropriately. Going the extra mile could mean employing online measurement of air filter performance during operation, which can prove invaluable in monitoring its efficiency, not just the rise in pressure drop. That would facilitate data relevant to the entire filter performance during its operative lifetime. Equally important is identifying the pollutant sources and realising that they can also be emitted from indoor sources, such as occupants, their activities, furniture and construction materials.

widely used practices, such as cleaning diffusers, ducts and coils give an ominous glimpse of the consequences of adhering to old maintenance hacks.

Furthermore, disposing of loaded filters remains a pressing waste issue that hardly adheres to the circular economy metrics. Ultimately, engineering the filtration requirements and selections is emphasised to extend the filter life cycle through sustainable performance and operation.

Thriving for a pandemicproof city What is the cost of enhancing IAQ? Why is it not worth investing in? How is the loss of IAQ calculated in the factoring of profit? To answer these questions, we need to understand the magnitude of our overwhelming losses incurred in the recent pandemic due to seven million deaths, with over two million of them in the United States, Brazil and India alone[4]. Going beyond lives lost, the devasting bill that came due to lockdowns, imposed to slow the spread of the disease and ease pressure on healthcare systems, triggered an unprecedented global recession. Therefore, drawing commitments from such losses necessitates a new approach to reduce anthropogenic emissions, as we continue to unsustainably replace forests with concrete and asphalt.

The pandemic revealed and amplified decades of epic errors, centuries of bad habits and negligence in air quality practices. Scant and fluctuating global attention on air quality further twists the diction. The pandemic was also a compendium of poorly implemented standards, maintenance hacks, inappropriate filter selection and quick-fix installation. But filtration alone cannot render our building envelopes safe to occupy, irrespective of our outdoor air pollutants. While filtration technologies can remove various pollutant types, their availability does not justify the pace of current anthropogenic emissions. Meanwhile,

Figure 1: Coil washing with chemical is a frequently practised measure to recover the heat transfer performance

Figure 2: Mould growth and dust loading on a typical air diffuser

Figure 3: Replacement of damaged cooling coil due to dust-loading and inappropriate maintenance

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FILTER FOCUS If we cannot be inspired by the *Miasma Theory[5], perhaps we could be more intrigued to know that air pollution and dust challenges are not new. The problem of dust can be traced back to Roman times. Pliny the Elder (ca.

A.D. 50) observed the toxic properties of lead oxide, sulphur dioxide, and mercury sulphide and described a rudimentary protective mask.

Bernardino Ramazzini highlighted in his book (1713), Diseases of Workers that diseases could be correlated to occupation or environment types. At the time, face masks used for personal protection were made of animal bladders. In 1556, Georgius Agricola recommended ventilation and personal respirators to protect workers in mines in his book, De Re Metallica. In 1955, Professor Nikolai Fuchs published his book, The Mechanics of Aerosol that laid the foundation of aerosol science, when neither computers and lasers nor spectroscopy analytical tools were available.

Celebrating all these early achievements lead us to infer that we should have defeated viruses and choked their transmissions in cities once and for all, given the technologies and innovations available at our fingertips. Historically, personal protection was sought as there was no control over the indoor environment.

Today, well-maintained and protected central HVAC systems could provide more control of thermal comfort while aligning air quality targets to observe the application-sensitivity of a given indoor environment to render it safe, healthy and fit for purpose. Economic empowerment is also critical to the vitality of nations, where trade and commerce are key. However, history encourages us to learn from cities such as Venice.

Venice, a gateway for trade into the continent, represents a great example of balancing economic priorities and a healthy city. In 1348, Venice was hit by the Black Death, which arrived on its shores on a merchant ship. The reliance of Venice on global trading and the continuous influx of infected travellers, exposed locals to the plague, which by 1352 had claimed the lives of

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around 60% of the city's inhabitants.

Venice was forced to impose its first quarantine, which required all ships from infected ports to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing[6].

The recent pandemic, wildfires and escalated air pollution have highlighted the critical role of governments in developing the capacity to prevent pandemics and to respond to air quality deterioration. Weak statutory underpinnings for air quality and the built environment have increased cities' vulnerability to the pandemic. Vague or nonexistent legislation to govern and control the air quality human occupants inhale raises many questions and concerns. Addressing the spectre of virus transmission necessitates an indepth analysis of existing city designs, coastal clustering urbanisation and street canyons. These pressing issues lead to traffic congestion and degrade urban air quality, further challenging the built environment. Therefore, embedding air quality legislation and governance as a function of the city's topography and ecosystems is imperative before embarking on urbanisation.

Urbanised but polluted Rising on a broken IAQ ladder suggests that cities can fall harder, faster and farther into the trap of future pandemics. Attaining and maintaining air quality in the built environment should be an explicit design priority and essential service similar to clean water, sanitation and electricity.

The critical role of governments must be emphasised to lead the movement towards healthy, safe and sustainable cities. Air quality enhancement budgets can no longer split the difference with other HVACrelated maintenance endeavours.

This ailing approach dismisses innovations and technologies, such as air quality monitoring and filtration, and regards them as expensive items with a peripheral function to building operations. The value of clean air lies in protecting the wellbeing of human occupants, rendering our indoor environment fit for healthy living and optimum

productivity. Inducing change requires an architecture of innovation calling for a more engaged design of HVAC and filtration systems with adaptive performance to respond to variations in IAQ. Over-populating urban centres that are already polluted sets them up for defeat against virus transmission and challenges their ability to help their inhabitants prosper. As countries rapidly urbanise, they should embrace business models that decouple economic growth from increased emissions to turn the tide of anthropogenic emissions. As humanity faces monumental climate challenges, we all – novices and experts alike – have a role in shaping the future.

*Miasma Theory: An abandoned medical theory that believed diseases were caused by a noxious form of bad air, such as a cloud of foul-smelling vapour, like swamp gas.

[1] Zinkina, J., Ilyin, I. and Korotayev, A., 2017. The Nineteenth-Century Urbanization Transition in the First World. Globalistics and globalization studies, pp.164-172.

[2] Calthorpe, P., 2015. Urbanism in the age of climate change. In The city reader (pp. 555-568). Routledge.

[3] MAISONNEUVE, C., 2023.

Decarbonizing European Cities: How to Speed Up and Build Synergies?

[4] Msemburi, W., Karlinsky, A., Knutson, V., Aleshin-Guendel, S., Chatterji, S. and Wakefield, J., 2023. The WHO estimates of excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature, 613 (7942), pp.130-137.

[5] Bloom, B.L., 1965. The “medical model”, miasma theory, and community mental health.

Community Mental Health Journal, 1, pp.333-338.

[6] “Jedwab, R., et al., 2019, ‘Pandemics, places, and populations: Evidence from the Black Death’, CESifo Working Paper.”

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.

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PERSPECTIVE

Smart HVAC systems

‘CLOUD SUPERVISORY PLATFORMS CAN UNLOCK THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BMS DATA’ Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, Facilio, providing an update, elaborates on how IoT-based automation and monitoring systems are shaping the future of building operations

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UILDINGS needn’t necessarily be mere concrete structures; they hold the potential to be transformed into living ecosystems that respond intelligently to the needs of assets, occupants and of the environment. The convergence of sustainability principles and technological advancements has given rise to smart buildings that minimise their ecological footprint and present substantial economic advantages.

The early Building Management Systems (BMS) were baby steps towards the vision of smart buildings.

But the shortcomings of the old-school BMS/BAS are more than obvious.

Unfortunately, since its inception, there has been minimal innovation in this space, largely confining it to site supervisory control software designed for building engineers. Usually limited in scope to equipment controls and alarm management, the Building Management Systems of yore make it much harder for these systems to be used more broadly, beyond building-control technicians.

However, there's a compelling argument for reevaluating the traditional approach to Building Management Systems. There's potential in decoupling the hardware and software components, particularly by embracing cloudtechnologies. These modern platforms extend beyond conventional BMS functionality, offering scalability and

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efficiency across entire portfolios of buildings, rather than just individual sites.

By adopting cloud supervisory software, organisations can unlock a host of smart building use cases that were previously hindered by the limitations of traditional Building Management Systems. This shift not only addresses scalability and efficiency concerns but also fosters innovation and facilitates the implementation of advanced building management strategies.

New age Building Management Systems and their potential impact Imagine for a moment having historic BMS data collected over the years and across buildings on a single cloudbased platform. What if that data could be normalised using a common data model and naming standard? Analytics could be applied over unified data sets.

Visibility into building operations could be shared – and insights derived – for key stakeholders. Consider, as well, that this same platform also enables data sharing with other applications that need this data. The ability to address all the key challenges of BMS integration is now within reach. The data surfaced from Building Management Systems enables maintenance to be performed based on the equipment condition,

besides periodic maintenance. This also means that tenant servicing systems could automatically adjust HVAC schedules or override setpoints in a building based on occupant requests.

The potential that this approach creates is powerful and lucrative in meeting the evolving operational demands of large organisations.

Turning to next-gen technologies for portfolio-wide automation Building Management Systems traditionally operate at a site level, facilitating real-time equipment control, data processing, alarms management and reporting. However, to scale these functionalities across portfolios from a centralised location, organisations are turning to cloud supervisory platforms.

These platforms go beyond traditional BMS capabilities, enabling analytics across large datasets and deploying optimisation strategies at a portfolio scale. By leveraging cloudbased infrastructure, organisations can harness the power of big data analytics to uncover insights and trends that were previously inaccessible.

A cloud supervisory platform complements existing Building Management Systems and site supervisory infrastructure, augmenting rather than replacing them. This approach unlocks the untapped

potential of BMS data, allowing organisations to optimise building operations, improve energy efficiency and enhance overall performance across their entire portfolio.

Using IoT and AI to optimise building operations Leveraging the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), buildings can potentially evolve into sentient entities, adeptly meeting occupants' requirements while fine-tuning resource consumption. AIfuelled analytics unveil intricate energy usage patterns, empowering proactive measures.

Capitalising on data-driven insights, building managers can meticulously calibrate operations, fine-tune energy utilisation, and implement predictive maintenance protocols. These capabilities extend seamlessly across entire portfolios, effortlessly adapting to scale.

Here are some ways in which IoTled remote monitoring solutions, when

The road ahead

integrated with BAS, can change the way buildings perform: •

•

•

•

•

Real-time insights: BAS collects data from IoT sensors, offering real-time insights into building performance.

Predictive maintenance: IoT sensors enable proactive maintenance by detecting equipment issues before they escalate, reducing downtime.

Energy Optimisation: BAS analyses energy data from IoT sensors to optimise usage, reducing waste and lowering costs.

Dynamic controls: With IoT data, BAS adjusts systems in real-time, based on occupancy and environmental conditions, enhancing efficiency.

Continuous Improvement: BAS continuously monitors and refines operations using IoT data, ensuring ongoing efficiency gains.

As we look to the future, the convergence of these technologies will continue to drive innovation and transformation across industries. We can expect to see further advancements in IoT connectivity, ML/AI algorithms and predictive analytics, as they seamlessly connect with other building systems, enabling even greater automation, efficiency and sustainability. By embracing these technologies, organisations can unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity in their building operations, paving the way for smarter, more responsive and more resilient built environments.

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.

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COUNTRY REPORT

Italy, Mostra Convegno Expocomfort

‘ITALY

IS SPOTLIGHTING

ENERGY REFURBISHMENT, IAQ’ Gloria Gualdi, Marketing and eBusiness Manager, MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, in conversation with Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East on energy efficiency regulation in Italy, and Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), in the context of Mostra Convegno 2024. Excerpts from the interview...

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W

hat may visitors to Mostra Convegno Expocomfort expect from the show?

The 43rd edition of Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, in March 2024, is the first one coming back to its traditional in-person format after the pandemic. Mostra 2020 had to be cancelled just weeks before its opening because of the pandemic. Then, we tried to postpone the show several times, but with no luck. We just about succeeded with the 42nd edition, in June 2022, but it was a smaller edition compared to previous ones in terms of visitors and exhibitors. We were nevertheless satisfied with the international attendance. I mean, we had 40% of international visitors and 55% of international exhibitors. So, that was the 2022 edition.

With the 43rd edition, we are finally getting back to the traditional calendar, which is the month of March, which is the perfect period for our technologies and the market. And in this moment, we are going back to pre-pandemic size of the show, in terms of exhibitors and in terms of international participation, which is growing again. We have 1,700 exhibitors, 60% of whom are from abroad; and they are from 50 countries.

And we also expect to have a large audience. We are expecting 120,000 visitors from 40 countries. This is because Mostra Convegno is a real international show, with people coming from four corners of the world.

And this is because the Italian HVAC market is very important. In the last three years, the market in Italy has grown at two per cent digit levels, also thanks to the fiscal incentives defined by the Italian government in order to improve energy efficiency in buildings. As you can imagine,

Italy has a very long history, and most of the residential buildings have been built between the 1960s and the 1970s; and that is why they need energy refurbishment and that is why the Italian government decided to invest in those areas to give funds to citizens to renovate their homes to get better consumption of energy and better comfort, in terms of air quality, etc.

How important is IAQ? How is it perceived in the country, considering that Italy suffered substantially during the pandemic?

Obviously, the pandemic highlighted that we have some problems, so we are much more focused on IAQ. The Italian government is working on renovating some specific buildings – for example, schools – because as you mentioned, we saw the worst case of so many people dying. If you think of children going to school with the risk of getting the virus because of poor IAQ, it is important to set it right. So, there has been great investment by the government in our plan. I am referring to the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, which is the National Recovery and Resilience Plan*. So, yes, there is strong investment with regard to air quality and energy refurbishment.

We are also working on several other environments that are very important, and we are going to deepen the understanding on this during Mostra Convegno. I am referring to energy refurbishment and improving IAQ measures in cinemas, theatres and museums. We have so many buildings that need refurbishment from these points of view. So, it is not only new buildings that have to follow recent government regulation but also historical buildings.

It is a daunting challenge to refurbish historical buildings, isn’t it?

Yes, it is also a matter of preserving the artistic aspects. This is one of the topics of discussion during Mostra Convegno. It will involve the Italian Government’s energy agency, and we are going to have certifiers, plan designers, engineers and architects to explain and show the agency the best technologies and best solutions to achieve energy efficiency-related

Pandemic response The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza) is part of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) programme, namely the €750 billion package – of which about half is in the form of grants – that the European Union negotiated in response to the pandemic crisis.

The main component of the NGEU programme is the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has a duration of six years – from 2021 to 2026 – and a total size of €672.5 billion, of which €312.5 billion is in the form of grants, and the remaining €360 billion is in the form of low-interest loans.

refurbishments and better internal air quality in these historical buildings.

What is the national ethos towards mitigating climate change.

Just how much is the citizenry concerned about lowering greenhouse gas emissions?

The awareness of Italian people is growing very fast towards the concept.

Mostra Convegno tries to communicate [key green messages] to not only exhibitors and visitors but also to the general public, because it is important that end users of technology can choose the right solutions, the right systems that would give the highest performance relating to climate change. And for this reason, we have decided to launch our excellence awards during Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2024. This initiative will recognise and reward all technologies and systems that are going to help accelerate the energy transition and ecological transitions, as defined by some of the 17 UN SDGs. 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.

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REGIONAL

NEWS NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

MOCCAE lauds extension of 'Year of Sustainability' into 2024 On National Environment Day, H.E. Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak calls for uniting efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources, and support the adoption of sustainable local products

By CCME Content Team

H

ER EXCELLENCY Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister, Climate Change and Environment, said that extending the 'Year of Sustainability' into 2024, as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, UAE, reflects the nation's commitment to embedding sustainability across all sectors and instil these practices in the behaviour of society and future generations, The goal, H.E. Al Dahak said, is to build on the UAE's achievements in this field and increase its contribution to confronting global climate challenges and protecting the planet.

This initiative, she added, builds on the success of COP28 and the historic UAE Consensus.

H.E. Dr Al Dahak said that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed's statement is a powerful incentive for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which led national efforts for COP28, to continue working with

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relevant authorities and engaging the community towards achieving Net Zero 2050. On the 27th National Environment Day, held under the theme, "Together for a Sustainable Local Product", H.E. Dr Al Dahak also urged collaboration among various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the community to continue to protect the environment and conserve resources. Furthermore, she underlined the importance of supporting local products and raising awareness about transforming food systems to become more sustainable, resilient, and locally sourced.

H.E. Dr Al Dahak said on National Environment Day the UAE renews its commitment to confronting the challenges facing planet and reaffirms its determination to build on the legacy and environmental stewardship of the founding father, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In addition, she said, achieving a sustainable food supply

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requires innovation, collaboration, and dialogue with crop and livestock farmers, as well as fisheries. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, she said, is helping drive these conversations and is supporting individuals spearheading the development and sustainability of the nation's local produce.

H.E. Dr Al Dahak praised the work of these groups and said: "On National Environment Day, let's enhance collaboration and engage in meaningful dialogues with farmers, livestock farmers, and fishermen, who are the backbone of the security of food we have established in the UAE. We must eliminate obstacles, enabling them to contribute effectively to boosting our local products. Every choice influences our environment from the food we consume to the products we purchase and the water we use.

While our food systems address humanity's fundamental needs, they also contribute to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions."

National Environment Day builds on the success of COP28, held in the UAE last year, where food systems sat at the heart of negotiations and climate progress. During COP28, she said, over 159 Heads of State and Government, representing a combined population of over 6.2 billion people, endorsed the 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action'.

The Declaration, she said, recognises the potential of agriculture and food systems to drive innovative responses to climate change and ensure safe, sufficient, affordable and nutritious food for all.

She said that the nation's Net Zero by 2050 Strategy was launched prior to the start of COP28. She added that it set out a plan for how the country will build on the momentum created by its Third Update to the Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), moving from 40% emission reduction by 2030 to Net Zero by 2050.

// REGIONAL NEWS

Empower, ASHRAE join to develop District Cooling Systems District Cooling service provider says initiative marks a pivotal moment in the joint commitment to advancing the District Cooling sector through scientific study and innovation

By CCME Content Team

Ginger Scoggins and H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

E

MIRATES Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) announced that it has joined hands with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to develop the third-generation District Cooling Systems through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said that the signing ceremony took place during the ASHRAE Winter Conference 2024, held in Chicago. Empower further said it marked a pivotal moment in the joint commitment to advancing the District Cooling sector through scientific study and innovation.

Under the MoU, Empower said, ASHRAE will oversee a research project initiated by Empower as part of the company's commitments to enhance the District Cooling sector and drive the industry to unprecedented levels. Empower said that the research study aims to drive scientific advancements that will shape the future of District

Cooling systems by leveraging the collective expertise of both organisations within a professional academic framework.

Empower said, the project to develop a third-generation District Cooling system is one of the most important outcomes of the company's strategic roadmap, which aims to strengthen the global leadership of Empower and the UAE in the field of District Cooling, by implementing integrated and advanced infrastructure, leveraging sustainable ideas and solutions, and offering plans that enable decisionmakers to formulate policies for smart and sustainable cities.

The research study, Empower said, aims to investigate and analyse the emerging trends and advancements to identify the forthcoming generation of DC technology, specifically concentrating on transitioning from traditional, firstand second-generation DC systems to innovative third-generation models. The study, Empower added, shall investigate the environmental merits of next-generation DC

systems, with a particular emphasis on their heightened efficiency, AI-driven energy management, and consequent reductions in energy consumption.

Furthermore, Empower said, it would assess how these systems can significantly contribute to international efforts to protect the planet and enhance sustainability by offering clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cooling solutions.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: "Entering this new agreement stems from the organisation's values derived from the spirit of Dubai, and its constant endeavour to harness scientific advancements to promote economic goals and a commitment to serving human communities. This dedication to progress also mirrors Empower's founding principles. The MoU reflects Empower's keenness to strengthen its strategic collaboration with international stakeholders, prestigious universities, academic institutions, and global research centres to conduct scientific research in the field of District Cooling, aiming to pioneer advanced, practical solutions that enhance energyefficiency, indoor cooling services, contribute to sustainability efforts.

The proposed research aims to invent entirely new cooling methods that eliminate the need for electricity conversion by directly utilising, storing, and transferring thermal energy, thereby addressing the challenges of climate change."

For her part, Ginger Scoggins, 2023-2024 President, ASHRAE, said: "ASHRAE's collaboration with Empower underscores our joint commitment to advancing technology and sustainability within the District Cooling industry. Our goal is to use our collective expertise to conduct research, foster innovation and promote a sustainable and energy-efficient future."

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// REGIONAL NEWS

AESG announces 46% year-on-year revenue increase in 2023 Firm establishes two new offices in Saudi Arabia, opens its first office in South Africa

By CCME Content Team

T

HE REGION'S positive economic climate is creating substantial growth opportunities for consultancy firms, said AESG. Making the statement through a Press release, AESG said this is evidenced in the latest growth figures from AESG, which show the company posted a 46% year-onyear revenue increase in 2023 and secured over AED 200 million in contract awards over the past 12 months. The firm said it was quick to reinvest these gains into a 34% increase in headcount, which further enhances its ability to play a pivotal consultancy role in the region's many mega and giga projects, which have been a significant contributor to its growth over the last year.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO, AESG, said: "Middle East markets – in particular

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Saudi Arabia and the UAE – are bucking global trends and drawing the focus of the global development and construction community to the region.

While the opportunity is indeed exciting, the ambitious projects being undertaken require global expertise to be balanced by a deep understanding of regional practices, nuances, and norms. Our success through 2023 is the culmination of over a decade of continued investment into the best global talent and deploying highly qualified teams as close to our clients as possible.

Our newest offices in AlUla and Al Madinah in Saudi Arabia, and Masdar City in the UAE are prime examples of this commitment. Alongside our international offices in Singapore, London and the newly opened South

Africa office, we are able to draw on the best talent globally to work closely with our clients on the ground to deliver the complex solutions required to achieve their visionary goals."

AESG said its business momentum also offers key insight into the factors that will drive the success of the region's giga projects. AESG also said from One Za'abeel in Dubai, which boasts the world's largest cantilever bridge, to The Line in Neom, which represents a revolutionary new approach to urban living, the projects now underway in the Middle East are breaking new ground, and thereby setting new benchmarks for the global construction industry.

Al Abbar said: "As with any worldfirst, these projects require the best and brightest talent, use of the latest technologies and materials, and excellence in collaboration, and project and cost management. Success is to be found at the nexus of these forces and is making the region the epicentre of engineering innovation."

As it looks to continue its support for the region's most ambitious developments, AESG said, it has earmarked areas for ongoing investment in 2024. AESG said through a mix of organic growth, and strategic partnerships and acquisitions, the company is set to expand and enhance three key aspects of its business.

Al Abbar further said: "On the back of the recently concluded COP28, tackling climate change is high on regional agendas, and our hundred strong sustainability and environmental consultants are stepping up to help governments and private entities realise their ambitions. At the same time, the complexity of projects has warranted greater demand for our specialist engineering line of business. As these projects approach delivery, clients are realising immense benefits from the services of our cost management and commissioning teams. Moreover, our multidisciplinary practice's depth and scale perfectly position us to be the partner of choice for the most complex and unique projects. We intend to capitalise on these opportunities and are projecting 30% growth this year."

// REGIONAL NEWS

ALEC announces 150% year-on-year to construct part of the Qiddiya Speed growth in Saudi Arabia in 2023 Park.Lewis said, "We are investing in Company says it aims to leverage local talent to build a worldclass construction business in Saudi Arabia through cadet programmes to make the country's giga-projects a reality

By CCME Content Team

A

LEC Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) announced that it achieved 150% year-on-year growth in Saudi Arabia through 2023.

Making the announcement through a Press release, ALEC said that success can be attributed to winning bids for four projects and investing to increase its Saudi workforce significantly.

ALEC further said that the company has identified further investment and expansion in Saudi Arabia among its top business priorities for 2024, as it sees potential for the country to become a global hub for construction excellence and innovation.

Barry Lewis, CEO, ALEC, said: "The deep emphasis on Saudi Arabia by the ALEC Group is in line with a strategy the

company has been executing for the last four years. Moreover, the company's success in Saudi Arabia is driven not by volume but by a few iconic projects.

Our expertise lies in Barry Lewis delivering complex, one-of-a-kind developments, which are exactly the type of projects that Saudi Arabia is undertaking more than any other country in the world."

Earlier this year, ALEC said, Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced its selection of the joint venture between ALEC and El-Seif Engineering Contracting for the contract

Saudi Arabia to make the government's vision a reality. ALEC's strategy is to bring unparalleled expertise, technology, and industry best practices to the country. In doing so, the company is building a sustainable business, that is rapidly becoming a driver of excellence and employment in Saudi Arabia's construction industry."

ALEC said that construction-adjacent businesses that have entered Saudi Arabia as part of the broader ALEC Group is particularly beneficial to the country's construction sector.

Lewis said: "Each of ALEC's subsidiaries enables us to introduce powerful new construction paradigms to Saudi Arabia. Given the eagerness of the developers in Saudi Arabia to leverage the latest technologies, materials and construction techniques, the scope for mutual benefit is immense." Lewis further said that ALEC is set to pioneer modular construction techniques — be it for buildings, MEP works, or even data centres, and added that it will enable developments in the country to be executed at pace, while conforming to the highest standards of quality, precision, and sustainability.

ALEC said that with the ambitions of having projects in Saudi Arabia drive a significant portion of its total business, the company also intends to foster local talent, which is essential to the sustainability of its business and the overall construction sector. The company added that it has already implemented cadet programmes for early-stage recruitment and training of professionals in Saudi Arabia, and is in dialogue with local educational institutions to bolster this initiative.

Lewis said: "We do not measure our successes in Saudi Arabia by revenues alone, but rather by the positive impact we have on the clients and communities we serve. We are committed to enriching the countries in which we operate, and we aim to elevate the construction sector in Saudi Arabia to truly world-class levels, thereby supporting the local economy and boosting business, manufacturing, as well as travel and tourism."

www.climatecontrolme.com

33

// REGIONAL NEWS challenge with causes such as Amantra FM acquires AL MANQAB faceted inadequate firestop measures in design

Facilities management firm says acquisition will mark its foray into the construction industry

By CCME Content Team

A

MANTRA FM, a Dubai-based facilities management company, announced the acquisition of AL MANQAB Technical Services LLC, a fire fighting and safety solutions provider. Making the announcement through a Press release, Amantra said, the acquisition of AL MANQAB marks Amantra's foray into the construction industry, where the integration of firestop solutions in design stages helps significantly avert fire hazards in the future.

Amantra said, founded in 2018, AL MANQAB has a strong portfolio of firestop solutions and ancillary offerings such as safety programs, fire safety audits, hazard identification, and risk assessment. AL MANQAB’s expertise, Amantra said, encompasses MEP penetrations, electrical risers, shaft openings, floor/wall openings and joints, where sophisticated firestop solutions can play an integral role in averting and mitigating fire-related incidents in the future. Furthermore, Amantra said that the broad-based solutions, coupled with installation from trained technicians, constitute AL MANQAB’s and, by extension, the company's competitive edge in construction.

Sangeetha B, CEO, Amantra FM, said: “AL MANQAB’s tested-and-proven competencies in firestop solutions will synergise perfectly with Amantra’s existing MEP capabilities to offer enhanced value to our customers.

The construction industry can be the custodian of fire safety in future buildings by incorporating sophisticated solutions in the design stages. The resulting preventive rather than reactive approach to fire safety has profound implications for liveability in the urban context."

Amantra said that Al Basti and Muktha, ASGC, and Innovo are among the clients who will benefit immensely from that synergy following the acquisition. AL MANQAB, Amantra said, has a good track record of improving fire safety and awareness in organisations through employee engagement programmes. Such programs, Amantra added, touch upon accountability measures and administrative controls to minimise exposure while underscoring the need to comply with global fire safety standards and protocols.

Furthermore, Amantra said that toxic smoke and fires in buildings are a multi-

L-R: Neethu Padmanabhan, Sangeetha B and Naveed Yakub

34

February 2024

stages, the lack of awareness among occupants, and indifference towards regulations and compliance with safety standards.

Commenting on the acquisition, Naveed Yakub, Area Operations Supervisor, Amantra, said: “AL MANQAB’s competencies, coupled with Amantra’s growing ecosystem and an impact-driven approach to facility operations and management, will help institutionalise fire resistance in buildings across GCC. Al MANQAB adds a new dimension of MEP capability to the comprehensive suite of value-centric services we are building under the umbrella of Amantra.”

Amantra said that it has differentiated itself in the facility management industry through offerings and initiatives rooted in social impact.

Amantra added that it recently partnered with US-headquartered AtmosAir to help facilities in the region achieve optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) and improve well-being. As part of the landmark partnership, the company said, it became an authorised distributor and promoter of AtmosAir’s bi-polar ionisation technology, which boasts a pathogen reduction rate of up to 99% in indoor environments.

Neethu Padmanabhan, Contracts and Customer Experience, Amantra FM, said: “The acquisition of AL MANQAB, closely following a major partnership with AtmosAir, adds more impetus to Amantra’s aspirations of driving social, economic, and environmental sustainability in FM operations. We are building an ecosystem around customercentricity, partnering with and acquiring companies we believe can add measurable value to life in urban facilities without compromising on the liveability of future generations."

// REGIONAL NEWS

Carrier announces new version of AquaEdge Company says AquaEdge 19MV will be available with low-GWP refrigerant, R-513A or R-515B

By CCME Content Team

C

ARRIER announced that it is introducing an updated, more compact version of the AquaEdge® 19MV water-cooled centrifugal chiller in North America, Asia and the Middle East. Making the announcement through a Press release, Carrier said the AquaEdge 19MV is available with low-GWP refrigerant R-513A or R-515B and is designed to deliver reliable performance, incredible efficiency, easy installation and a wide operating range. Furthermore, Carrier said that now with capacity extension down to 150 tonnes (527.5kW) and a narrower footprint that is 18% smaller than previous versions of the 19MV, the chiller combines best-in-segment efficiency for design and the ability to operate at severe conditions due to unexpected building operation or extreme weather.

Scott McDonough, Associate Director, Global Product Management, Centrifugal Chillers, Carrier, said, "The company's goal is to optimise building performance and resilience,

and the AquaEdge 19MV has once again proven that one does not need to sacrifice footprint to achieve uncompromising performance and robust operation."

Carrier said the AquaEdge 19MV was named the 2022 Commercial Comfort Product of the Year in the Cooling Equipment category by a panel of independent engineers selected

by the editorial staff of Engineered Systems magazine. In addition, Carrier pointed out that it received a gold award in the HVAC category for Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine’s 2023 Product of the Year program.

The updated AquaEdge 19MV, Carrier said, leverages the same proven EquiDrive™ two-stage magnetic bearing compressor design to achieve best-in-segment performance while staying quiet and cool under pressure.

Carrier said that the compression technology provides an expanded operating range while improving chiller efficiency and building resiliency for specifying engineers, building owners and facility managers.

Furthermore, Carrier said it also features a Greenspeed® intelligence variable frequency drive that enables starting and operating with cold condenser water while providing enhanced performance at off-design conditions and a Carrier® SmartVu™ control panel that provides intelligent control and easier tracking and analysis of operational data. Carrier also said that using lower-GWP refrigerants supports the company's 2030 Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Goals, including helping customers avoid more than one Giga tonne of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

www.climatecontrolme.com

35

// REGIONAL NEWS

Mekar joins Eurovent Middle East Association says the move presents Mekar as the latest addition to the expanding consortium of industry players uniting to promote the adoption of sustainable technologies

By CCME Content Team

E

UROVENT Middle East announced that Mekar Air Handling Units has joined the Association. Making the announcement through a Press release, Eurovent said the move presents Mekar as the latest addition to the expanding consortium of industry players uniting to promote the adoption of sustainable technologies. The step, the Association said, underscores the increasing significance of collaboration among industry organisations in addressing HVACR sector challenges and

advancing regulations for the Middle East region.

Founded in 1973 in Verona, Eurovent said, Mekar has undergone significant growth since its inception and has emerged as a leader in commercial HVAC solutions. The Association said that its commitment lies in the delivery of high-quality equipment, the cultivation of strong customer relationships, and the provision of excellent postsales support. At the core of Mekar's operations, the Association added, is

PRODUCED BY

a strong dedication to technological innovation, development, and best manufacturing practices. Eurovent said that, supported by an extensive network of international partners, Mekar is widely recognised for reliability and excellence in air treatment solutions.

Bharath Babu, General Manager, Mekar Air Handling Units, said: “We support the aims of Eurovent Middle East to improve standards and legislation in the region, while raising awareness and knowledge on the latest technologies available in the market.

We appreciate the continuous efforts to gather the main industry players under a strong association and look forward to cooperating with our colleagues and peers on education and training as well as on regulatory matters. We believe that collaboration within our industry will offer us opportunities to positively influence the future of this market and contribute to the development of energy-saving regulations in the Middle East.”

Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, said: “Harmonised standards and regulations in the region and education are objectives shared by most if not all manufacturers. Every member plays an important part in working towards improved energy efficiency and sustainable practices. We can provide education, training, and stakeholding in regulatory discussions, which are needed to shape the future only with joint efforts. We thank Mekar for their commitment and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

14

TH

EDITION

DECEMBER 2024 I DUBAI, UAE

w w w. c l i m a t e c o n t r o l a w a r d s . c o m

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February 2024

// REGIONAL NEWS

KPM Engineering appoints new MEP Director Colin Scott comes on board as Director, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

By CCME Content Team

K

PM Engineering (KPM) announced that it has further strengthened its leadership team and appointed Colin Scott as Director, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP). Making the announcement through a Press release, KPM said that Scott will elevate the organisation's MEP service delivery in the Middle East region, by enhancing and streamlining the company's innovative mechanical, electrical and plumbing service capabilities and by developing and executing strategies to improve efficiencies while maintaining world-class quality standards.

Furthermore, KPM said that Scott will lead the continuous development of KPM's workforce by spearheading strategic initiatives to grow and upskill MEP and Building Information Modelling (BIM) teams, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of industry advancements and is well-equipped to deliver innovative solutions to clients.

KPM said that in his new role, Scott will maintain KPM's strong client focus and strengthen its value partnerships as the primary contact for MEP projects across key sectors in the region. KPM added that Scott is a chartered building design engineer, with over 23 years' experience in engineering and consultancy roles in the UAE and United Kingdom. KPM also said that Scott has extensive experience managing and consulting on high-profile projects in the Middle East region, including government, mixed-use, hospitality, residential and retail, such as SLS Tower in Business Bay, Deira City Centre, and Marsana Retail District on Hudayriyat Island.

Commenting on his appointment, Scott said: "KPM's global ambitions align with my passion for growth and driving positive change within engineering.

I am excited to be part of one of the region's leading multidisciplinary engineering companies, and I aim to further elevate our standing by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development in project delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technologies,

and prioritising client-centric solutions.

This is a dynamic market, and as client requirements become more complex and priorities evolve to seek out more sustainable solutions, I look forward to navigating this journey with KPM." Kashif Fakih, Director, KPM, said: "Scott's appointment as Director of MEP marks another exciting chapter for KPM.

He fully aligns with our commitment to growth, strengthening client partnerships, and exploring new opportunities in expanding sectors. With a relentless focus on delivering quality outcomes and cultivating successful teams, he brings a wealth of regional experience in MEP delivery to our current and future multidisciplinary projects."

Sustainable Heat Transfer r Discovoen more .eu SonFlow

At SonFlow, we are not just another brand; we are the result of 40 years of expertise and a passion for revolutionizing the world of Heat Transfer.

Our plate heat exchangers are designed with the latest technology and engineered to provide optimal thermal performance, efficiency, and reliability.

SonFlow FZCO | Jafza South - BJ 01 | Dubai Tel. +971 4 329 4647 | info@sonflowmea.com | www.sonflow.eu

www.climatecontrolme.com

37

GLOBAL

NEWS HAPPENINGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

CAREL to participate in Mostra Convegno Expocomfort Company says it will showcase a global HVAC proposal for improving IAQ with systems that increase performance and reduce energy consumption

By CCME Content Team

C

AREL announced that it will be exhibiting at Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, in stand A31-B42, in Hall 11, from March 12 to 15 in Milan, Italy. Making the announcement through a Press release, CAREL said that innovation, now demanded by the market and essential in developing increasingly efficient and sustainable solutions, is the cornerstone of the offering the company will be presenting at the show.

Together with Group companies, Enginia, Klingenburg and Recuperator, CAREL said, it will showcase a global HVAC proposal for improving Indoor Air Quality, with systems that increase performance and reduce energy consumption. CAREL said it designs and develops solutions for system control, supervision and monitoring, contributing to the transition to smart

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February 2024

commercial buildings and ensuring maximum comfort while reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, CAREL said, its control solutions implement advanced logic to optimise the operation of all types of units, ensuring comfort and smart energy management, and added that heat recovery units, combined with adiabatic humidification, help ensure the required IAQ.

SCAN FOR MORE NEWS STORIES AND EVENT UPDATES

In line with the European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), CAREL said, its technology suite – ranging from field devices to cloud services – supports the objectives of decarbonisation, sustainability and indoor air quality; intelligent use of the acquired data makes the proposed solutions ideal for multi-site operations, facilitating system maintenance and IT security.

CAREL said remote management, Artificial Intelligence, and cybersecurity are fundamental elements of its new programming model, presented in the software solutions that communicate with the controllers installed on HVAC units. With increasing connectivity and interconnection between devices, CAREL said, it is committed to guaranteeing cybersecurity in the HVAC industry to protect systems against potential external threats. The new tool, CAREL added, enables a reduction in software development time and streamlines the dialogue between the different players involved in the system’s life cycle: programming becomes more efficient and accessible, facilitating operations in the field and reducing the need to depend on highly-specialised technical personnel, Indeed, at a time when it is difficult to find qualified personnel, such simplification is crucial to guarantee system service continuity.

CAREL said that the commitment to reducing emissions in the residential sector can be seen in the most innovative offering ever presented, a suite of components for optimum management of heat pump refrigerant circuits. CAREL said their integration into the unit control strategies makes the HVAC systems more reliable and adaptable to environmental variations, with an average increase in efficiency of between 25 and 40% compared to traditional devices. Furthermore, CAREL said, its products making up the offering are defined as A3 ready, which is made in accordance with the latest safety regulations on the use of electronic devices with units that use flammable refrigerants.

// GLOBAL NEWS

CAREL also said it offers solutions and services for numerous industrial applications, where IAQ monitoring and control are essential to guarantee service continuity; the focus on sustainability and reducing

energy consumption must not, in fact, disregard the need to avoid the processes being interrupted due to inefficiencies or maintenance requirements. CAREL added that carefully managed and monitored

systems, with constant temperature and humidity control based on manufacturing requirements, help extend the life cycle and ensure higher production quality in all sectors.

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.

www.climatecontrolme.com

39

// GLOBAL NEWS

Danfoss, Google enter strategic partnership Company says it aims to leverage generative AI with Google to transform customer experience and streamline internal processes

By CCME Content Team

D

ANFOSS announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Google, to make use of the latest advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and promote energyefficient solutions in data centres.

Making the announcement through a Press release, Danfoss said that under the partnership, it will use Google Cloud's generative AI capabilities to optimise the customer experience, streamline internal work processes and improve productivity across the organisation. For instance, Danfoss said that generative AI could collect and surface information, automate knowledge, generate product descriptions, and create solutions with chatbots in e-commerce.

Ziad Al Bawaliz, Regional President, Danfoss Turkey, Middle East and Africa, said, "Data Centres play a pivotal role in achieving regional decarbonisation goals, and AI technology can play a pivotal role in accelerating the process."

Danfoss said it is working with Google to implement sustainable cooling systems for data centres and to design systems that reuse the excess heat produced by data centres. Danfoss Turbocor® compressors, the company said, provide highly reliable, highly efficient solutions when expertly applied

by OEM partners and are being installed

by Google to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise heating and cooling systems in data centres.

Meanwhile, Danfoss said its heat reuse modules would enable Google to capture and reuse heat produced by data centres, providing a renewable energy source to supply heating onsite and neighbouring commercial and residential buildings, communities, and industries that need heat for their processes. Moreover, Danfoss said its expertise in decarbonisation solutions would be used even more to advance data centre sustainability in Europe, North America and beyond.

WILO-ATMOS GIGA N

The standard pump for universal applications and a long service life.

Contact us for more information:

Scan QR code to browse our Wilo General Overview.

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February 2024

Wilo Middle East FZE Jebel Ali Free Zone South PO Box 262720 Dubai United Arab Emirates T +971 4 823 9500 info.ae@wilo.com www.wilo.ae

PRODUCER

OFFI CI AL PUBL I CATI ON

14-15 OCTOBER 2024, RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

ccme.events/c3

// GLOBAL NEWS

AHRI unveils new A2L Refrigerant Building Code Map Organisation says the A2L video series is an initiative it has developed in partnership with the International Code Council (ICC) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC)

By CCME Content Team

T

HE AIR-CONDITIONING, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) announced the release of a new interactive map of the United States, listing state and local building codes and legislation passed to allow equipment using A2L refrigerants and a video series about the industry's transition to low-GWP refrigerants.

Making the announcement through a Press release, AHRI said, the interactive map is a valuable tool for original equipment manufacturers, authorities having jurisdiction, building inspectors, fire marshals, code or other officials, and lawmakers seeking information about applicable air conditioning, refrigeration, and

warehousing codes, legislation, and standards currently referenced.

Tom Deary, Director of Codes, AHRI, said: "As we learn more about the plans of states and territories in the United States regarding the transition to A2Ls, it is important to have a trusted source of accurate, up-to-date information on building codes and legislation available to stakeholders. This is the benefit of the interactive map, which will be revised as codes and laws are updated."

The Association said, the A2L video series, developed by AHRI in partnership with the International Code Council (ICC) and the PlumbingHeating-Cooling Contractors National

PRODUCER

Association (PHCC), provides brief explanations of some aspects of the refrigerant transition that are critical for contractors, distributors, technicians, fire and safety professionals, and other interested parties to know. According to AHRI, topics include An Overview of A2L Refrigerants; The A2L Refrigerant Transition Timeline for 2024 and 2025; Changes Made to Future Codes and Standards Addressing A2L Refrigerants; Preparing for the Transition to A2L Refrigerants: What Building Inspectors, Code Officials, and Contractors Need to Know; Restrictions on A2L Refrigerant Use; The Basics of Handling A2L Refrigerants, and How to Find A2L Refrigerant Training Resources.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

11 JUNE 2024, TUESDAY YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, UAE

9th EDITION www.dcdialogue.com

THEME:

STRENGTHENING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE, OPTIMISING CAPACITY

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February 2024

// GLOBAL NEWS delivering a vibrant array of products, LG unveils water solutions enabled toensuring cleaner and more efficient heating and experiences. by advanced heat pump technology Anticipating cooling the spotlight at AHR Expo

Company says expanded water solutions portfolio at AHR Expo 2024 underscores its commitment to providing solutions that maximise efficiency and promote decarbonisation

By CCME Content Team

L

G AIR CONDITIONING Technologies USA announced that it is expanding its line of heat pump-enabled HVAC water products at AHR Expo 2024, making the announcment through a Press release, LG said, the growing assortment of water solutions highlights the company's dedication to delivering products that redefine comfort, prioritise energy-efficiency and champion sustainability for residential and commercial applications.

LG said, featured at AHR Expo 2024. the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system is the latest addition to the company's water heating product lineup and added this all-inone unit provides ease of installation by seamlessly integrating indoor and hydronic components, using water pipes to eliminate the need for refrigerant piping. Powered by LG's advanced heat pump technology, the company said, the R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc efficiently produces hot water for various applications, including space heating (baseboard heating, radiator, radiant floor) and domestic hot water. Furthermore, the company said that by incorporating noise reduction technology, such as an encapsulated compressor and vibration decoupling, the product operates at audio levels as low as 49B at a 1-metre distance.

LG said its R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc is engineered for yearround comfort, operating within versatile leaving water temperature ranges, covering cooling (41 to 80.6 degrees F), heating (59 to 149 degrees F), and domestic hot water (59-176 degrees F) with a third-party booster heater. The unit maintains 100% heating capacity, even at 5 degrees F outdoor temperature, with a leaving temperature of 131 degrees F, providing optimal performance in colder

2024, we are excited to showcase our high-performing HVAC products, embodying innovation and setting the stage for a new era of excellence in the industry."

LG said additional hydronic show products included at the expo were:

LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater

Steve Scarbrough

conditions. The product, LG said, sets a new standard in HVAC innovation with reduced defrost cycles and extended operation time and intervals, providing a transformative experience in climate control for residential and light commercial spaces.

In addition to the LG R32 Airto-Water Heat Pump Monobloc, LG said, it maintains a robust lineup of advanced water solutions that exceed expectations in eco-conscious practices and technology. Developed to meet the evolving demand for electric alternatives, LG said its water products specifically prioritise efficiency, offering cost savings through reduced energy consumption, streamlined performance, and enhanced comfort by optimising heat and cooling retention and distribution.

Steve Scarbrough, Senior Vice President and General Manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA, said: "As the landscape of commercial and residential spaces undergoes a dynamic shift, LG's HVAC solutions keep pace with the industry's demand for quieter, more intuitive, and more eco-conscious options. Embracing electrification, LG remains committed

According to LG, its Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater achieves an efficiency rating of up to UEF 3.93, surpassing ENERGY STAR® certification requirements. With potential energy savings of up to 76% compared to conventional electric heaters, the company said, the Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater, now available in 58- and 80-gallon capacities, minimises reliance on supplemental electric resistance heat. Utilising LG's inverter heat pump technology and a Dual Inverter Compressor, the company said, it offers faster heating time in Turbo Mode and operates quietly. In addition, LG said that aligned with United States Environmental Protection Agency standards, the water heater addresses the rising interest in electric alternatives amid efforts to promote environmental sustainability, and the product features LG ThinQ® technology, Wi-Fi capability, and smartphone control.

LG High Temperature Hydro Kit According to LG, the system uses a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water, and the High Temperature Hydro Kit can be used to preheat domestic water stored in an indirect storage tank, snow melt, in-floor or other radiant heating systems. This system, LG said, can be used in conjunction with the singlephase or three-phase Multi VTM Heat Pump or Heat Recovery outdoor units.

The LG High Temperature Hydro Kit, the company added, can deliver hot water up to 176 degrees F, and the kit's controllers allow flexible temperature management, and its compact design helps ease installation.

www.climatecontrolme.com

43

// GLOBAL NEWS SHRAE Learning Institute ASHRAE Learning Institute announces announced the details of the upcoming HVAC Design HVAC Design Virtual Training Virtual Training sessions. Making the

Organisation says it aims to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in HVAC system design

By CCME Content Team

Level I

Level II

Virtual

February 26 - March 1, 2024 (AM)

March 18-20, 2024 (AM)

Virtual

April 15-19, 2024 (PM)

April 29 – May 1, 2024 (PM)

Virutal

May 13-17, 2024 (AM)

May 21-23, 2024 (AM)

Virtual

June 10-14, 2024 (PM)

A

announcement through a Press release, ASHRAE Learning Institute said that as the HVAC industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success, and added that its HVAC Design training is designed to provide participants are with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in HVAC system design. Furthermore, the organisation said that whether seasoned professional looking to refresh their skills or someone new to the field, these virtual courses cater to all levels of expertise.

According to ASHRAE Learning Institute, the key benefits of its HVAC Design Virtual Training are: 1. Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in HVAC design.

2. Interactive Sessions: Engage in real-time discussions, Q&A sessions, and practical exercises.

3. Flexibility: Access the courses from the comfort of home or office, eliminating the need for travel.

4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in HVAC design.

5. Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, industry experts and potential collaborators.

LOOKING FOR HVACR PRODUCTS?

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TO LIST YOUR COMPANY FOR FREE, VISIT: www.climatecontroldirectory.com/register FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, EMAIL: advertising@cpi-industry.com

44

February 2024

// GLOBAL NEWS

Güntner announces Güntner Impact° Summit The event is set to take place in September 2024

By CCME Content Team

G

ÜNTNER, announced the Güntner Impact° Summit, an exclusive three-day customer event set in September this year. Making the announcement through a Press release, Güntner said the bespoke event allows the company to respond more purposefully to the needs of its customers, develop new approaches jointly and work on innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Güntner said the Summit is set to welcome European customers, providing a customised experience crafted to fulfil their distinct needs and expectations. The company said that a meticulously curated programme awaits attendees, offering an ideal setting for face-to-face interactions that go beyond the surface, fostering in-depth conversations. Güntner said the thoughtfully designed environment not only allows it to showcase its pledges on sustainability, but also centres its focus upon knowledge sharing and emerging trends within the climate and refrigeration industry through diverse and insightful presentations covering various thematic areas. In addition to the industry’s leading challenges, including energy efficiency, water efficiency and natural refrigerants, the company said, the Summit will explore key applications such as heat pumps,

hydrogen solutions and data centres and provide unique insights on AI trends. Furthermore, Güntner said,

the event aims not only to reinforce existing connections but also to create space for forging new relationships within the industry.

Gernot Puntigam, Managing Director, Güntner, said: “This event will not only strengthen our robust relationships with customers but also carve a lasting legacy in the industry’s pursuit of sustainability. The innovative concepts we are cultivating for the Summit are groundbreaking, ensuring it becomes a focal point of industry dialogue for years to come.”

Michael Freiherr, Managing Director, Güntner, said: “Through the Güntner Impact° Summit, we aim to showcase our technological prowess and create a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, fostering an environment where ideas flourish and industry connections thrive. The event will be a catalyst for future collaborations, emphasising sustainability and innovation.”

www.climatecontrolme.com

45

// GLOBAL NEWS

Carrier announces 2023 results and 2024 outlook Company says it projects continued solid organic growth in 2024 supported by a projected fourth consecutive year of double-digit aftermarket growth, innovation and significant secular tailwinds

By CCME Content Team

David Gitlin, Chairman & CEO, Carrier

C

ARRIER Global Corporation, announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023. Making the announcement through a Press release, the company said projects continued solid organic growth in 2024 supported by a

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February 2024

projected fourth consecutive year of double-digit aftermarket growth, innovation and significant secular tailwinds.

David Gitlin, Chairman & CEO, Carrier, said: "Our fourth quarter results continue to show Carrier's ability to

perform while transforming with strong operating profit growth and EPS up over 30% compared to the prior year.

For 2023, we grew gross margins 210 basis points on three per cent organic sales growth with operating and free cash flow up about 50% compared to the prior year. In addition to delivering results ahead of our projections for the year, we completed our gamechanging combination with Viessmann Climate Solutions in January and reached definitive agreements to sell both our Global Access Solutions and Commercial Refrigeration businesses for close to USD 6 billion combined.

Looking forward to 2024, our solid backlog levels and sustainability leadership position Carrier for another year of strong financial performance."

Carrier said fourth-quarter sales of USD 5.1 billion were flat compared to the prior year, including flat organic sales growth, a one per cent tailwind from currency translation and a one per cent net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures. The company said sales in the HVAC segment were down one per cent organically. Furthermore, Carrier said North America Residential & Light Commercial HVAC sales declined by high single digits due to weakerthan-expected residential sales as distributors reduced inventory levels.

The company added that this was offset by high single-digit growth in Commercial HVAC globally. The Refrigeration segment, Carrier said, returned to growth this quarter, with organic sales up six per cent, driven by growth in Transport Refrigeration.

Fire and Security organic sales were down one per cent, driven by Global Access Solutions and Residential Fire, partially offset by growth in Industrial Fire.

Carrier said GAAP operating profit in the quarter of USD 607 million was up 40% from the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted operating profit of USD 557 million was up eight per cent. The company said net income and adjusted net income were USD 420 million and USD 452 million, respectively.

Furthermore, the company said, GAAP EPS of USD 0.49 and adjusted EPS of

// GLOBAL NEWS

billion. During the quarter, the company said, it had issued USD 5.6 billion of debt related to the acquisition of Viessmann Climate Solutions.

According to Carrier, the outlook for 2024 is as follows: *Note: When the company provides expectations for organic sales, adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EPS and free cash flow on a forward-looking basis, a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP expectations and the corresponding GAAP measures generally is not available without unreasonable effort. See "Use and Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for additional information. **As of February 6, 2024

ITALY

TRADEMARK

DOT-39 Non-refillable Cylinders

R-410A

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USD 0.53 benefitted from operating margin expansion and lower effective tax rates. Carrier said net cash flows provided by operating activities for the quarter were approximately USD 1.1 billion, and capital expenditures were USD 233 million, resulting in free cash flow of USD 829 million.

Carrier said that its 2023 sales of USD 22.1 billion increased eight per cent compared to the prior year, including organic sales growth of three per cent and a five per cent impact from acquisitions and divestitures. The company added that gross margins increased 210 basis points compared to the prior year. The company said GAAP operating profit of USD 2.3 billion decreased by 49% due to the previous year's gains on the sale of Chubb and the acquisition of Toshiba Carrier, while adjusted operating profit increased by 11% to USD 3.2 billion. Carrier said its operating margin decreased due to the prior year's impact of the Chubb and Toshiba Carrier-related gains and added that adjusted operating margin increased despite the impact from the consolidation of Toshiba Carrier.

Strong price realisation more than offset continued inflation, and productivity savings more than offset strategic incremental investments.

Carrier said, GAAP EPS was USD 1.58 and adjusted EPS was USD 2.73.

Net income was USD 1.3 billion, and adjusted net income was USD 2.3 billion. The company said net cash flows provided by operating activities were USD 2.6 billion, and capital expenditures were USD 469 million, resulting in free cash flow of USD 2.1

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Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, AHI Carrier

COLLABORATION AS A

CONSCIOUS

BUSINESS STRATEGY Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, CEO, AHI Carrier, speaks on his life journey and on the unique experiences that shaped his professional outlook and approach to engineering and business leadership The early days

I

WAS born in Mannargudi – my

mother’s native place – in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, in the year 1975. My father, a mechanical engineer, worked with the prominent industrial giant, E.I.D. Parry and was posted to various parts of the state, and we, as a family, travelled with him.

I spent most of my boyhood in Cuddalore, also in Tamil Nadu, because E.I.D. Parry had established India’s first sugar plant there – to be precise in a place called Nellikuppam, which was a town near Cuddalore.

My father, my role model, transitioned from Engineer to Chief Engineer at the sugar plant – he would eventually retire from the company as the Head of the Plant. I grew up witnessing his passion for work while tagging along with him to the factory, which was a hub for people from all walks of life, including farmers, who brought their freshly harvested sugarcane in trucks, and his colleagues,

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ranking from his fellow engineers to the various managers from different departments.

It was a place where people with different functions came together to produce something very sweet.

However, what goes on behind the scenes is intense, and my father mirrored the mood through sheer hard work and unyielding effort to ensure the smooth functioning of the factory from the time he stepped into the premises to the end of the day’s work. By doing so, he earned my respect and that of his colleagues and subordinates. His nature of work and the manner in which he went about it not only inspired me to seek a career in engineering but also shaped my primary idea behind a job – I wanted to be in a profession where you are respected by people.

While the emotional imprint of wanting to be an engineer was strong, so was the technical exposure. I was just 13, when I first set foot into the factory

and got to observe firsthand how mills operated, understand pumping systems and witness the sugarcane crushing processes, which provided valuable insights. And it helped that my father was always nearby to explain concepts and encourage me to ask challenging questions and, broadly speaking, nurture critical thinking.

It was only natural I joined engineering college – Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering, in Karaikudi, in Tamil Nadu – after passing out of high school. It was an amazing time, for my father guided me throughout my course, introducing each subject, explaining its relevance and emphasising the importance of associated labs. He continued to provide educational materials and insights into the industry through the limited resources of the time, like traditional snail-mail, and my engineering instincts were cultivated through hands-on exposure. My father was the mentor who instilled in me the capacity to think critically and ask important questions about the processes and systems I encountered.

Getting into the HVAC industry I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in the year 1996. Things moved in a hurry, thereafter – I joined the MBA programme at the School of Management, in Pondicherry

and management background. This strategy was to present a customercentric perspective and revolutionise the company's market presence, and it was implemented not only for sales but also for the service division.

I was among the first management trainees to join the company in Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu, in 1998, and was assigned to the package air conditioning division; Chennai was the national headquarters for the division.

At the same time, B Thiagarajan, who eventually rose to the position of Managing Director in the company, joined as the General Manager of Services. He became my mentor, and our relationship continues to this day. I have consistently stayed in contact with him, and over the subsequent years, we have collaborated on numerous engaging assignments.

From package to central air conditioning systems

University, from where I graduated in 1998, and immediately earned a placement with Blue Star.

During that period, Blue Star was one of the leading names in the air conditioning sector, and many engineers during that era, who began their career in air conditioning, must have started out at the company. However, at the time, I believed I would pursue a job in the management sector following my MBA, and I never thought I would take up an engineering job. But when you connect the dots, the story becomes apparent and will return to my Mechanical Engineering base.

Bluestar at the time was led by competent individuals with a solid strategic vision for developing a channel business in the package air conditioning division of the company. I joined Blue Star as a management trainee at this opportune time. My initial impressions of the company were positive, and it was

evident that Blue Star was focused on building a robust sales team as well as a proficient service team to achieve its objectives and business goals.

Traditionally, service operations and equipment-related work typically go unnoticed by executives or managers.

In a corporate setting, service personnel are usually not seen engaging in conversations with higher-level management within the confines of an office. Their interactions are often limited to receiving service calls, performing tasks on equipment located on rooftops or in less visible areas, and leaving once the job is done. The objectives of Blue Star were to change this perception, highlight the value of capital invested in service operations and make the service industry more visible within the organisation. As a result, the company infused a marketing flair into the approach and recruited management trainees with a mechanical engineering

After completing a year of training, I was assigned to the southern Indian state of Kerala to lead the Package Air Conditioning Service Division. This transition occurred after a year of successes and achievements, and I attribute a significant part of it to the invaluable guidance and mentorship I received from the organisation. I also faced challenges while working in a management role, mainly when collaborating with individuals with extensive experience and technical knowledge. Despite my engineering background, I wasn't a trained service professional, and I was in a managerial role.

Navigating the shift from a support function to a business function brought challenges and opportunities. In service, it is a multifaceted business function within air conditioning. The role involves overseeing various aspects, such as managing sales, leading people with diverse skills and transitioning the service from a support to a business focus. This transformation demanded connecting with people, comprehending their work, influencing positive change and fostering business growth.

The service function proved to be one of the most comprehensive aspects

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END-POINT

Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, AHI Carrier

Madhanagopal Chandrakumar with the AHI Carrier team

... playing cricket during a company sports meet

of the business. It required managing multiple facets, including sales, personnel and various technical aspects.

From interacting with sales executives to handling inventory and managing P&L, the role provided exposure to all elements of a fully integrated business.

A year later, in March 2000, I moved to Hyderabad – then part of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and today the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana – as the Head of Package Air Conditioning Service, for Andhra Pradesh. I got married the same year and lived in Hyderabad for the next two years.

In 2002, I moved to the Central Air Conditioning Division of the company, specialising in chillers and air-handling units. Amid extensive modernisation and organisational changes, I had to take charge immediately due to my familiarity with the market. This move marked a shift from the Package Air

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Conditioning Division, emphasising a higher level of engineering expertise for central air conditioning. I now faced the challenge of overseeing larger central air conditioning systems, as previously, I had been managing package units, ducted splits and VRF systems.

Unlike the previous channel partner setup, the Central Air Conditioning Division required a more direct approach, with company technicians servicing major clients like hotels, pharmaceutical companies and industries. Immediate and crucial interactions were essential, as any malfunction could lead to crises in critical establishments. This shift pushed me outside my comfort zone, demanding adaptation to a different engineering and customer interaction level.

At the time, in the Central Air Conditioning Division, the service approach involved direct service technicians. In contrast, in the Package Air Conditioning Division, service calls

would land in the office, and a dealer would be assigned to attend the call.

Handling service calls for places like hotels brought a different intensity and interaction, often involving crisis management. The nature of issues could range from simple component replacements to complex challenges like adjusting capacity for a growing number of guests or addressing pipeline leaks that required strategic shutdowns.

This role demanded technical expertise, planning and organisational skills, often requiring coordination with various teams. Over the two years in this division, I honed crisis resolution, planning and effective team coordination skills, providing valuable experiences that contributed to my professional growth.

Coming to the UAE and AHI Carrier Until 2014, I worked with the same company in India, holding various roles, including Southern Regional Head for Service in Bengaluru, the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. During 2007 and 2008, Blue Star initiated a division focusing on air, energy and water services across India. This involved promoting value-added services beyond traditional agreements, such as modernisation and energy-efficient solutions. One significant aspect was the launch of an Energy and Green Building Service, where the company built capacity by certifying over 2530 professionals as energy auditors.

This team conducted energy audits nationwide, contributing to the energy management and green building

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Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, AHI Carrier

sectors. Furthermore, in 2008-2009, the company established a facility management services division.

In 2010, I transitioned to a new role, overseeing key accounts management, nationally. Later, in 2012, I moved to the products division, specifically handling chillers and air-handling units for the southern and eastern regions of the country.

In 2013, my family and I decided to explore opportunities abroad. We keenly looked at Singapore, UAE and the United Kingdom to match the career needs of my wife and I, and particularly ensuring that the roles should be in line with what we had been doing, and that they would represent a step up in our respective careers. As if by coincidence, in mid-November of 2013, AHI Carrier approached me to take up an assignment in its UAE office.

I joined AHI Carrier in 2014 and initially served as the Business Development and Marketing Head. In 2015, I gained exposure to Russian and central-eastern European businesses.

Over the years, my role expanded to cover global aftermarket business responsibilities, offering insights into various aspects of the company's operations. In 2020, there was a significant organisational change, and it led to my current role.

AHI Carrier operates in about 100 countries with 22 offices, providing sales and distribution services for Carrier Global Corporation. The company has a diverse workforce from different cultural backgrounds, with factories in the United States, Thailand, China and Europe. As it moves forward, the focus includes addressing global trends, such as digitalisation, analytics, building efficiency and renewable energy solutions.

From 2014 to 2020, I gained diverse experience across various departments, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of different functions.

Furthermore, my professional evolution involved transitioning from a national role to an international one. In 2020, a significant organisational change occurred, triggered by my predecessor's move to a group company. This transition unfolded in July 2020,

amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The period from 2014 to 2020 marked a significant phase of gaining global exposure, involving engagement with approximately 100 countries and operations across 22 offices. AHI Carrier’s stakeholders span continents, with individuals from Europe and factories in the United States, Thailand, Europe and China. As a sales and distribution entity of Carrier Global Corporation, the company’s presence is prominent in the UAE, where the majority shareholder is the local company. This structure underlines the global reach and collaborative nature of operations.

The company is a joint venture, where the majority shareholder is a UAEbased company, Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Group. It is a conglomerate, with business interests in construction, automobiles and other investments.

The management is from this group and operates as a non-managed joint venture of AHI Carrier.

As a sales and distribution joint venture of Carrier, the company sells Carrier- and Toshiba-branded products in different markets. For example, in the Middle East, Toshiba-branded products are sold, while in Europe – southern Europe, in particular – both Carrier and Toshiba brands are sold.

The company sells Carrier and Toshiba residential and light-commercial products in Australia and New Zealand.

The commercial products in Africa are mostly Toshiba, and Carrier and Toshiba products are sold in South Africa. The global presence exposes the company to various cultures, time zones and weather conditions, providing valuable experiences and the need to adapt to different market requirements.

In the Middle East, where the company operates, there is volatility and uncertainty in various markets, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, with the Ukraine-Russia war a formidable challenge. Despite the uncertainties, geopolitical events and currency fluctuations, the company has developed a robust operating system over the last 25 years to navigate these challenges successfully. The strength of

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the company is in managing complexity and viewing uncertainties as opportunities to drive change, which have been essential principles. Moreover, the focus on good operating systems and strategic management has allowed AHI Carrier to deliver positive results even in volatile markets.

In 2020, the company faced a significant challenge, with a 15% drop in business globally due to the impact of COVID-19. The immediate goal was to re-strategise and manage the situation. About 80% of resources were moved to low-cost locations, such as India, while maintaining capacity. This helped reduce operating expenses while maintaining operational efficiency. The company successfully navigated 2020 and developed a more streamlined and cost-efficient structure. The company managed to navigate the challenges of 2020 without overspending by leveraging resources in low-cost locations and streamlining operations.

This allowed the company to sustain the business and set the stage for growth.

Engineering functions – including application engineering, transactions, service, legal and marketing – were moved to India, consolidating backoffice operations. The company also streamlined operations in Europe, focusing on cost efficiency. This approach reduced operating expenses and retained the necessary capacity and knowledge within the company.

Looking ahead, AHI Carrier developed a business plan to grow its business globally. The key focus areas include gaining market share in residential and light-commercial businesses, particularly in response to global trends favouring energy efficiency and refrigerant change regulations. The company also emphasises commercial applied businesses, focusing on Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, it highlights services and parts, emphasising digital connectivity to enhance customer value.

AHI Carrier faced challenges in 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war, leading to the suspension of business operations in Russia. With a quick pivot, the company refocused on Europe, particularly southern and central-eastern

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END-POINT Europe, aiming to gain market share.

The emphasis shifted to decarbonisation strategies and renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind opportunities in the North Sea. Today, AHI Carrier is actively promoting energy-efficient designs in the Middle East region market, leveraging its engineering strengths. By introducing designs that optimise energy consumption, especially in heating and cooling systems, AHI Carrier aims to drive a shift towards more sustainable and efficient building practices. The goal is to provide solutions that meet comfort requirements and significantly improve energy efficiency. For instance, the company highlighted a system design in heating with a COP of 3.8, compared to a standard system design with an efficiency of around one. By focusing on heat pumps and waste heat utilisation, AHI Carrier aims to achieve higher system efficiencies, contributing to the overall decarbonisation strategy.

The strong emphasis on renewable energy is a pivotal part of AHI Carrier’s strategy, with a focus on getting closer to the market. Considering its developing nature, Africa emerges as a key target for the company’s initiatives. Around 400 million people lack electrification there, presenting a substantial opportunity for electrification initiatives. While there are carbon emissions of approximately two billion tonnes of CO2, the move towards electrification offers the prospect of transitioning to lower CO2 emissions, providing an avenue to leapfrog into profoundly sustainable practices.

Renewable energy emerges as a viable option, and AHI Carrier anticipates nations adopting this approach. Beyond energy solutions, the company is keen on improving building designs and enhancing efficiency from a hedge factor perspective. It has established teams in central-eastern Africa, operating out of Kenya, to implement these strategies.

This signifies a shift from traditional operations, now having front-end teams based in central, western and northern Africa. The goal is to introduce and expand these concepts to these markets in Africa.

During the challenges posed by

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Madhanagopal Chandrakumar, AHI Carrier

COVID-19, in 2020, AHI Carrier initiated pilots, building on earlier support in central-eastern Africa, specifically with teams based there. This effort has yielded positive progress, with increasing acceptance of the company’s solutions.

Notably, the company has introduced the latest technologies, such as inverters, air-cooled chillers, low-GWP-refrigerantfitted chillers and VRF systems, marking a step forward in commitment to innovative and sustainable practices.

In Africa, the demand for large data centres is rising, emphasising the need for efficiency from the outset while aligning with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Early indications suggest strong acceptance of these solutions, particularly evident during seminars, last November.

Anticipating widespread adoption, the focus of AHI Carrier is on building and educating this emerging market.

Digitalisation of aftermarket services The traditional approach to service has been reactive, addressing issues only when breakdowns or faults occur, often relying on manufacturers or service providers. In contrast, industries like automobiles have embraced connected technologies, allowing for proactive monitoring and intervention before potential failures. AHI Carrier is implementing a similar strategy in the case of the company’s large chillers and VRF systems. Products now feature built-in connectivity, enabling them to relay operational data to a central cloud server. Analytics tools applied to this data provide insights, allowing the company to offer services proactively and prevent potential failures.

The ongoing initiative involves connecting more equipment to enhance the system's intelligence. Starting around 2018-2019, AHI Carrier began piloting these technologies, and as they matured, the company is now actively driving the widespread adoption of connectivity. Additionally, the outbound connectivity solutions platform aids in monitoring building sustainability goals, including health and wellness indicators, like IAQ, as well as energy efficiency.

This new platform, from Carrier, is

being deployed, contingent upon the foundational aspect of equipment connectivity.

Moving forward, all new equipment sales include built-in connectivity, particularly on the applied side.

Simultaneously, there's a significant effort to retrofit existing equipment with connectivity, serving as an add-on to enhance their capabilities. AHI Carrier provides dongles that can be plugged into the system, connecting through the telecom network to the central cloud server. This service spans around 40-50 countries, adhering to various regulations, globally. Customers can subscribe to these services, which will soon be available on a subscription model. Currently, it is part of the company’s service offerings.

Connectivity as a Service In the life cycle of equipment, connectivity is prebuilt during the new equipment stage. Connectivity becomes an add-on for existing equipment during the warranty and service stage. AHI Carrier also offers Connectivity as a Service for customers not under the company’s maintenance, encouraging collaboration with original equipment manufacturers. Additionally, the company is deploying outbound platforms, which can provide insights into the sustainability and wellbeing of the building. These two areas will be there, in addition to predicting diagnostics and failures.

Teamwork, collaboration and transformation I do believe that all of AHI Carrier’s initiatives bear fruit owing to the company’s management ethos. The term 'collaboration' is frequently used in management circles, but the emphasis at AHI Carrier lies in collaboration during phases of disagreement or difference of opinion. This approach is driving the ongoing transformation within the organisation. This transformation is not limited to a specific area; it’s a pervasive change. There is recognition that collaboration is a common obstacle to achieving goals, particularly in the face of conflict or differing opinions.

Collaboration is pivotal to

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END-POINT executing this strategy effectively.

When considering activities, such as opening an office in Kenya, the HR team plays a crucial role in sourcing the right talent, while the admin team facilitates the logistics. Simultaneously, the legal-compliance team ensures all processes align with regulations.

This cross-functional collaboration is instrumental in achieving the company’s strategic objectives. Understanding why strategies sometimes fall short, the company acknowledges that resolving differences within the core team is essential. The organisational structure is lightweight, encouraging interaction among all team members. Discussions happen in various settings, including breakout areas and cafeterias, and during walks and informal meetings.

The company’s focus is on the work that needs to be done. With 98% of the workforce comprising expatriates, there is a strong sense of awareness of having come together to perform tasks in this location. The essence of the personnel’s time here is dedicated to work. The company strives to align everyone and foster collaboration despite differences in nationalities, cultures and motivations. This alignment is a key objective reflected in the internal goals, such as those under 'Project Reach'.

Project Reach AHI Carrier’s strategic initiative, Project Reach, is geared towards doubling the business within a span of five years. The emphasis is not only on the overarching company but also extends to every business segment and entity within the organisation. Each team concentrates on aligning its goals with this ambitious vision. This involves meticulously examining current operations and exploring avenues for growth through brand and channel expansion in various product categories. Utilising engineering designs and innovative business solutions to differentiate ourselves is a key aspect of this strategy.

Global alignment and operating system Across 22 offices on four continents, the focus is on aligning with the company’s

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strategy. This alignment is not just a goal but forms the core focus. It involves working cohesively and efficiently, considering the global team’s diverse nationalities, cultures and motivations.

This strong focus on alignment and collaboration characterises the company's operating system.

Influential figures in my life and career Reflecting on my professional journey, I must acknowledge the impact of key individuals. Initially, my first boss, Mr Thiagarajan, played a crucial role.

Equally significant was my father’s influence during the early stages of my career. His impact extended to shaping my strategic thinking, guiding me in approaching business and imparting valuable insights on collaborating with diverse individuals in different cultural settings. This foundation proved invaluable as I navigated various roles, including my current position.

I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of my mother in my growing-up days. I was less confident as a child, and it was my mother’s strong sense that I was special and would make it good in life that helped me through and took care of my emotional wellbeing. This, combined with good friendships I had in my teen years, helped me blossom into a better adult.

While I will not delve into specific details about my parents, I can affirm that like many individuals from supportive families, parental influence extends beyond familial bonds, impacting personal and professional life aspects.

Outside of the family, these influential figures play pivotal roles in shaping our perspectives and approaches to various challenges in work and life.

Here at AHI Carrier, my Chairman has been actively engaged in the business, providing invaluable guidance, especially during a decade marked by uncertainty. From the initial challenges posed by COVID-19 to subsequent crises in shipping; geopolitical conflicts; and ongoing supply chain issues, such as the impact of the Red Sea, his guidance has been instrumental in steering AHI Carrier’s global business through these complex scenarii.

Madhanagopal Chandrakumar with his wife, Deepa Narasimhan

My family, my interests Outside the professional realm, my immediate family consists of my wife, Deepa Narasimhan, and daughter, Shreya. My daughter is pursuing Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, in Canada.

My daily routine includes engaging in physical activities, like running, in which I maintain a target of 15 kilometres per week.

Additionally, I find joy in reading, particularly focusing on selfdevelopment and staying informed about global events that impact business. One of my recent reads, Brave New Work, explores transforming traditional work structures into more collaborative and participatory models.

The book delves into how companies can succeed by empowering their teams and moving away from hierarchical management styles. The book highlights practical aspects, such as effective delegation and building strategies collaboratively. This resonates with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration at AHI Carrier, on the path to transformation.

{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.

p06

The unprecedented inflationary ef fects of this monetary splurge, and the ever more assiduous ef forts to suppress word of the impact of this inflation on society, and the inevitable frustration which that produces, is laying the ground for an upsurge in populist politics across the world.

The Brainy Insights reports that the global household appliances p08 market was valued at USD 600 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2032. The Middle East and Africa Home Appliances Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of five per cent by 2028.

Consultants can channel their expertise into four verticals to support p21 the targets of the Global Cooling Pledge. First, and as a primary role for consultants, it is vital to influence the early stages of construction by incorporating design measures that focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, the integration of innovative technologies and the specifying of heightened efficiency requirements for cooling technologies in the tender documents of projects.

At the time, face masks used for personal protection were made of animal bladders. In 1556, Georgius Agricola recommended ventilation and personal respirators to protect workers in mines in his book, De Re Metallica.

In 1955, Professor Nikolai Fuchs published his book, The Mechanics of Aerosol that laid the foundation of aerosol science, when neither computers and lasers nor spectroscopy analytical tools were available.

p24

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Imagine for a moment having historic BMS data p26 collected over the years and across buildings on a single cloud-based platform. What if that data could be normalised using a common data model and naming standard?

Analytics could be applied over unified data sets. Visibility into building operations could be shared – and insights derived – for key stakeholders.

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