CCME - January 2024 by Climate Control Middle East

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COP28 LAUNCHES GLOBAL COOLING PLEDGE EMPOWER HOSTS DISTRICT COOLING SUMMIT 2023

January 2024

‘AND THE WINNER IS...’ The 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards

POST-EVENT REPORTS DC Dialogue (8th edition): Dateline Saudi Arabia The Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit 2023: Regal Rexnord Summit highlights energy efficiency, IEQ

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

MARKET FEATURE

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

BUILDING TRACING AND IEQ Jeremy McDonald, Principal, Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers

SCALING MOUNT STURDY The improved energy efficiency of VRF systems

COP28 Dr Rajendra Shende, Former Director, UNEP

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US$15

VOL. 19 NO. 01  JANUARY 2024

COVER STORY

The 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards

page

‘AND THE WINNER IS...’

MARKET FEATURES ‘VENTILATION OFTEN DOES NOT RECEIVE THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES’

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGNS BUILDING TRACING AND IEQ ‘ASHRAE 241 PROVIDES A PRAGMATIC PATH TO IMPROVED IAQ’

Jeremy McDonald, Principal, Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, speaks on leveraging ASHRAE 241 to improve IAQ without “breaking the bank”

COP28: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ‘UAE CONSENSUS’ Dr Rajendra Shende, Former Director, UNEP, speaks on the importance of shifting from a “Jerk-Transition” mindset to a “Just-Transition” approach

Türkiye aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 21% by 2030, with the government committing to invest USD 60 billion in energy efficiency measures over the next decade

REGULARS 04 eDItor'S note 60 Regional News 66 Global News 70 Quoteyard

According to technology advocates, the improved energy efficiency of VRF systems, enhanced by AI learning usage patterns, is a boost for the cooling approach

POST-EVENT REPORTS

COUNTRY REPORT TÜRKIYE: TURNKEY ENERGY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS

End-users vouch for the significance of proper ventilation, saying that its impact extends beyond health considerations and that it directly influences the overall experience and influences outcomes in commercial facilities

SCALING MOUNT STURDY

DC DIALOGUE (8TH EDITION): DATELINE SAUDI ARABIA

District Cooling conference discusses a medley of topics, including decarbonisation, in the context of the Kingdom

THE REGAL REXNORD INNOVATION SUMMIT 2023: CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY, IEQ

Event also focuses on lowering the Total Cost of Ownership

CIBSE UAE AWARDS: Fifth edition recognises “remarkable achievements in the building services industry”

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Breadcrumbs and apathy

N WHAT is a tradition, the first issue of the year is an occasion for introspection on where we are headed as a global HVACR community. Given the numerous touchpoints we have on modern living, and the vastness of impact, it perhaps makes sense to understand and analyse our actions and inactions and make vital course-corrections along the way. The below are a few questions (for want of space) that reflect the issues and aspirations that are of interest to me as a chronicler and curator of HVACR-related information for nearly two decades...

Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

1) Broadly speaking, just why are we cancelling out advances in technology through what amounts to a steadfast refusal to work in an integrated, collaborative and coordinated manner on projects, when we very well understand the impact of indiscretions?

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2) Or, do we not very well understand or fully comprehend the impact, because our consciousness is muddied by short-term concerns, corporate misgovernance and systemic faults, to name three possible factors? 3) Why are we allowing ourselves to be caught in technological groupism and factionalism instead of arriving at the most optimum building performance or cold chain solution? Where is the intellectual honesty that is so essential for evaluating the specific needs of a plethora of project profiles? 4) Why are we failing to protect the interests of specialised stakeholders through fair payment structures and timelines, when it is obvious that discouraging, dissuading and distracting them from offering their niche services would severely affect the desired outcomes relating to energy efficiency (indirect greenhouse gas emissions and Total Cost of Ownership); occupant health and wellbeing; and food, pharma and broad process cold chain? After all, it is all well for policymakers, legislators and multilateral meetings to draft and define macro-roadmaps, but would they not fall short of expectations, if key contributors suffer from neglect and apathy? 5) Broadly speaking, what can be done to strengthen trust between public sector entities and private commercial organisations? What confidence-building measures should the two introduce to bring down barriers that impede progress?

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

Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com Assistant Editor (Online & Social Media) Umika Pidaparthy umika@cpi-industry.com Features Writer Indu Revikumar indu@cpi-industry.com Advertising Enquiries Frédéric Paillé +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com

Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé fred@cpi-industry.com Judy Wang Our representative in Asia (except India) +852 307 80 826 judywang2000@vip.126.com Deep Karani Our representative in North America +1 365 885-6849 deep.karani@cpimediagroup.com Design Head Ulysses Galgo uly@cpi-industry.com Webmaster Chris Lopez chris@cpi-industry.com

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

January 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. Nabil Shahin International Technical Director, 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. All rights reserved. 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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December 2024 | Dubai, UAE

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EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

‘ASHRAE 241 PROVIDES A PRAGMATIC PATH TO IMPROVED IAQ’ Jeremy McDonald speaks on leveraging ASHRAE 241 to improve IAQ without “breaking the bank”

VER the past six months, end users, such as myself, have been evaluating ASHRAE 241 (Control of Infectious Aerosols) to determine how the Standard will affect our clients. As a consulting engineer in service to the health care, higher education and multi-family market, I am not only concerned with the improved IAQ, which will be realised through ASHRAE 241, but also with ensuring that energy budgets don’t increase dramatically. ASHRAE prescribes a “minimum equivalent Clean Airflow per person” for several standard spaces. These new prescribed minimum airflow rates are much higher than previous airflow rates, as dictated by ASHRAE 62.1 , which designers historically used to determine required outdoor air airflow rates. For example, ASHRAE 62.1 typically requires approximately 15 cfm/occupant, while ASHRAE 241 will require 40 cfm/person of “equivalent clean airflow”. Before we panic too much regarding the new targets, it is important to understand the nuance – that the new prescribed levels are “equivalent clean airflow rate”, while ASHRAE 62.1 only

January 2024

provided absolute outdoor airflow rates. Further, the intent of the new targets is only to elevate the level of equivalent clean airflow when the facility is deemed to be in “Infection Risk Management Mode”, or IRMM. The IRMM mode will be documented in the “Building Readiness Plan” and will typically be reserved for times of high risk – that is, when the building owner, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ-local code official) or public health officials deem the local conditions to warrant special care with regard to infectious aerosols. ASHRAE allows the effectiveness of filtration and air-cleaning devices to help meet the target. This new way of thinking takes into account that not every filtration system is the same, but specific air-cleaning technologies that are installed and maintained correctly can have a meaningful effect on purifying the air we all breathe. LET’S KEEP IT SIMPLE – MEETING ASHRAE 241 The new ASHRAE 241 Standard provides several tools to meet the new minimal equivalent airflow per person rate, and is not too arduous compared to current standard practices. As

Building Tracing and IEQ

Jeremy McDonald is a Principal, Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, in New York. Before the pandemic, he was an adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Recently, he was 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”. He may be reached at jmcdonald@guthdeconzo.com.

stated earlier, filtration, which is pretty standard for most air-handling units, and air cleaning technologies, which are becoming more prevalent, are two strategies that building owners can use to ensure their building is ready for highrisk time period (“IRMM” period). The tables on the opposite page demonstrate the air exchange improvements that can be realised by filtration and typical air-cleaning technologies. The first table is the “baseline”, which demonstrates typical air exchange of outdoor air for natural ventilation, as dictated by ASHRAE 62.1. The following table demonstrates equivalent clean air exchange rates for three options: MERV-14 filtration, air cleaning technology @ 95% (could be air ionisation, ultraviolet or any other air cleaning technology) and a combination of both. A few observations can be made from the above analysis:  Application of either MERV-14 filters or air-cleaning technology at a nominal rate of 95%, which is quite conservative, will meet the target of 40 cfm/occupant.

Baseline Traditional Approach)

ASHRAE 62.1

Number of Occupants

Square Footage

800

Room Height

CFM/Occupant

Total Outdoor Air Flow (CFM)

420

Equivalent ACH

3.15

Equivalent Clean Airflow Rate

MERV-14 Filters

Air Cleaning Technology

MERV-14 & Air Cleaning Technologies

Total Air Flow *cfm)-based on 6 ACH

900.00

800.00

ASHRAE Weighted Epr

88.0%

95.0%

99.0%

Equivalent clean airflow rate

704.00

760.00

795.00

Equivalent clean airflow rate-combined with ASHRAE 52 airflow

1,124.00

1,180.00

1,215.20

Equivalent clean airflow rate (Cfm/occupant)

40.14

42.14

43.40

Equivalent ACH- "Clean Air"

8.4

8.9

9.1

 The equivalent air changes per hour (ACH) of clean air is increased dramatically from 3.15 ACH for the baseline (ventilation only) to the various options (equivalent ACH ranges between 8.4 and 9.1 for the combined case).

commonplace. Of course, testing and adjustments need to be done to ensure the design airflow is attained with the higher pressure drop filter, but this will not be an issue for the vast majority of systems. Although air cleaning may be seen as redundant to a filtration system, we normally recommend that air-cleaning technologies be added with improved air filtration systems as part of an IAQ upgrade. Although this might be viewed as “belts and suspenders”, systems do fail, including filters. Having a separate air-cleaning system is good insurance that we meet occupant IAQ needs, even when things go wrong, as they often do.

This analysis demonstrates that significant improvements in clean air ACH can be realised by some pretty simple and cost-effective additions. At a minimum, MERV-14 filters are not an expensive addition to most HVAC systems and are increasingly

GETTING TO WORK ON IMPROVED IAQ ASHRAE 241 provides a pragmatic path to improved IAQ. Vastly improved IAQ can be attained with either better filtration, air-cleaning technologies, or both.

 Combining the two technologies only gives a marginal increase to the cfm/occupant. This is as expected, since the two independent technologies are serving the same purpose – that is, reducing infectious aerosols; therefore, effectiveness is reduced, as more layers of protection are added to the system.

Note that we are not talking about very expensive systems. MERV-14 filters are pretty standard in a post-pandemic world, and air-cleaning technologies, assuming basic HVAC systems are working, will not break the bank (typically costing anywhere between USD1 and USD3/square foot installed cost). Think through maintenance and utilisation of whatever approach you choose. While making these investment decisions, be sure that in whatever approach you choose, the systems are well maintained, checked on a regular basis and are delivering the clean air that you want your clients to benefit from. 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

MARKET FEATURE

Ventilation

‘VENTILATION OFTEN DOES NOT RECEIVE THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES’ End-users vouch for the significance of proper ventilation, saying that its impact extends beyond health considerations and that it directly influences the overall experience and influences outcomes in commercial facilities. Indu Revikumar, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East, has the story...

January 2024

Prasanth Chakkingal

CCORDING to data published by the World Health Organisation, in April 2022, almost 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, threatening their health. Moreover, the report underlined that the evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution has been snowballing and points to significant damage caused by even low levels of air pollutants. In this scenario, ventilation is one of the most essential aspects in ensuring better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Now, IAQ and ventilation often do not receive the attention they deserve, even though they play a vital role in our health, comfort and productivity, says Larbi Behloul, Director - Facility Management, in Saudi Arabia-based UAPM. Behloul says that adequate ventilation is critical in engineering control in offices, school environments, and any commercial or residential buildings, offering multiple benefits, such as reducing air contaminants, expelling CO2, maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels, or even potentially reducing the spread of airborne viruses. In addition, he says, adequate ventilation can enhance the comfort of employees, increase productivity, reduce sick time, create a hospitable environment for customers and clients and enhance energy management. Joining the conversation, Prasanth Chakkingal, Vice President – MEP Design Studio, PNC Architects,

Larbi Behloul

underlines the numerous benefits of adequate ventilation. Poor or inadequate ventilation, he says, is a major cause of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which is directly related to the amount of time spent in the building. Proper ventilation, he adds, will help expel the build-up of pollutants, bacteria and unpleasant odours, or to control impurities in the indoor space. Furthermore, Chakkingal says, proper ventilation can be used as a preventive measure against condensation, which is the leading cause of allergic conditions and respiratory problems; to ensure that CO2 levels are within acceptable concentration (ppm); and finally, to maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels. Bjorn Ostbye, Manager - Project Development, Lulu Group International, sharing a retail business – hypermarket and supermarket – perspective, says that effective ventilation is inevitable for the wellbeing of valued customers and dedicated staff. He adds that the significance of proper ventilation extends beyond health considerations; it directly influences the overall shopping experience and, consequently, sales outcomes. Furthermore, Ostbye says, the shops under Lulu Group International always try to maintain positive air pressure to avoid hot, untreated air entering the building. “To ensure optimal IAQ and comfort in our spaces,” he adds, “we carefully calculate the net extraction volume and the make-up air.” Ostbye says

the Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) and extraction fans are automatically controlled at the shops, and extraction is reduced to five per cent during nighttime, when there is no customer in the shop and the kitchens are not in operation. Behloul, sharing the perspective of a facility management business, says that his organisation follows a system of air-handling units connected to inverter condensing units. He says adequate air distribution for individual offices is guaranteed through a Variable Air Volume controller through Building Management Systems and a local thermostat. As to the air quality, he adds, the AHUs are equipped with multi-level filtration and purification systems, such as pre-filters, to catch large particles; HEPA filters to remove airborne particles; and carbon filters to eliminate odours. UV light, he adds, eliminates viruses, moulds and bacteria. Weighing in, Chakkingal points out the importance of building regulations in ensuring adequate ventilation and says that ASHRAE 62.1-2022 specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures to provide IAQ that is acceptable to human occupants and minimises adverse health effects. Further, Chakkingal says, Sobha Realty’s design philosophy is to cater to the requirements of Dubai Municipality and ASHRAE 62.1-2022 for the bathrooms and kitchens, which creates a negative pressure within the toilet and kitchen spaces,

Bjorn Ostbye

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MARKET FEATURE

to ensure suitable extraction of stale air and offensive smells, through the ductwork and to prevent them from entering the rest of the apartment. In addition, he says, Sobha ensures that the total fresh air introduced into the environment exceeds the exhaust air by 10%, based on the exfiltrationbased philosophy. Chakkingal also says that at Sobha Realty, the in-house Facility Management (FM) ensures effective predictive maintenance through Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS) to control and monitor the system through a data-driven approach to ensure the ventilation strategies are maintained at optimal levels over time. "Consistent monitoring, based on optimisation of key parameters and set points, ensures improved energy savings, extended equipment lifespan, and enhanced safety and comfort levels,”

January 2024

Ventilation

he says. “Moreover, the validation of field critical data by manual sense checks daily can supplement the efforts." Adding to the discussion on maintenance strategies, Behloul highlights the role of artificial intelligence and says that Building Management Systems, coupled with Artificial Intelligence, can proactively schedule maintenance to prevent critical failures, maximise system uptime and reduce costs. Moreover, he says, AI also simplifies detecting faults and diagnosing HVAC system issues, which can be complex and time-consuming, and predictive maintenance mainly relies on information provided by BMS or AI. Further, elaborating on how AI and the Internet of Things(IoT) contribute to improving the effectiveness of ventilation and overall IAQ in the environment, Behloul says that

smart thermostats use AI algorithms to optimise heating and cooling schedules based on user preferences to ensure increased comfort and reduced energy consumption; predictive maintenance enabled by AI analysis of HVAC system data, can prevent breakdowns and minimise downtime, when integrated with facility management software. In addition, he says, AI-driven algorithms relating to energy efficiency can optimise HVAC operations in real-time, adjusting temperature and ventilation to save energy while maintaining comfort, and continuous IAQ monitoring through IoT sensors and AI analysis can trigger actions like enhanced ventilation or air purification. Behloul also underlines that IoT, when combined with AI, can facilitate early fault detection, demand-responsive ventilation, and user-friendly control through smart HVAC system apps. The combination of IoT and AI, he says, has the potential of revolutionising the HVAC industry in terms of improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness and occupant comfort. Chakkingal, sharing a similar perspective about the role of IoT and HVAC, says that AI and IoT are already delivering improved efficiency in Sobha’s ventilation systems. One of the fundamental ways AI contributes to the performance of HVAC systems is through intelligent data analysis, he says. "AI algorithms classify, group and analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns,” he says. “The data includes temperature, humidity and weather conditions. The advancements in AI include intelligent data analysis, predictive maintenance, energy optimisation, fault detection and diagnostics, and indoor air quality management." He also points out that the algorithm developed in-house, by PNC architects, helps Sobha maintain the actual appropriate water content or humidity of the supply air and the temperature to ensure that condensation does not occur in the building, shutting off the FAHU, if the supply air temperature or actual water content increases beyond a predetermined set value.

For his part, Ostbye says that Lulu Group International has been implementing AI in operational and technical installations, such as refrigeration plant observation, AC controls, variable fan speeds and overall energy consumption.

Factors influencing ventilation system selection When selecting a ventilation system, the goal is to guarantee optimal comfort, cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance, Behloul says. He adds that some of the items that are often considered in his firm include air quality, temperature control, energy efficiency, maintenance accessibility, longevity and noise levels. Furthermore, Behloul points out that investing in durable equipment may have a higher upfront cost but can be cost-effective in the long run, due to reduced replacement and maintenance needs, and it is also essential to ensure that the system operates quietly to maintain a peaceful and comfortable environment, lower than 30 decibels for indoor units to comply with local regulation, such as Dubai Municipality. By prioritising the aforementioned factors, he says, one can select a ventilation system that aligns with the firm’s specific goals of optimal comfort, cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance for their space. Chakkingal says SBS is a situation where occupants in a building face adverse health effects directly related to the time spent in the building. Therefore, he says, Sobha ensures that any ventilation system designed, installed and maintained on its premises must minimise SBS, in line with the emphasis on occupant comfort, vitality and wellbeing. Furthermore, he says, it is a vital factor, and Sobha designs or executes buildings with higher Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) to protect the comfort and health of occupants, enhance productivity and improve a building's value. He adds that IEQ measures must also include thermal comfort, interior lighting, daylighting, quality views and acoustic

performance, which are integral to Sobha’s ventilation goals. Weighing in, Ostbye underlines that air conditioning design must carefully consider the substantial volume of extracted air, especially in large and often crowded environments. He says that the primary focus must be on maintaining positive air pressure in sales areas while establishing negative pressure in preparation rooms, as this strategic approach serves to contain and prevent the dispersion of dirty or unpleasant odours emanating from kitchens and sales counters. Furthermore, pointing to design elements used in Lulu Group International, he says a crucial aspect of the organisation’s design approach involves providing fresh air through FAHUs, allowing it to precisely control the influx of fresh make-up air and manage humidity levels for the benefit of customers.

Challenges in maintaining and optimising ventilation equipment Shifting the discussion to the challenges faced in maintaining and optimising ventilation equipment for consistent performance, Behloul says older systems have less adaptability to upgrade and, therefore, the cost of retrofitting the same system is high and often doesn't achieve the desired results; in such case, the only solution is replacement. Chakkingal says that calibration and accuracy of sensors are a challenge when it comes to maintaining the accuracy of measured parameters within acceptable limits. He adds that this can be averted by means of daily manual checks of required critical parameters to ensure optimal sustained performance based on requirements. Chakkingal says rigorous monitoring of the control system is also a challenge. In the case of Sobha Developers, he adds, regular preventative maintenance by the in-house Facility Management team through checklists and advanced control systems helps identify equipment or system components that need to be maintained, and

this allows it to minimise equipment breakdowns, extend equipment lifetime, and reduce energy costs due to inefficient equipment, providing optimal performance to the benefit of end-users. For his part, Ostbye says that older installations with singlespeed fans, present a challenge, as they lack the flexibility to reduce extraction capacity during off-peak hours. He also says that HVAC and refrigeration plants often operate below their maximum capacity due to inadequate maintenance practices, including overcharging oil, refrigerant undercharging and dirty condensers. By way of solution, Chakkingal says: "We are implementing UV-C disinfection technology and electronic air filters instead of conventional filters to improve the energy efficiency and filtration efficiency of cleaning air-handling unit coils in our projects." Furthermore, he says, these technologies are effective in deactivating mould, bacteria and viruses on cooling coils and help mitigate their spread in the building. In addition, he says, by preventing the impairment of airflow due to biological contaminants, coils can be kept cleaner, which will reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. He adds, "We encourage residents to use portable air quality devices with multi-step filtration for improved indoor air quality in private spaces." Weighing in, Behloul says the idea of using Near Field Communication or similar technology to detect individual employees and tailor the ventilation conditions to their preferences is promising and could significantly enhance workplace comfort and energy efficiency. Some of the potential improvements and considerations, Behloul says, are integration with Building Management System (BMS), occupancy sensors, energy efficiency monitoring and costbenefit analysis. 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

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

COP28

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ‘UAE CONSENSUS’ Rajendra Shende speaks on the importance of shifting from a “Jerk-Transition” mindset to a “Just-Transition” approach

IL from the UAE to the outside world is shipped starting from the narrow Strait of Hormuz and, from there, to the wider Gulf of Oman, from where it finds its way to the vast ocean to reach various part of the world. Under the Presidency of the UAE, COP28 went through a similar pathway. It started with narrow wins, went through the wider debates and finally transitioned to the much-acclaimed realm of the ‘UAE Consensus’. In my first article of the protracted editorial campaign on COP28, going as way back as March 2023, I highlighted how a certain section of the media was perpetuating the needless controversy surrounding the appointment of the President of COP28, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who is UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and is also Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). I stated at the time that the UAE is indeed the seventh-largest oil-producing country in the world. I went on to point out that we ought not to forget that the fourthlargest oil-producing country in the world, Canada, and major coal- and gas-producing countries, like Germany, Poland, South Africa and Qatar, have all hosted COPs. Some of the Presidents of COPs in those countries had engaged in promoting the energy from fossil fuels for the benefit of societies. Since that article, titled ‘COP28: Why

January 2024

the hullabaloo over the UAE hosting the event?’, the following months of 2023 saw political declarations during the G7 and G20 meetings and during the UN SDGs summit. On December 13, 2023, the world witnessed the emergence of the historic ‘UAE Consensus’, which for the first time in the history of COPs included the decision of ‘ transitioning away from fossil fuel’. Nearly 70,000 participants in COP28 in Dubai, coming from 196 countries, returned home wondering what to make of the consensus. Two questions predominantly arise in this context: What does the outcome of COP28 means to a country. Secondly, what is the message from COP28 for big and small businesses, farmers, workers, researchers, students, homemakers and senior citizens? As Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for more than two decades and, earlier, as Technical Advisor to the Government of India for Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), I had the advantage of understanding the nuances in the debates, shades of intentions in between the lines of the deal reached after the global consensus, and of culling out actionable messages. Indeed, many criticised the UN gatherings as a waste of time and money. Climate-intellectuals sarcastically said that such global climate conferences, which aim to

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

reduce emissions, should stop, as they emit large volumes of greenhouse gases. I am of the unwavering opinion, though, that COP is the only ‘game in town’, the only choice, which one must accept for want of a better one. The UN has unparalleled convening power, where all the countries come under one roof to deliberate the global issues that affect the local ecosystem and societies in each of the nations. Amidst a long list of agenda-issues, COP28 revolved around three prime pillars: Climate Action, Climate Justice and Climate Finance. The bone of contention throughout the negotiations was, “How can a country that has prospered, and continues to make strides, on the back of oil, support the decision to phase out fossil fuels?” H.E. Dr. Al Jabar is a Chemical Engineer. He knows how to leverage the people-chemistry to engineer a transformational change. He also has a post-graduate degree in Management from Stanford. He understands the Stanfordian motto that there is only one opportunity everyone has – and that is to learn about history from those who are in the process of making it. The majority of the delegates, and a certain section of the media, were disappointed that the phrase ‘phase-out of fossil fuel’ was not included in the final

agreement. Also, the media misinterpreted the statement by the President early on in COP28, that ‘there is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuel is what's going to achieve 1.5C’. The final agreement defies these doubts and skilfully brings forward the three aforementioned main pillars: On Climate Action, the agreement states that ‘Limiting global warming to 1.5C with no or limited overshoot requires deep, rapid and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to the 2019 level, and reaching net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050’. Secondly, it sets a quantifiable goal of ‘Tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030’. Thirdly, it calls for accelerating efforts towards phase down of unabated (everrising) coal power, and utilising zero and low-carbon-energy systems, including hydrogen. Fourthly, it calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net-zero by 2050, in keeping with the science. That not only sums up Climate Action but also clarifies the stand taken by H.E. Dr Al Jabar on science and fossil fuel.

As for Climate Finance, the agreement says that ‘developed country Parties to fully deliver, with urgency, on the USD 100 billion per year goal through to 2025, in the context of meaningful mitigation actions, noting the significant role of public funds’, and calls on developed country Parties to further enhance the coordination of their efforts to deliver on the goal. There was near unanimity in stating that it was a historic agreement that for the first time included the words ‘transitioning away from fossil fuel’ in the COP agreement. Apart from the momentous phrase of ‘transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems’, I find the adjectives deployed for energy system transition – that is, ‘in a just, orderly and equitable manner’ more evocative, eloquent and expressive. The entire string of words also depicts the most responsive pathway to address the climate crisis when the world is encircled by multiple crisis. I recall the words of H.E. Dr. Al Jabar six months ago that ‘you can’t unplug the world from the current energy system before you build the new energy system’. It’s a transition – transitions don’t happen overnight, transition takes time’. Indeed, the world cannot afford ‘jerk-transitions’. The world has seen in the past that changes in the eco- and socio-systems take time for alternative systems, though they can certainly be accelerated.

That's where we come to the third prime mainstay of the climate issue: “Climate Justice”. The term ‘justtransition’ is not just about the historic climate injustice done to small island countries and other poor developing countries that are not or are minimally responsible for the climate crisis. It speaks of the need for them to be paid for the transition and also for adaptation, and loss and damage. ‘Just transition’ also encompasses a range of social interventions needed to secure the rights and livelihoods of workers working on old systems that need to be now transformed, and of the poor who are dependent on old energy systems. For example, coal workers in coaldependent developing regions, who will lack employment opportunities beyond coal when renewable energy gets tripled. The cooling industry is an apt example of ‘just transition of cooling systems’, worldwide. When faced with transitioning away from CFCs and HCFCs, it did so in a phased manner and still succeeded in saving the stratospheric Ozone layer. Indeed, what matters is kicking off the action. The renewable energy experience is another example. The price of solar energy is 90% lower than what it was a decade ago. That transition took time, in spite of minimal incentives. Today, solar is the cheapest energy – it has beaten even coal and gas in cost! Shifting from fossils is not a loss, it saves money and creates more new jobs. The green revolution will need people participation to bring prices to an affordable level. That is the message for world citizens. The renewable revolution is waiting to happen. Governments can accelerate it with policies and incentives. Businesses can make use of the new opportunities through digitalisation, e-waste management from batteries and through further developing hydrogen energy. And universities can network and become centres of excellence for innovation in climate solutions. 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 Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

‘AND THE

WINNER IS…’

The 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards lives up to its billing of credibility, transparency and a celebration of outstanding expression of HVACR and construction industry practices

January 2024

The 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards exercise culminated in a glittering ceremony on December 6 in Dubai, during which those that displayed the best expression of HVACR and construction industry practices walked away with the iconic “CCA Trophy”. Produced by CPI Industry, publishers of Climate Control Middle East magazine, the 13th edition saw an unprecedented number of entries vying for awards in 37 categories. Eventually, 25 categories made the cut – a reflection of the stringent sieve the members of the jury applied to ensure merit and excellence stood out. Here, we bring to you the ceremony in pictures... www.climatecontrolme.com

COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition) The following were the judges of the 2023 Climate Control Awards…

Dr Iyad Al-Attar

Air Quality/Filtration Consultant; Visiting Academic Fellow, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University

Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants

Robert Davies

Operations Director - Advisory Services Middle East, WSP in the Middle East

Sagar Kulkarni

Founder & Managing Director, Consistent Engineering Consultants

Dr Kapil Narula

Senior Analyst, United Nations High Level Climate Champions Team

January 2024

Kandasamy Anbalagan

Carlos Amaya

Holley Chant

Programs Development & Oversight Section Head, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE)

Dr P.R. Jagannathan

Mansour A Kharoub

Senior General Manager-Sustainability, Sobha Realty

Ashish Lal

Head-Facilities Engineering, Museum Of The Future

Sanjeev Sinha

Senior Manager, Khatib and Alami

Dominic MC Polin

Freelance Strategic Planning Advisor

President – IT & Digitization, India Power Corporation Limited

Chief Sustainability Officer, Salva

Sougata Nandi

Founder & CEO, Energy and Environmental Efficiency Advisory (3e Advisory); Chairperson of the Jury, Climate Control Awards

Rehan Shahid

Director, P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

S P O N S O R S & PA RT N E R S

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

CATEGORY SPONSOR

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

MONITORED BY

January 2024

STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

GOLD SPONSOR

SUSTAINABILITY PARTNER

STRATEGIC RECRUITMENT PARTNER

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (AIR TREATMENT)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • AAF International • Desiccant Rotors International/Bry-Air (ASIA) • TROX MIDDLE EAST LLC

WINNER (JOINT) AAF International

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (AIR TREATMENT)

WINNER (JOINT)

Desiccant Rotors International/Bry-Air (ASIA)

January 2024

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

(AIR MOVEMENT, VENTILATION) SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • • • • •

Kingspan Insulation Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC Regal Rexnord RECUTECH S.R.O. TROX MIDDLE EAST LLC

WINNER

Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (FIRE & LIFE SAFETY)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • AIR MASTER EQUIPMENTS EMIRATES LLC • Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC • PRIME A/C INDUSTRIES LLC

WINNER

Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

DISTRICT COOLING CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

WINNER

AG Engineering & Power Contracting L.L.C

DISTRICT COOLING UTILITY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

WINNER

Emaar District Cooling LLC

January 2024

INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (CHILLERS)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Carrier Middle East Limited • Johnson Controls Arabia - YORK • Vertiv

WINNER

Johnson Controls Arabia - YORK

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

(CHILLED WATER SYSTEM EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS, LESS CHILLERS) SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Belimo Automation FZE • Grundfos Gulf Distribution

WINNER

Belimo Automation FZE

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (STANDALONE DX)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Johnson Controls Arabia • Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

WINNER

Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (VRF SYSTEMS)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • AHI CARRIER (TOSHIBA VRF) • Daikin Middle East & Africa • Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

WINNER

Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

January 2024

IAQ HEALTHCARE RETROFIT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

WINNER

Bin Dasmal Engineering Technologies and Management

COMMISSIONING/ RE-COMMISSIONING COMPANY OF THE YEAR

WINNER Alpin Limited

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

GCC REGION MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • • • • •

Güntner Middle East FZE Hira Industries LLC Kingspan Insulation Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

WINNER (JOINT) Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

GCC REGION MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

WINNER (JOINT)

Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC

January 2024

GCC REGION MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

WINNER (JOINT) Güntner Middle East FZE

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (WATER HEATERS)

SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Ariston Middle East • Rheem Manufacturing Middle East • Viessmann Middle East FZE

WINNER

Rheem Manufacturing Middle East

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

HVACR ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Armstrong Fluid Technology • Fawaz Trading and Engineering Services Co LLC • Leminar Air Conditioning Company LLC

WINNER

Leminar Air Conditioning Company LLC

PROJECT OF THE YEAR, NEW CONSTRUCTION – IEQ (HEALTHCARE, ACADEMIC, HOSPITALITY, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL)

WINNER

Sobha Constructions LLC

January 2024

HVAC TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

(ENERGY EFFICIENCY, ESG)

WINNER

Savesh Jamil Ahmed, Sobha Constructions LLC

MEP CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

(LARGE PROJECTS: > AED 100M) SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • AG Engineering & Power Contracting L.L.C • Sobha Constructions LLC

WINNER

AG Engineering & Power Contracting L.L.C

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

MEP CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

(SMALL PROJECTS: < AED 30M)

WINNER

CBE Gulf Building Contracting LLC

ESCO OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Dalkia US Chiller Services • Johnson Controls Arabia - YORK • Taka Solutions

WINNER Taka Solutions

January 2024

IoT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • • • • •

Belimo Automation FZE Johnson Controls Arabia - YORK MSA – The Safety Company Taka Solutions ZAACK

WINNER (JOINT) Taka Solutions

IoT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

WINNER (JOINT) MSA – The Safety Company

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

DOMINIC DE SOUSA AWARD FOR INNOVATION SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • • • • • • • • • •

AG Engineering & Power Contracting L.L.C Air To MC2 Belimo Automation FZE Bin Dasmal Engineering Technologies and Management Greenheck Middle East RECUTECH S.R.O. Rheem Manufacturing Middle East RITTAL FZE SENSIBO Taka Solutions

WINNER

AG Engineering & Power Contracting L.L.C

HVAC CONSULTING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

WINNER Abdul Sab, W S ATKINS

January 2024

DIGITAL SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Carrier Middle East Limited • Belimo Automation FZE

WINNER

Carrier Middle East Limited

MANUFACTURER/ SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

(REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT: COMPRESSORS)

WINNER

Fawaz Trading and Engineering Services Co LLC

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COVER STORY Climate Control Awards (13th edition)

O&M PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

(CHILLED WATER SYSTEMS) SHORTLISTED COMPANIES: • Dalkia US Chiller Services • Emaar District Cooling LLC

WINNER

Dalkia US Chiller Services

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD

WINNER

Dr. William P. Bahnfleth

The Pennsylvania State University; Chair, ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force For services rendered to the cause of Indoor Air Quality (Dr Mark Ereth, Emeritus Professor, Mayo Clinic, receives the trophy on behalf of Dr Bahnfleth.)

January 2024

A C L I M AT E C O N T R O L M I D D L E E A S T S U P P L E M E N T WINTER EDITION

REPORT: District Cooling Dialogue, Saudi Arabia

DC DIALOGUE, SAUDI ARABIA

DATELINE

SAUDI

ARABIA

District Cooling conference discusses a medley of topics, including decarbonisation, in the context of the Kingdom Story by Indu Revikumar | Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

HE EIGHTH edition of DC Dialogue, on October 11 in Riyadh, discussed the role of District Cooling in the growth and development of Saudi Arabia as well as how the industry is meeting the expectations of stakeholders in terms of environmental stewardship, delivery of service and optimisation of cost. The conference, produced by CPI Industry, co-hosted by Dalkia EDF Group and chaired by George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering, featured an industry leadership address, a plenary discussion, techno-commercial presentations, a panel discussion, project profile presentations and a debate. Steve Lemoine, CEO Middle East, Dalkia EDF Group, opened the floor to discussions with a special address,

January 2024

during which he underscored the importance of District Cooling networks in efforts being taken to combat climate change. Lemoine added that emphasis must be placed on the need for a

comprehensive approach, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of decarbonising energy

Steve Lemoine

George Berbari

production and improving energy efficiency, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to be net-zero by 2060. Lemoine said that Dalkia EDF Group is committed to decarbonisation initiatives and added that the Group is working on many innovative projects in the Middle East region, spanning District Energy networks, solar initiatives, consultancy services, energyefficiency initiatives and operational maintenance. Moreover, he underlined the importance of addressing the entire value chain, including equity, extension and development of District Energy networks, and said that decarbonisation initiatives could be accelerated through a combination of innovative projects and ensuring energy efficiency and operational excellence. Lemoine also briefly discussed various innovative energy efficiency and sustainability approaches, including seawater cooling, underground water usage for data centres, and geothermal energy with both low- and high-temperature applications. Speaking after Lemoine, Berbari presented an overview of the District Cooling industry in the Middle East region. Berbari, an industry veteran, said that initially, the industry relied on natural gas for power generation, and was content and less inclined towards significant advancements, despite attempts to push for innovation. He added that the role of District Cooling has become crucial due to the intermittence of power from solar and wind sources, as the world now collectively aims for decarbonisation. Berbari said that in such a scenario, ensuring efficient storage of energy is crucial, and currently, battery storage is priced at USD 200 per kilowatt-hour compared to District Heating systems. Furthermore, Berbari delved into the advantages of District Energy systems and underlined that they have a longer lifespan and cause low losses. He also spoke on the potential of Abu Dhabi to transform itself into a carbon-neutral city, leveraging its nuclear and solar power capabilities. In the latter half of his presentation, Berbari shifted his focus to Riyadh, pointing to the major

BIG NUMBERS, BIG INVESTMENTS The eighth edition of DC Dialogue, featured a plenary discussion, titled ‘Big numbers, big investments and the energy mix in the making’. Moderated by George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering, the discussion delved into topics such as Saudi Arabia’s 3 million TR District Cooling target, mega projects, sources of energy, the contribution of legacy District Cooling companies in the country and emerging District Cooling companies. It featured, Takuma Hosaka, CEO, Diarona District Energy Limited and Dominic McPolin, Freelance Strategic Planning Advisor. Excerpts from the plenary discussion...

OLLOWING the introduction of the panellists, Berbari kicked off the discussions by asking Hosaka about the potential Diarona envisions in Saudi Arabia and the technologies it plans to introduce in the country. Hosaka began by providing a brief overview of Diarona District Energy Limited. He said, “The joint venture includes three key shareholders: Ajlan & Bros for Trading, Marubeni Corporation, and United District Energy International (UDEI), the international arm of Qatar Cool, the largest District Cooling provider in Qatar." Hosaka said that the primary motivation behind the formation of the joint venture lies in recognising the potential and excitement in market opportunities for District Cooling in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Hosaka said that all the shareholders have collectively contributed their experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the establishment of the joint venture. He added that the primary focus of the venture is the development of District Cooling. In addition, Hosaka underlined that Marubeni Corporation is actively involved in areas such as renewable power, geothermal and global green hydrogen, and that it represents the comprehensive offerings the company aims to provide. Joining the conversation, McPolin spoke on his experience in developing District Cooling projects in Bahrain and how the lessons learnt from these experiences can be applied to ensure a more successful approach to projects in Saudi Arabia. McPolin said his colleagues and he have made

During the plenary discussion... (L-R): Dominic McPolin, Takuma Hosaka and George Berbari

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DC DIALOGUE, SAUDI ARABIA

Surendar Balakrishnan

Frédéric Paillé

Francois Courtrot

Malla Alahmadi

Bakulesh Kanakia

challenges faced by the District Cooling industry, including water scarcity. He added that there is a need for industrywide collaboration and suggested that potential solutions include the use of artificial intelligence to optimise District Cooling systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. He concluded his overview by highlighting the need for proactive measures in retrofitting existing cities and addressing challenges in the residential sector’s energy consumption. Francois Courtrot, R&D Manager, EDF China, gave the pivotal ‘Industry Leadership Address’ of the event, during which he spotlighted the District Cooling industry in China, and demand for as well as the challenges confronting District Cooling projects in China. He said, “There is a surge in the demand for District Cooling projects in China, in response to the increasing demand for cooling driven by climatic conditions, urbanisation and industrialisation.” Furthermore, pointing to the criticism faced by District Cooling projects in China relating to underperformance and slower-than-expected load, Courtrot underlined the importance of accurate

planning and addressing operational challenges. He said that the emphasis must be on ensuring client satisfaction and avoiding complaints by maintaining consistent operations. One of the major highlights of his address was the discussion around the concept of the digital twin, EDF’s digital solution to replicate and optimise system functioning using a pool of models. He said: “The ability to replicate the complete functioning of a system and optimise its operation using a pool of models is a powerful approach. The emphasis on human expertise being the core value and digital tools serving as support resonates with the idea that these tools enhance efficiency rather than replace human judgment and skill.” Furthermore, while explaining the various use cases and practical applications of digital twin, he added that the integration of Artificial Intelligence and physics, alongside a focus on human expertise, offers a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of District Cooling projects in the rapidly evolving energy landscape. Malla Alahmadi, Business Development Manager, Diarona

District Energy Limited, and Bakulesh Kanakia, CIO, Diarona District Energy Limited, next addressed the delegates, during which they delved into the District Cooling industry in Saudi Arabia, especially with regard to new investments and new opportunities arising in the country, in line with the environmental goals of the country. Alhamadi said that even though the government has implemented initiatives to promote District Cooling projects, making the market more attractive for investors, there are challenges, such as a lack of public awareness, the availability of water and electric tariff differentials. Furthermore, Alahmadi underlined the importance of collaboration in tackling these challenges and added that the involvement of government entities, utilities, District Cooling developers, real estate and the public is vital. Furthermore, he discussed in detail the integrated solutions offered by Diarona, which include design, procurement, building, rapid deployment and customer support. He said that Diarona has deep relationships with key suppliers and employs advanced

January 2024

technologies, including artificial intelligence, for optimum plant performance. For his part, Kanakia discussed Diarona’s collaboration with Tabreed and Qatar Cool and the company’s initiatives in the UAE. Kanakia said that the company aims to make valuable contributions that align with the dynamic needs of customers. Further pointing to the District Cooling sector’s evolution over the past two decades, he said that recognising past mistakes helps the company to navigate challenges and plan for a more effective future. He added that it is important to prioritise user benefits. Zaki Ahmed Mohammed, Director - Sustainability Advisory, of Qatarheadquartered GORD, spoke next. In his presentation, Mohammed shared the details of Arcadia Suite, a District Energy assessment tool developed by GORD. He said that it can be used for design in existing plants and for the optimisation of projects, as it has the ability to provide immediate insights and can drive changes. Mohammed said, “Arcadia Suite is a performance tool that can be used to assess how and what the current energy performance or the seasonal energy efficiency ratio is.” He also said that the tool is applicable for baseline establishment, and certification, offering silver, gold and platinum levels. Furthermore, Mohammed’s presentation delved into the services offered by GORD and the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). He also discussed GORD’s carbon credit programme and

Zaki Ahmed Mohammed

numerous mistakes in the industry and have learnt from them. He said, “There is a tendency to overly focus on technical expertise, and the main challenges in bringing District Cooling into a holistic approach to climate change are psychological, commercial and related to government attitudes.” Moreover, he said that the call for a shift from project-led to plan-led innovation in climate change underscores the need for a radical change in industry perspective. McPolin also briefly addressed the psychological issues associated with trusting private companies with people’s lives, livelihoods and property. The challenge, he said, is balancing commercialisation while ensuring government-sponsored, guaranteed and certified alternatives for cooling. McPolin also underlined the importance of a comprehensive urban planning perspective, pointing to the current approach of heating urban areas with air conditioning units. Shifting the discussion to regulations, McPolin said there is a need for more significant change in the financial model. Moreover, he said, there has to be a shift towards collaboration, with governments sharing benefits with product-developing companies and developers sharing savings with implementation companies. The ultimate goal, McPolin said, is to reduce District Cooling costs for consumers, positioning it as a vital infrastructure for the region’s next generation. “Acknowledging that time is of the essence, the call for action is clear,” he said. “Government intervention requires decisive policies and regulations to propel the industry beyond a project-based marketing exercise. The urgency for government action is paramount, recognising the need for a swift and comprehensive transformation to meet the challenges of the present climate crisis." Berbari then encouraged the participants to speak on the use of hydrogen. Saying that hydrogen is projected to contribute to 10% of the energy demand, and pointing to the fact that companies are investing in hydrogen fuel cells, Berbari said that advancements are being made to make the operations more cost-effective. In terms of practical applications, Berbari added that the UAE is starting to use hydrogen in some fine-diesel applications. On a global scale, he added, countries like France and China are working to reduce hydrogen production costs, focusing on electrolysis. Given the growing interest in hydrogen, he said, in Japan and many European countries the role of hydrogen in District Energy is significant and evolving, with ongoing efforts to explore its potential applications. Berbari also brought such topics as the role of heat recovery systems in energy efficiency and introduction of single-effect absorption to the fore. Hosaka picked up the thread through sharing a similar perspective as Berbari. He said that adopting a holistic approach to energy usage is crucial in the market and the country. He said that Saudi Arabia now relies heavily on fossil fuels for around 90% or more of its energy needs. He added that while District Cooling can significantly cut down energy consumption for cooling, the emphasis should be on addressing the input side, particularly electricity. Shifting the discussion to the pivotal role of networks in addressing the challenges faced by the District Cooling sector, McPolin raised the pivotal question about the possibility of interconnecting two District Cooling companies operating in the same urban area to form a network. This, he said, will address the essence of regulatory seriousness, as it is fundamental to ensuring continuity, backup, alternative energy supplies and the creation of a city-wide resource using the combined resources of multiple companies. Furthermore, he said that the fundamental importance of this interconnection is for ensuring continuity, backup, alternative energy supplies and the efficient utilisation of resources from multiple companies.

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DC DIALOGUE, SAUDI ARABIA

Jalal Al Kurdi

said that GORD is involved in converting the electricity savings achieved through optimisation projects into an additional revenue stream.

Speaking after Mohammed, Jalal Al Kurdi, Sales Director - Projects, Hussein & Al-Hassan G. Shaker Bros. for Modern Trading Co. Ltd., shared a snapshot of the global presence and financial standing of Midea Group, Midea Building Technology, R&D facilities as well as the Group’s manufacturing facility in China. Kurdi also said that the company focuses on six pillars: Green design, green purchase, green logistics, green manufacturing, green recycling and green services. Rajiv Sawhney, CEO, Smart Energplus, also spoke during the event, on the topic, ‘Sustainability starts with Energy Management’.

Rajiv Sawhney

Sawhney’s presentation focussed on energy management in District Cooling applications. He said that the growth of the urban population and

EXISTENTIAL ISSUES The 8th Edition of DC Dialogue featured a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Existential issues, raising the appeal of District Cooling’. The discussion, moderated by George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering, featured Larbi Behloul, Director - Facilities Management, UAPM; Dan Mizesko, President, Dalkia US Chiller Services; Hassan Younes, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, GRFN Global and Mohamed R Zackariah, Chief Consultant, Suhaimi Design- Protecooling. Berbari kicked off the discussion by introducing the topics, including the traditional BOO model of District Cooling projects and how it enables integrating new technologies, geothermal energy, use of hydrogen, trigeneration and Artificial Intelligence. Excerpts from the panel discussion...

ACKARIAH highlighted the importance of aligning project intent, design and execution. He emphasised that the intent of project owners is not always executed onsite. He said that it is also crucial to question whether stakeholders truly possess the determination to follow through on intentions. Furthermore, highlighting his many years of experience in Saudi Arabia, Zackariah said he has now come to appreciate the effectiveness of a top-down, collaborative approach involving building partnerships with stakeholders at various levels, ensuring a cooperative effort that bridges the gap between intent and actual design. He also underlined that by fostering alignment with ongoing initiatives, the divide between intent and implementation can be narrowed. Joining the conversation, Behloul touched on the role of regulators and the need for them to extend beyond simply regulating designs. He said that regulators should consider moving beyond the confines of solely regulating the design phase. Instead, he added, they could focus on regulating consultants and contractors during the entire process. The current regulatory framework, Behloul said, seems somewhat arbitrary and may not effectively narrow the gap between intent and execution. He added that the government, in particular, needs to play a pivotal role in a change in the regulatory approach.

January 2024

For his part, Mizesko said that one of the prevalent issues he has observed in his career, which spans over 46 years in the chillers industry, is that plant designs lack kilowatt-perton performance data upon commissioning. This problem, he said, can be attributed mainly to inadequate scrutiny during the commissioning phase, which underscores the importance of meticulous examination of chillers for genuine energy savings. Furthermore, highlighting the transformative impact of chiller retro-commissioning, Mizesko said that the benefits include cost-savings and improved energy efficiency. Speaking after Mizesko, Younes emphasised the significance of collaboration and a tailored approach in addressing energy efficiency in new projects and in existing plants. Younes said, “Collaboration is integral while tackling energy efficiency, be it in new construction or in an existing facility requiring multiple retrofits.” In such a scenario, he said, integrated design and an approach including different stakeholders become crucial to navigating the challenges and bridging the gaps. For instance, he added that while a particular technology may be highly efficient in one case, it is essential to establish a fair comparison and understand the unique profiles of different plants for best outcomes. In addition, Younes discussed the significance of measurement and verification in ensuring energy-efficiency,

increased energy demand underlines the importance of sustainable practices. Furthermore, pointing to the Global Sustainable Development Goals, he emphasised the importance of a holistic approach involving end-users, optimising supply chains and collaborating on a unified business model in this sector. Sawhney also underscored the importance of certified sensors and their potential in existing cooling networks. He said that the sensors can contribute to data-driven decision making as well as predictive maintenance. Smart Energplus’ integrated solutions, he added, extend beyond traditional metering, incorporating IoT and contributing to

Amir Naqvi

a comprehensive energy management strategy. Subsequently, giving a technocommercial presentation on adopting

sustainable refrigerant technologies in District Cooling applications, Amir Naqvi, General Manager, Honeywell Advanced Materials (META region), spoke on the dynamic landscape of global regulations and the impact of sustainability, decarbonisation and circular economy initiatives. Naqvi said that in the Middle East region, where energy-efficient solutions can significantly reduce environmental impact, Honeywell focuses on District Cooling and building insulation. Naqvi added that the region’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality is being shaped by regulatory drivers like the Paris Agreement, COP28, Saudi Arabia’s clean and efficient dream

During the panel discussion... (L-R): George Berbari, Mohamed R Zackariah, Larbi Behloul, Dan Mizesko and Hassan Younes

its relevance in ESCO projects and the importance of guiding consultants in advising clients on suitable technologies for effective solutions. Shifting the discussion to District Cooling in the residential sector, Zackariah said that District Cooling for the residential sector holds significant potential for energy savings, but the current economic model in use is not easily applicable. While there’s optimism about the benefits, especially in city master planning, he said that the challenge lies in adapting economic models to the unique characteristics of residential areas. He further said that a collaborative global approach, with governments supporting infrastructure development, could be one of the solutions, and financial assistance, diverse economic models and cooperative participation will play critical roles. Zackariah also added that technology is not a hurdle; the key lies in addressing administrative, managerial and financial aspects to overcome current frictions and facilitate widespread adoption. Taking the cue from Zackariah, Behloul said the implementation of District Cooling in the residential sector faces significant challenges. For instance, he added, service providers must demonstrate efficiency, ensuring that the benefits achieved at the plant level are effectively conveyed to tenants and consumers. Furthermore, in new projects, he said, District Cooling providers must prove their reliability and efficiency to attract investments for infrastructure

expansion, and this becomes particularly challenging in regions with widespread low-density layouts, such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai or Doha. He also pointed out that the rise of technologies, such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, adds another layer of complexity, as it is presented as an alternative. Navigating these challenges, he said, requires a strategic focus on addressing consumer concerns, efficiently conveying benefits and adapting to technological competition. “Moreover, the success of District Cooling in the residential sector hinges on effectively managing these complexities and ensuring that the advantages of the system are apparent to both developers and end-users,” Larbi said. Berbari, steering the discussion to innovations in compression technology for the residential sector, underlined the challenges and advantages of different approaches. He said that the goal is to bring this innovation to the residential sector. He said that compression technology plays a crucial role in the residential sector, and advancements are being made to address efficiency and noise concerns. Alternatively, he said, VRF systems operate at variable speeds, offering efficiency benefits under partial loads. Meanwhile, Mizesko said that the comparison between chilled water systems and VRF systems by ASHRAE revealed that the chilled water system is currently more efficient. He said that concerns about the future of VRF systems have emerged, particularly regarding changes in the use of refrigerants.

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DC DIALOGUE, SAUDI ARABIA

During the debate... (L-R): Guillermo Martinez, Dan Mizesko, Larbi Behloul, Mohiuddin Shaikh, Mohamed R Zackariah, Kingson Jebaraj and Ibrahim Hassanien

AIR-COOLED VS WATER-COOLED DCPs One of the highlights of the eighth edition of DC Dialogue was ‘The Great Debate’ on the topic of air-cooled versus water-cooled DCPs. The session moderated by George Berbari, featured Ibrahim Hassanien, Lead Projects Engineer, Allied Consultants; Kingson Jebaraj, Managing Director, Innovative Water & Energy Technologies; Larbi Behloul, Director - Facilities Management, UAPM; Dan Mizesko, President, Dalkia US Chiller Services; Mohamed R Zackariah, Chief Consultant, Suhaimi Design - Protecooling; Mohiuddin Shaikh, Technical Manager, Qatar District Cooling Company and Guillermo Martinez, Commercial Director, Araner. Excerpts from the debate...

ASSANIEN kicked off the discussions by saying that efficiency is a pivotal factor, especially in arid regions where water scarcity prevails. In the absence of viable water solutions, he said, prioritising efficiency becomes imperative and added that when faced with the challenges of a water-deficient environment, emphasising electrical efficiency stands out as the primary avenue for sustainable solutions. For his part, Jebaraj said that coming from a background of working with water-cooled DCPs, he would like to emphasise the significance of exploring water-cooled plants, even in regions that face water scarcity. Despite considerations about water availability, he added that utlising water, whether potable water or treated sewage effluent, presents a sustainable choice. He said that through proper treatment and refinement, water can meet high standards and contribute to the efficiency of District Cooling systems. In addition, he pointed out that from a holistic perspective, the overall carbon footprint is more favourable with water-cooled plants, and underlined the importance of considering water as a resource in District Cooling projects. Joining the discussion, Zackariah shifted the discussion to decarbonisation strategies and said that the focus must be on renewable power generation in the context of achieving decarbonisation goals. However, he added that there are challenges related to the limited availability of specific equipment combinations from certain suppliers and manufacturers and the reluctance among some stakeholders to share information openly, treating certain technologies and partnerships as proprietary. He also underlined that overcoming these barriers is essential for fostering collaboration and advancing decarbonisation efforts in the industry. Speaking after Zackariah, Shaikh provided an overview of the District Cooling industry in Qatar. Pointing to a recent study led by Qatar University, in which the impact of cooling tower blowdown on the sewer network was assessed, he said the study revealed that the blowdown was effectively diluting sewer waste, reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels and chemical concentrations. Moreover, he added that this result prompted further studies, and a joint initiative is now underway to comprehensively investigate the positive effects of cooling tower blowdown. He said that the study highlighted the water coming from domestic use as more contaminated, making cooling tower blowdown a beneficial

January 2024

practice. In addition, Shaikh touched on the concerns about noise and the location of cooling plants, especially in residential areas, and emphasised the importance of environmentally friendly practices in the industry. Behloul joined the discussion by saying that to choose between air-cooled and water-cooled DCPs, a comprehensive evaluation considering efficiency, lifespan, space requirements, scalability and capital expenditure (CAPEX) is required. While water-cooled systems are generally more efficient, he said, achieving the desired efficiency throughout the lifespan demands proper operation and maintenance. For instance, he added, air-cooled systems may seem less efficient, but if not operated correctly, the benefits of a more efficient system may not be realised. Behloul said that the decision-making process should account for the project’s growth, available space, investor commitment to CAPEX, and operational considerations, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency over time. Joining the discussion, Mizesko said, “I have consistently supported water-cooled chillers for their efficiency, but there has been a significant shift with the introduction of oil-free magnetic bearing air-cooled chillers.” He added that these chillers, operating at one kilowatt per ton, stand out, especially in water-scarce areas like Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Mizesko said that the absence of condenser water, condenser pumps, makeup water, condenser storage, chemical water treatment, long-term concerns and silent operation makes them a compelling choice. Mizesko added, “This technology addresses challenges, such as water scarcity and high construction costs, presenting a viable and efficient cooling solution for regions like Riyadh where water resources are limited.” Martinez shared a similar perspective as Mizesko and said that with advancements in core technology, the efficiency of air-cooled chillers has improved significantly. Martinez also discussed plants operating with solar power and hydrogen and said that the shift towards cleaner green energy solutions reduces the environmental impact. Martinez also said that the challenges related to water scarcity, chemicals and pollution, which were once primarily issues in the Middle East region, are now becoming global concerns. Many projects, he added, even in regions like Saudi Arabia, are opting for air-cooled systems due to the increasing availability of greener energy and a more sustainable approach.

Saeed Al- Laham

Kingson Jebaraj

Guillermo Martinez

initiatives and the mandates of the Kigali Amendment. Furthermore, he said that Honeywell emphasises transitioning to low-globalwarming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, particularly HFOs, to enhance sustainability in the industry. While the sector commonly concentrates on the supply side of energy efficiency, he said that Honeywell focuses on addressing demand-side opportunities. Naqvi also touched on the critical role of insulation in reducing energy consumption, especially in District Cooling pipes, and the use of HFO solutions to enhance energy efficiency, pointing to examples of projects from the UAE where HFOs play a significant role in their carbon reduction goals. Speaking after Naqvi, Saeed AlLaham, Applied Business Developer KSA, Trane, delved into refrigerants and their impact on carbon footprint. Through his presentation, titled ‘A sustainable DCP, refrigerants and CO2 impact’, Al-Laham discussed the importance of sustainability in refrigeration, direct and indirect emissions, the calculation of carbon footprints, and the transition of refrigerants. In addition, he said that the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants is gaining momentum due to several factors, including technological advancements, compliance with regulations, economic considerations and voluntary initiatives by companies committed to sustainability. The economic factor, he added, is influenced by the scalability of HFOs, making them more cost-effective, and the expected increase in prices of high-GWP alternatives, like HFCs. He also added that several projects in the Middle East

region opt for refrigerants with lower GWP, as it aligns with their sustainability goals. The last techno-commercial presentation of the day was delivered by Kingson Jebaraj, Managing Director, Innovative Water & Energy Technologies. His presentation revolved around the importance of ensuring condenser performance in District Cooling while utilising non-potable water. He discussed the solutions offered by his company, including an automatic condenser tube cleaning system and an integrated unit for reverse osmosis. He also added that his company emphasises the importance of integrating filtration and automatic tube cleaning for reliable and sustainable District Cooling operations and of addressing the complexities of using non-potable water in District Cooling. The conference also featured two project profile presentations, namely ‘Sea Water District Cooling – challenges and benefits’ by Ibrahim Hassanien, Lead Projects Engineer, Allied Consultants, and ‘The Avenue Riyadh (by Shomoul Holding Co., a

subsidiary of Mabanee Company, Kuwait)’ by Guillermo Martinez, Commercial Director, Araner. Hassanien, in his presentation, discussed District Cooling systems that utilise sea water and emphasised the benefits, such as reduced water consumption and space flexibility. Further, Hassanien pointed to the various challenges, namely, material costs, environmental considerations and regulatory approvals, and said that a feasibility study is crucial for this kind of a project to deliberate on factors such as project location, environment and stakeholder engagement. Martinez, speaking after Hassanien, said, The Avenue Riyadh is a mixed-use development in North Riyadh, spanning 390,000 square metres, and featuring a total area of 1.8 million square metres. He said that the project includes a mall and five luxury towers for hotels, residential apartments, medical clinics and offices. Furthermore, he said that the District Cooling project, within this development project, is designed to provide cooling energy to all consumers, showcasing an integrated and comprehensive approach to serve diverse needs within the development. He also said that by integrating the cooling plant into the basement of the mall, the need for a dedicated block for the plant had been eliminated. He also said that coordination among contractors, the adaptive design approach used in the mall and stakeholder involvement, pose challenges; in that context, he said, consultancy with current experience is crucial for overcoming the challenges and ensuring smooth project operation.

Ibrahim Hassanien

COUNTRY REPORT

Türkiye

TURNKEY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS

January 2024

W Türkiye has a target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 21% by 2030. And the country’s government is investing USD 60 billion in energy efficiency measures over the next decade, says Indu Revikumar, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

HEN examining the growth of Türkiye’s HVACR market, Mert Kalafatoglu says, one must start looking from 2008, when the Ministry of Energy issued new legislation stating that all buildings over 2,000 square metres must incorporate a central heating and cooling system. Kalafatoglu, who serves as the Senior Sales Director of Climate Solutions at Danfoss Türkiye, Middle East and Africa, says that 2008 marked a new beginning for the HVACR market in Türkiye and that the legislation made high-tech HVAC control equipment an essential part of newly built projects. From 2008 to 2018, Kalafatoglu says, Danfoss has witnessed massive urbanisation in Türkiye, resulting in an upward trend for the HVAC control group product portfolio in commercial and residential buildings. Moreover, he adds, the pandemic and the period of high inflation also positively impacted more central and digital solutions, resulting in the reduction of the total cost of ownership of an HVAC system. In addition, he says, Türkiye has started to subsidise some parts of the energy renovation projects in public offices and industry, following the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2021 to reduce CO2 emissions to 50% by 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2050. “We also expect that in 2024, a subsidisation initiative will kick in for private commercial buildings," he says. Joining the conversation, Mehmet Şanal, Chairman, Turkish HVAC-R Exporters' Association, says that rapid urbanisation in Türkiye; rising disposable incomes; and government incentives, subsidies and regulations promoting the use of green HVACR systems, encourage companies and consumers to invest in eco-friendly options amid growing concerns about environmental stability and rising demand for energyefficient and low-emission technologies. These, he says, have collectively contributed to the growth of the HVACR industry in Türkiye. He says the expansion of the sector also brings economic benefits through job creation, increased manufacturing and service opportunities, and improved indoor comfort. Furthermore, he says,

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COUNTRY REPORT the focus on green HVACR systems aligns with Türkiye's commitment to environmental protection and to achieve a sustainable future by reducing energy consumption and emissions. Moreover, he says, the investments in green HVACR systems, smart HVACR systems and new technologies in Türkiye's HVACR sector contribute to achieving environmental sustainability goals, enhancing energy efficiency, and driving economic growth. These investments, he says, also align with global trends towards sustainability, positioning Türkiye as a more energyefficient and environmentally responsible nation while creating economic opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. In addition to this, he says, introducing energy-efficiency standards for HVACR equipment, supporting research and development of new energy-efficient HVACR technologies and providing financial incentives for the purchase of energy-efficient HVACR equipment have strengthened Türkiye's position as a global leader in the green HVACR market. Moreover, he adds

Mert Kalafatoglu

January 2024

Türkiye

that the strong manufacturing base in the country, skilled workforce and strong commitment to environmental sustainability position Türkiye as a global hub for the production and export of green HVACR products and services. Şanal, providing an overview of the sustainability initiatives in Türkiye, says that the country has installed 5.7 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2019 and has set a target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 21% by 2030. Further, he says, the government of Türkiye is investing USD 60 billion in energy efficiency measures over the next decade.

Exports profile Weighing in, Kalafatoglu says the size of the HVACR market in Türkiye, which is approximately USD 6 billion, makes green solutions a crucial part of the CO2 reduction targets. With the Paris Agreement implementation, he says, the expectation is to see the main value drivers in all applications in the HVAC market shifting towards smarter and greener solutions. "Following the global green transition agenda, Türkiye is

capable of growing both the local and export markets," he says. In the first quarter of 2023, Kalafatoglu says, the air conditioning market in the country had increased its exports compared to the same period in 2022 – 7.9% in the heating systems sector, 3.9% in the cooling systems sector, 11.3% in the air conditioning systems sector and 16.6% in the ventilation systems sector. The highest export market of Türkiye, he says, is Germany with USD 190.8 million, followed by Italy with USD 127 million, Russia with USD 125 million and the United Kingdom with USD 116 million. The major export markets for Turkish HVACR products, Şanal says, are France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Turkish businesses, he says, are expanding their market presence internationally by offering high-quality products, competitive processes, strong distribution networks, financial incentives, marketing assistance and trade delegations from the government. He further says that the rapid economic growth and urbanisation in the GCC region are also driving demand for Turkish HVACR products. Additionally, Şanal says, Turkish businesses now focus on developing strong brand identity and marketing their products internationally, attending fair trades to showcase products and networking with potential buyers. Taking the discussion to the key trends in the use of new technologies in the HVACR sector in Türkiye, Kalafatoglu says the adoption of new technologies in the HVACR industry in the country is very high. The market showcases increasing demand for digital as well as energy-efficient solutions, he says. For instance, he says, Danfoss has been observing a massive demand for its smart solutions for commercial and residential buildings, such as its digital actuator, electronic thermostatic radiator valves, and thermostats and controllers for floor-heating applications. For his part, Şanal says smart HVACR systems, energy efficiency, green solutions, renewable energy integration, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Mehmet Şanal

enhancement, advanced refrigerants, hybrid systems, ductless minisplit systems, Building Information Modelling integration, electrification and heat pumps are the key factors that contribute to the rise of innovative technological solutions in the Turkish HVACR sector. Moreover, he adds that the sector, committed to contributing to global sustainability initiatives, is keen on adopting technologies that enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and improve user experience.

HVACR-related regulations

The government of Türkiye, Şanal says, has enacted several regulations in recent years aimed at promoting energy efficiency, environmental protection, consumer safety and the growth of the HVACR sector in the country. Some of the regulations, he says, are the Energy Efficiency Law, which sets minimum

energy efficiency standards for a variety of products, including HVACR equipment; the Environment Law, which regulates emissions from HVACR equipment; the Consumer Protection Law, which sets standards for the safety and performance of HVACR equipment; and the Tax Incentives Law, which provides tax breaks for the purchase of energy-efficient HVACR equipment. In addition to the aforementioned regulations, Şanal says, the government provides grants and loans to purchase energy-efficient HVACR equipment, tax breaks for installing energy-efficient HVACR systems, and subsidies for the research and development of energyefficient HVACR technologies. These financial incentives, he adds, have helped make energy-efficient HVACR systems more affordable for businesses and consumers and have contributed to Türkiye’s position in the global HVACR market.

Furthermore, Şanal offers some specific examples of how the government's regulations and financial incentives have contributed to the HVACR sector. In 2017, he says, the government of Türkiye introduced a new energy efficiency labelling scheme for HVACR equipment, mandating manufacturers to label their products with an energy efficiency rating, from A+++ to D. "The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the product is," he says. In addition, he says, the government also provides tax breaks for businesses that purchase energyefficient HVACR equipment, and these tax breaks can be worth up to 50% of the purchase price of the equipment. 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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MARKET FEATURE

VRF systems

SCALING

MOUNT

STURDY

January 2024

The higher energy efficiency of VRF systems, combined with AI to optimise performance by learning usage patterns, for instance, is a shot in the arm for the cooling approach, say advocates of the technology. Indu Revikumar, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East, has the story...

il A

bdu

pal

sse

l Rah iman

Joshi

l An

bari

N THE CHALLENGING climatic conditions of the GCC region, where temperatures range from scorching hot summers to mild winters, addressing diverse cooling needs has often led to the installation of oversized air conditioning systems. In that context, VRFs, Shofil Abdul Rahiman says, continue to revolutionise HVAC design by providing engineers with the flexibility to create optimal systems that meet cooling demands while maintaining operational efficiency. Rahiman, Senior Manager and Head of Sales Engineering MENA, Samsung Electronics, says that according to recent studies by BSRIA, the global VRF market is estimated at around USD 17 billion. He further says that China, Japan and South Korea are the biggest markets for VRF systems, and that the European market is also relatively mature. The VRF market in the GCC region, Rahiman says, has grown from a small segment in the HVAC industry to being an industry-driving technology over the past 15-20 years, and the constant pursuit of the industry for a greener and more efficient air conditioner has made VRF a forerunner. He further says there is a surge in the uptake of mini-VRFs in the region, in line with the growing demand for villas and the long-term residency offerings in the GCC region. “The smaller footprint, flexible piping, advanced control solutions and low operating noise that is complemented by night modes, make the mini-VRF ideal for villas,” he says. Furthermore, Rahiman says, the growing demand for citizen housing and the residential market in Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in the growth of VRF technology in the country. And Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s net-zero goals also contribute to the growth of energy-efficient VRF technology in the country, he says. Utpal Joshi, Consulting Sales Director, Daikin Middle East and Africa, wading into the discussion, highlights that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the largest markets for Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) technology. He says the VRV market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is estimated to grow by 2030 to 30,000 outdoor units in each region.

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MARKET FEATURE

Joshi, enumerating the main reasons for the growth of VRV technology in the region, says that firstly, the technology effectively addresses the space and noise concerns in residential and lowrise commercial buildings, which are on DX systems but have non-inverter DX per area. In addition to this, he says, is the higher energy-efficiency of VRV systems, which effectively reduces the number of outdoor units as compared to traditional DX; the new AC unit design, which comes with lower capacities and smaller 1.2kW VRV size for controlling individual area, makes it an efficient solution for the region's cooling needs. Saudi Arabia, Joshi says, has accepted VRV systems rapidly, and an increasing number of new designs are actively looking at VRV-based solutions for all leisure, residential and standalone buildings. “The VRV market is growing at 10% CAGR,” he says.

January 2024

VRF systems

Bassel Anbari, Managing Partner, InterCool Central Air Conditioning LLC, says the estimated size of the VRF market in the GCC region is around USD 1.2 billion, and the market size for VRF in the UAE is around USD 180 million. Many factors, he says, drive the demand for VRF systems in the GCC region, such as energy efficiency, as the cost of electricity has increased drastically in recent years; cost saving, as building owners are looking at first cost; installation; running cost and urban development, where VRF technology is a perfect application for villas and townhouses. “VRF system provides flexibility in the design, as you can connect many indoor units to one outdoor unit and provide independent control for each indoor unit,” he says. Shifting the discussion to recent advancements in VRF technology, Rahiman says that artificial intelligence

(AI) is the new buzzword in the industry. He says that AI is poised to ensure that optimum operational conditions are adopted by the VRF system without compromising on comfort, which in turn will result in higher operational energy efficiency. Active AI pressure control can optimise performance by learning usage patterns. Elaborating further, Rahiman says it will create the optimal cooling environment to suit users’ general requirements by learning usage patterns from recent cooling operations and the surrounding conditions. Anbari says manufacturers strive to advance the VRF technology by offering larger systems to increase connected loads, connecting all types of indoor, such as wall-mounted, ducted, air-handling and cassette-type units to one outdoor unit. He says different manufacturers have different offerings but concentrate on maximising

efficiency and maintaining comfort in indoor zones in high and humid weather conditions. Speaking of projects in the context of energy efficiency, Rahiman says VRF-based ones in the GCC region are growing year on year, and this implies that the awareness and acceptance of VRF as a technology is on a growth trajectory. Despite awareness, he says, the benefits of VRF technology are not utilised to their maximum potential, and that projects are still being designed based on a chiller or split system and that VRF is later added to the initial designs. Instead of this design adaptation, he says, an early VRF-based design culture needs to grow in the GCC region, and all VRF manufacturers must have their own design software. “Moreover, he says, “the early adaptation of VRF, while defining the cooling load calculation, connection ratio (combination ratio), indoor unit type, outdoor location and pipe routing, will ensure that a comprehensive and reliable VRF design is generated." Joshi says that when considering the residential sector, VRV has become a norm in large villas and most mediumsized villas, as it helps developers meet the tight electric load per dwelling. Additionally, he says, VRV allows for billing without expensive BTU metering, like the ones in District Cooling plants, which are costly in rented or freehold apartments. “VRVs offer lower running costs, and as the government lifts subsidies, energy efficiency has come to the forefront, which has helped the VRV market grow,” he says. Anbari, sharing a similar perspective as Joshi and Rahiman, says awareness and adoption of the VRF system are increasing, because VRF provides an efficient, less expensive system applicable to low-rise buildings and massive urban development, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Focusing on aftermarket service, Rahiman says air conditioning is an essential service in the GCC region, as the hot weather conditions make it practically impossible to survive without an air conditioner. Periodic service, he says, is of utmost importance to ensure that products perform as they

are intended to. Many end-users, however, often refrain from getting the maintenance contract and label it as an unwanted expense, he says. In such a scenario, he says, a well-performed Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) can save a lot of maintenance costs and discomfort due to malfunction. “A professional maintenance company will ensure that PPM is done properly and their knowledgeable field team can rectify issues in the first visit itself,” he says. “And in many cases, the authorised service companies of the manufacturers are one step ahead in offering solutions.” Rahiman says remote monitoring and predictive maintenance are still in their early days in the GCC region, and that the lack of awareness and minimal demand has stalled the growth. However, he says, with the advancement of cloud connectivity and smarter products, this will change in the future. Joshi says there is a great need to have trained after-sales service engineers to ensure comfort and energy efficiency for the systems. He says Daikin trains over 1,000 engineers yearly to meet this demand and push for remote monitoring and predictive service. Unfortunately, he adds, the service-focus mentality exists only in big facility management companies. He also believes that cloud-based and remote monitoring is expected to grow, despite lots of ground needing to be covered for this new concept for many end users. Anbari says that VRF systems require regular maintenance to optimise their performance and to prevent breakdowns. Enlightened consultants, developers and building owners, he says, look at the quality and performance of the after-sales service and support and take this issue very seriously when selecting a manufacturer. He says a good service provider will have a proper inspection and preventive maintenance plan to clean filters and coils, and check controls and gas level and performance. Furthermore, he says, most VRF systems have remote monitoring to check and send alarms with defined anticipated problems to fix the issue before failure.

Regulatory framework for VRF systems in the GCC region In the GCC region, Rahiman says, multiple regulatory frameworks, with varying testing and rating standards, have posed challenges to the VRF industry, and emphasised the importance of uniformity in testing and rating. He also says adopting European or American test standards without incorporating the regional factors is not a solution and underlines that many regional industry organisations in the GCC region have joined hands to engage with the regulatory bodies in the GCC region countries to bring in a consensus. “Though it is at an early stage, I am confident that their efforts, backed by manufacturers like Samsung, will create a proper regulatory framework in the GCC region for VRF,” he says. For his part, Anbari says the UAE has ESMA and ADQCC regulations and standards addressing minimum efficiencies for direct expansion air conditioning units, including VRF. Manufacturers, he says, have to meet this minimum requirement to be able to sell their products. Joining the conversation on regulations, Joshi says, on a regulatory level, introducing seasonal efficiency measurement methods, like Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), helps measure VRV system efficiency, enabling the end user to select VRV based on the technology that delivers rather than just the price. Moreover, he says, having minimum standards for refrigerant concentration is beneficial, as the VRV efficiency declared is based on the same equipment available in the market rather than a specific unit designed to show more efficiency but is not sold in the market. “Recently,” he says, “Europe has agreed on the maximum allowed airflow per kW-based rule to be fair, and we fully support this kind of action in our region, too.” 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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POST-EVENT REPORT The Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit 2023

REGAL REXNORD SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY, IEQ Event also focuses on lowering the Total Cost of Ownership Story by Indu Revikumar | Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

Mohamad Dahouk

Vijay Kambhammettu

Sougata Nandi

Niranjan Kumar

During the panel discussion... (L-R): Sougata Nandi, Mohammed Anwar, Mohamad Dahouk, Markus Lattner and Dr P R Jagannathan

HE REGAL Rexnord Innovation Summit 2023, on December 5 in Dubai, underlined the importance of energy efficiency, reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems. Into its second edition, the Summit, hosted by

January 2024

Regal Rexnord and organised by CPI Industry, featured senior HVAC industry leaders. Vijay Kambhammettu, Director of Sales, Marketing and NPD, Regal Rexnord, set the stage for discussions by sharing a detailed overview of Regal Rexnord. He said that Regal Rexnord operates in 220 global sites and

employs 36,000 people, worldwide. He added that the company follows a smart business system that revolves around planning, process, performance, and people. Kambhammettu further said that the company has four segments: Industrial Park Transmissions, which deals with products like running belts and gears; Agency Solutions, which

BREATHING EASY

Panel discussion focuses on optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems

Xingwang Zhang

Sunil Kakru

Srinivas Yadav

deals with motors; Automation and Motion Control, which operates in technical fields; and Commercial Refrigeration. He added that Regal Rexnord aims to provide value to its customer base through OEMs, distributors, consultants and end users. He said, “The company serves as technology partners for OEMS; offers

HE 2023 edition of the Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit featured a panel discussion, titled ‘Breathing easy – optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems’. The discussion, moderated by Sougata Nandi, CEO, 3e Advisory, featured Mohammed Anwar, Head Engineering & Supply Chain, Awal Gulf Manufacturing Company; Mohamad Dahouk, Senior Director - Engineering, Regal Rexnord; Dr P R Jagannathan, Senior General Manager Sustainability, Sobha Realty; and Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East. Jagannathan, the first panellist to speak, addressed questions from Nandi about the rise of green building certification and navigating the adoption of tools. He said that green building certifications are becoming increasingly common as a part of a broader initiative to address environmental concerns. Earlier, he said, there were challenges associated with issues like energy footprint and waste generation. Furthermore, he said, navigating government regulations and stakeholder communication also posed as challenges, especially in the context of the credit crisis. In the years that followed, he said, efforts were made to explain the concept to stakeholders, including introducing regulations for warehouses, and the focus expanded to address common global concerns related to energy, climate conditions and optimisation. Jagannathan also pointed out that the industry faced questions from investors about legal entities, industry performance, and future prospects. The finance sector, he added, played a crucial role in driving sustainability, with new criteria introduced in loans and investments. “Investors sought assurance regarding the long-term performance of entities in the context of sustainability,” he said. “Moreover, addressing the gap between activation and implementation became a critical aspect, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts in the realm of sustainability.” Jagannathan also delved into various other topics during the course of the panel discussion, such as carbon footprint, big data technologies and net-zero initiatives. He also spoke on the disconnect between various stakeholders, and the importance of integrating construction, facility management and community aspects for comprehensive and high-quality outcomes. He also spoke on the significance of portfolio management. For his part, Dahouk answered questions relating to the adoption of sustainable technologies. Dahouk said that the success of Regal Rexnord in the realm of sustainability has been significant, particularly in the past 10-15 years. He said that electronic indicators and innovative solutions have played a crucial role in achieving higher efficiency standards. He said the ongoing evaluation of every aspect, from home control systems to educational institutions, aims to maximise efficiency levels. Furthermore, he said that the focus is on pushing the boundaries each year, determining the maximum achievable efficiency, and finding ways to attain it. He also underlined that cost management is a key consideration, along with balancing user costs and economic factors. The approach, he said, must align with consumer capacities, especially in applications and businesses where efficiency impacts daily life. “The goal is to offer advice that leads to maximum efficiency while remaining cost-effective, and it involves understanding consumer needs and progress, with initiatives like rebuilding savings policies contributing to sustained advancements in the

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POST-EVENT REPORT The Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit 2023 industry,” he said. In addition, he also underlined the importance of end-users being aware of energy-efficient practices and said that end-users must be taught to be mindful of energy waste, considering factors like home temperature settings and the potential for remote control to optimise energy usage. Taking the cue from Dahouk, Nandi said that one of the common challenges faced by the industry is the disconnect between the developers and end-users. He said: “The utility bill belongs to the buyer, not the developer, creating a discrepancy in incentives. Developers focused on constructing and selling may not always prioritise long-term efficiency measures, since they won’t be the end users.” This, he added, becomes more pronounced in competitive markets, where developers are driven to complete projects quickly. Further, Nandi underlined the importance of avoiding greenwashing and the misleading use of sustainability claims. Nandi added that the aim must be to move beyond short-term solutions and foster a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. Speaking after Nandi, Lattner delved into the role of certification bodies in the industry and said that Eurovent’s goal is to raise awareness. Eurovent, he said, actively participates in committees and engages at the United Nations level to influence decisions. He also said that it’s not merely about revising regulations; it is about informing and educating the stakeholders. Though Eurovent, as an association, is actively involved in educating the market and driving awareness, it also understands that this process is still in its infancy, he said. One significant challenge, he said, lies in the fixation on certifications. Lattner said: “While engineers may design an efficient system, the efficiency can be compromised if contractors prioritise cost over quality during procurement. This underscores the importance of involving informed investors who can maintain an objective balance and ensure that efficiency is not lost at each stage of the process, ultimately impacting end-users.” Joining the conversation, Anwar said that Awal Manufacturing aims to elevate efficiency by adopting approaches that ensure the mindful use of resources. He said that the priority of the company is to first meet the requirements, especially within the given timeframe. He said that one key strategy involves optimising the system integrator to ensure a streamlined and effective process. He said, “It’s crucial to strike a balance, considering both the optimisation of the system and the associated costs, in alignment with the specified requirements.” In summary, the panel discussion delved into the challenges in the HVAC industry, particularly in addressing disconnections in delivering efficient systems. The panellists underlined the significance of strategic integration to reduce external influences. The discussions also touched on the commitment to sustainability initiatives and achieving net zero by 2050, as well as the need for users to understand and appreciate energy-efficient practices. The conversation also underlined the importance of aligning product development with market demands and on how challenges arise in the form of having to adapt to regional variations in customer preferences and regulations.

During the panel discussion... (L-R): Mohammed Anwar, Mohamad Dahouk, Markus Lattner and Dr P R Jagannathan

January 2024

access and warehousing options for distributors; supports consultants to upskill and gives utmost importance to enhancing the overall user experience.” Speaking after Kambhammettu, Sougata Nandi, CEO, 3e Advisory and the Chairperson of the Summit, introduced the theme of the 2023 edition. He said that organising an event of this kind is crucial when the global focus is on issues around climate change, and underlined that the discourses around climate change, carbon emissions and the importance of building awareness have increased over the past decade. However, he added, the challenge lies in translating this awareness into action at the consumer level, where energy consumption needs efficient management. Further, introducing the concept of the “vicious cycle of the climate crisis", Nandi said that affluence, lifestyle improvement, increased energy consumption and rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the climate crisis. Nandi also said that the HVAC industry plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and lauded the commitment of nations and organisations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2032. The event, he said, could be seen as an opportunity for education to address climate change and enhance energy-efficient practices. Further, during his presentation on the topic, ‘HVAC impact on sustainability and safety’, Nandi shared his experience of working in the UAE as an energy manager and said that the country has a heightened sensitivity to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and energy efficiency. He also recalled the challenges faced in promoting energy efficiency initiatives, such as resistance to new technologies, and added that over time, the industry has evolved, and that now there is an increased awareness and acceptance of energyefficient practices. Sougata also delved into his experience of working on energy challenge schemes. He said that he has collaborated with developers to create prototypes that significantly reduce lighting energy bills. His presentation also touched on the emergence of sustainability initiatives, like LEED certification; the challenges

During the panel discussion... Sougata Nandi and Mohammed Anwar

of converting existing buildings into environmentally friendly space; and the significance of air conditioning in energy efficiency. Nandi expressed optimism about the positive changes in the industry and the potential for further improvements in building sustainability. The first presentation of the Summit was by Niranjan Kumar, Technical Director, Mekar Air Handling Units LLC. He discussed the pivotal role of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in well-being and productivity, referring to potential health risks associated with poor IEQ, including acute and chronic effects, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Kumar said that emphasis must be given to understanding the metrics to improve IEQ, and factors like temperature, humidity, air circulation and thermal comfort must be taken into consideration. He added that there are three key components, namely appliance, legal compliance and the impact on occupants for an HVAC system, and they stress the importance of considering air quality, temperature regulation and proper circulation. To address the issues associated with poor IEQ, Kumar said, solutions such as adopting precision air conditioners and modern HVAC systems can be considered. Kumar also emphasised the importance of proper maintenance and selection of suitable materials. He highlighted the need for advanced technologies, such as smart thermostats, to monitor and improve IEQ. He added that collective responsibility is essential for fostering positive changes for a healthier and

more productive indoor environment. Speaking after Kumar, Mohamad Dahouk, Senior Director, Engineering, Regal Rexnord, shared a detailed overview of the solutions offered by Regal Rexnord in residential and commercial applications. He said that the company considers factors such as comfort, efficiency, sustainability and carbon footprint in the context of IAQ and HVAC systems. Furthermore, he discussed the evolution and technical aspects of Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs); hybrid compressor technology; Vantage, a product designed to improve IAQ by treating air for viruses; specific advancements in air-moving systems, including motor controls and air handlers and various product generations, highlighting the push towards higher efficiency levels. He said that the goal is to make HVAC systems more adaptable, customisable and energy-efficient. He pointed out that continuous research and development is essential to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The next session of the Summit was technical presentations by Xingwang Zhang, Director - Engineering, Regal Rexnord, and Sunil Kakru, Director Engineering and Quality, Regal Rexnord. In his presentation, Zhang delved into the technical aspects of motors, covering various technologies related to efficiency, reliability and performance. He spoke of palpable improvements in motor technology, with a focus on aspects like noise reduction, ease of recognition and reinforced components for durability. Furthermore, he said that rigorous testing is essential for quality

assurance and ensuring the reliability and performance of the product. He added that testing in extreme conditions validates the product's durability and reliability over an extended period. Zhang also discussed smart drive and pika motors, ECMs, RRX EC motors, integrated EC motors for outdoor applications, brush-less DC technology and axial fans. For his part, Kakru discussed the challenges and importance of energy efficiency in motors. He said that the goal is to make motors more energy-efficient by introducing new technologies and solutions. One of the major highlights of his presentation was the details about induction motors. He said that Regal Rexnord offers three brands, namely Genteq, Century and Frasco, in the market. Furthermore, he said that the availability of universal motor configurations that can replace DC motors, provides flexibility and options for end-users. Pointing to the versatility of the motor technologies, which offer various options in terms of size, speed and applications, Kakru said that the goal is to provide consistent performance while addressing market demands and energy efficiency challenges. He also shared an overview of Maxima Technology, Orbit ECM and Orbit Technology in his technical presentation. The Summit also featured a presentation that discussed the results of a customer and market survey the Regal Rexnord team had conducted across its value chain. Srinivas Yadav, Key Account Sales Manager, Regal Rexnord, presented the takeaways of the survey. He said that the survey was conducted among stakeholders, including customers, distributors, and OEMs, to understand their preferences and expectations. According to the survey results, Yadav said, one of the most important aspects considered by customers is safety. Regarding product preferences, he said the findings indicated that efficiency, ease of use and sustainability are the most important factors. In addition, he pointed out that the results indicate a shift in market dynamics and concerns around supply chain management.

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POST-EVENT REPORT 5th Annual CIBSE UAE Awards

CIBSE UAE AWARDS' VISION ALIGNS WITH COP28 OBJECTIVES Fifth edition features 23 categories, recognises “remarkable achievements in the building services industry” Story by Indu Revikumar | Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East

HE CHARTERED INSTITUTION of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE UAE) hosted its 5th Annual Awards ceremony on December 7, 2023 at the Palazzo Versace in Dubai. The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of Ruth Carter, CEO, CIBSE, and Adrian Catchpole, President, CIBSE. The ceremony recognised and applauded remarkable achievements in the building services industry and featured 23 categories, drawing global dignitaries and over 250 MEP professionals from across the region, CIBSE UAE said in a statement, released on January 10, 2024. The evening was filled with memorable moments, one of which was the presentation of the Silver Medal to Lynne Jack, Former President, CIBSE. In addition, Imran Shaikh, Chair, CIBSE UAE, and Marc Lynch, Vice Chair, presented the Appreciation Award to Carter and Catchpole. The Award was in recognition of their exceptional leadership and unwavering support for

January 2024

CIBSE UAE, the statement said. According to CIBSE UAE, the awards ceremony highlighted individual and collective achievements, emphasising CIBSE's steadfast commitment to fostering careers in building services. CIBSE's knowledge and resource portal is a testament to this commitment, offering a definitive pathway to full membership for high achievers and aspiring professionals, CIBSE UAE said. Shaikh said: “The CIBSE UAE Awards have come a long way, and with each edition, they have grown in scale and importance. We take pride in providing a platform that celebrates excellence and promotes sustainable practices and innovative solutions in building services engineering. The 2023 edition of the awards aimed to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and advancements in building services engineering that have emerged over the past year.” In 2023, Shaikh said, the awards ceremony acknowledged excellence and underscored the crucial role the building

services engineering profession plays in supporting the objectives of COP28, held in the country during the same period. Describing COP28 as a historic event highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices worldwide, he said that the CIBSE UAE Annual Awards echoed this sentiment by recognising and promoting projects that excelled in their technical aspects and embraced environmental consciousness. Shaikh further said, “We believe that by celebrating sustainability within the realm of building services engineering, we contribute to the global effort in combating climate change.” The members of the organisation also underscored the pivotal role of building services engineers in advancing sustainability. According to CIBSE, amidst the challenges of climate change, building services engineers bear a profound responsibility to design and operate energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and resilient buildings, playing a crucial part in addressing the climate crisis.

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28 MAY 2024 I RIYADH KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

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POST-EVENT REPORT 5th Annual CIBSE UAE Awards List of winners S. No

Category

Winner

Highly Recommended

Company Awards 1

MEP Consultancy of the Year

Cundall

Ramboll

MEP Contractor of the Year

Alemco

Veristar Building Contracting LLC

Manufacturer of the Year

Leminar Air Conditioning Industries LLC

Embodied Carbon Initiative of the Year

Ramboll

Grundfos Gulf Distribution FZE

Best Digital Innovation of the Year

Ramboll

Schneider Electric's RIB COSTX

• •

Maico Gulf L.L.C Central Ventilation Systems Co. L.L.C. (CVS)

Project Awards 6

GCC Project of the Year

MISK ART INSTITUTE - Ramboll

One Za'abeel – Alemco

Electrical Project of the Year

MISK ART INSTITUTE - Ramboll

Ministry of Tourism - Schneider Electric

Plumbing Project of the Year

MISK ART INSTITUTE - Ramboll

Royal Commission for Alula Headquarters - Buro Happold

Mechanical Project of the Year

MISK ART INSTITUTE - Ramboll

Retrofit Project of the Year

Bin Dasmal Engineering Technologies & Management Co. L.L.C. (BETAM), Kalba Hospital

Smart Project of the Year

Dr. Suliman Al Habib Hospital in Al Khobar - Schneider Electric

Sustainability Project of the Year

Dr. Suliman Al Habib Hospital in Al Khobar - Schneider Electric

Al Moosa Business Center (AMBC) Building - Itqan Architectural Design Consultancy

MORO Data Centre - Meinhardt ME

Individual Awards 13

Graduate of the Year

Faaizah Faisal Mohamed - Ramboll

Mosammat Nusrat Jahan Maynah - Ramboll

Young Engineer of the Year

Bindia Harish - Ramboll

Suvarna Sanal Kumar - Buro Happold

Sustainability Engineer of the Year

Khushbu Mankani - AECOM Ayesha Nabeela - Egis Group

Ishan Kalra - Egis Group

Mechanical Engineer of the Year

Esteban Castro - RED Engineering

Mahavir Shah - Buro Happold

Electrical Engineer of the Year

Zahidi Sarah Hussain RED Engineering Design

Roshan Patel - Red Engineering

Plumbing Engineer of the Year

Rishi Jain - Ramboll

Salman Sabir - Meinhardt ME

Engineer of the Year - Manufacturer

Atam Hayat - CVS

Samiya Salim - MAICO Gulf

Executive of the Year Manufacturer

Maria Sadek -Thermobreak by Sekisui

Chris Meir - Rheem

Executive of the Year - Consultant

Michael Rimmer - RAMBOLL

Scott McKeever - CUNDALL

• •

University Awards 22

Digital innovation - University

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Sustainable Initiative - University

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Curtin University

Student Design Competition

Winner

Runner up

2nd Runner up

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

University of Bolton Academic Centre, Ras Al Khaimahh

Heriot Watt University, Dubai

January 2024

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Surendar Balakrishnan

Frédéric Paillé

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MOCCAE lauds UAE Consensus H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, says UAE Consensus not only highlights a paradigm shift in climate action but also “charts a new course to our North Star – to keep 1.5 within reach” By CCME Content Team

ER EXCELLENCY Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, speaking on the UAE Consensus, said, “The UAE has marked a historic achievement with the UAE Consensus that not only highlights a paradigm shift in climate action but also charts a new course to our North Star – to keep 1.5 within reach.” H.E. Almheiri further said: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, UAE, for his guidance and continuous support to making this a historic and milestone COP that will benefit all of humanity, underpinned by its spirit of action, multilateralism, inclusivity, and solidarity. We have united, acted, and delivered to bring hope and optimism to humanity. “We also thank His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman, Higher Committee responsible for the preparations to host the COP28, for his leadership and guidance, and for the strong bridges of cooperation fostered by the UAE with global nations. This played a strong role in securing global consensus for the 11 UAE COP28 Declarations, many being historic-firsts, in addition to several unprecedented achievements the Presidency achieved.” H.E. Almheiri further said that at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the mandate was to drive nationwide action in the lead-up to COP28 and to mobilise all stakeholders. Over the year, she added that the Ministry of Climate

January 2024

Change and Environment has raised ambition and built momentum towards the very goals that the UAE Consensus has achieved. H.E. Almheiri said: “The National Green Retreat we launched to mobilise the partnership of all ministries to drive climate action was one of the first successful steps. From the rollout of our Net Zero 2050 Strategy to submitting the Third Update to the Second Nationally Determined Contribution – the third by the UAE in less than three years – and presenting the National Adaptation Plan, we rallied all stakeholders, listening to them and integrating their feedback, for tangible action, to cut emissions and activate all pathways towards a cleaner future. Furthermore, we thank all the government ministries, the business sector, civil society, philanthropists, women groups, youth, children, academia, media and the community for their support in helping our nation achieve this milestone COP.” “We are extremely honoured that the Changemakers Majlis that we hosted prior to and during COP28 played a significant role in driving dialogue by reconnecting the delegates with the spirit of collaboration. We have delivered on our promise to the nation and the people.” As COP28 Food Systems Lead, she added, it gives her honour that COP28 placed food, agriculture and water at the heart of its discussions, with 159 nations – representing 80% of all the countries in the world - endorsing the UAE COP 28 Declaration on Sustainable

Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action. H.E. Almheiri said, “These countries have a population of over 6.2 billion people, with 530 million farmers, and account for 77% of all the food we eat as well as 83% of all emissions from food systems.” H.E. Almheiri added: “Through the two weeks, the Ministry focused on elevating discussions on food and agriculture systems, water, and Nature-based solutions, including the first-ever COP ministerial dialogue on building water-resilient food systems. We also achieved breakthrough results. These included more than US$3.1 billion mobilised during COP28 for climatepositive action in the food system sector and major announcements such as the launch of a two-year work partnership to COP30 by the UAE and Brazil. “I congratulate His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, President, COP28, for galvanising global support for the UAE Consensus, which marks several world-firsts – including the global goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency and, for the first time, an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, to achieve net zero by 2050. Moreover, we will continue to build on the momentum achieved at COP28, because we believe in action and implementation to ensure that the UAE Consensus marks a real turning point for humanity and our future generations.”

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Bin Dasmal General Trading Co. LLC Naser Al Sayer & Company LLC Bureida Trading & Refrigeration Co. Nice Refrigeration Devices Ind. LLC Cargostore Containers Nucore Group Carrier Middle East Limited Prolink Middle East FZE Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia (CGS) Qingdao Haier Biomedical Co., Ltd Continental Technical Supplies LLC Qplan Refrigeration Solutions LLC Ref & A/C Devices Trading LLC Rivacold Sixty-three countries commit toCoolpoint cut emissions from Daikin Middle East and Africa FZE Seckin Sogutma refrigeration and air conditioning Danfoss FZCO Smart Cool Danlesco Gulf LLC Snowman By CCME Content Team Embuild Materials LLC Spectro Line Trading LLC EMELCO Technical Services LLC Technical & Trading LLC adaptation (increasing access to cooling HE UN Climate Change Conference EPTA Middle East Tecumseh Products in a warming world). (COP28) launched the Global Fawaz Refrigeration & Airconditioning Co Thani Murshid Establishment Recognising that action on Cooling Pledge in Dubai, bringing Friterm A.S. Thermozone Technical Services sustainable cooling can avoid 78 billion a much-needed focus on the climate Haste CO2e Trading Thermozone Servicesthe LLC tonnes by LLC 2050, 63 countries impacts of theTechnical cooling sector, Hengel Industries Tiger Profiles &Investigation Insulation LLC have joined the Global Climate Pledge, Environmental Agency HYDRACOOLING TPmecthrough a Press release. which commits to reduce coolingnoted JJSR Project Consultants Limited Trade Circle Technical Industries related emissions acrossPrivate all sectors Sustainable cooling is a key tool for JK Engineering Transcool Refrigeration Devices Ind. LLC by at least 68%Solutions from 2022 levels climate mitigation (reducing emissions KELVIN LLCmeasures to Trimac Inc use and refrigerant by 2050,CONTROLS with specific from energy Kilfrost refrigerants with high global TSSC address greenhouse gases) and climate Kingspan Insulated Panels Vacker LLC Koldkraft Climate Technologies Limited VAST Ltd KTI-Plersch Kaltetechnik GmbH Viessmann Leo Technical LLC Williams Refrigeration Lowe Refrigeration LLC ZANOTTI spa M.T.H. SRL Mercatus WALK-IN REFRIGERATORS Naser Al Sayer & Company LLC Abu Saeed Trading Company LLC Nice Refrigeration Devices Ind. LLC Adearest LLC Nucore Group AHI Carrier FZC Qingdao Haier Biomedical Co., Ltd Al Arz Refrigeration Trading Co LLC Qplan Refrigeration Solutions LLC Al Hathboor Group Rivacold Al Waleed Refrigerant Gas Industry LLC Seckin Sogutma Al-Ameen Dev. & Trade Co. Smart Cool Albwardy Engineering Snowman Alfa Laval Middle East Limited Spectro Line Trading LLC All-Rite Heating, Air Conditioning, Stepstone Technical Services LLC Refrigeration, Inc. Tecumseh Products Ampex Engineering Services LLC Thani Murshid Establishment Andrews Sykes Climate Rental

COP28 launches Global Cooling Pledge

// REGIONAL NEWS

Thermozone Technical Services Thermozone Technical Services LLC Tiger Profiles & Insulation LLC warming potential, including ratifying Trade Circle Technical Industries the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Trimac Inc Protocol by 2024 and supporting earlier TSSC action to reduce hydrofluorocarbon Vacker LLC (HFC) emissions through the Montreal VAST Ltd Protocol’s Multilateral Fund. Viessmann Clare Perry, EIA UK Climate Campaign Williams Refrigeration Leader, said: “Sustainable cooling is ZANOTTI spa fundamental to climate mitigation, adaptation and our sustainable WAREHOUSE development goals. MANAGEMENT Coordinated and ambitious action at the global level to SYSTEMS (WMSes) achieve sustainable cooling is long Carel Industries overdue, and the Global Cooling Pledge Carel Middle East isFromfroid very welcome – but we expect a robust and transparent governance structure Stepstone Technical Services LLC to ensure accountability and early Technical Supplies & Services Co. LLC implementation, and we expect the pledge Zenatix Solutions to be strengthened over time. Otherwise, it’s just empty promises.” WAREHOUSES Avipsa Mahapatra, EIA US Climate ABB Campaign Director, said: “This Pledge Saeed Trading LLC isAbu a recognition of theCompany significance of Adearest LLC the cooling sector’s contribution to climate and the unquestionable Advancechange World Group need to phase out HFCs, especially as AFS Air Conditioning LLC (Air Flow Middle East) we look to enhance cooling access in a Al-Ameenworld. Dev. & Trade Co. warming “The good news is Limited that alreadyAlfa Laval Middle East established institutions, mechanisms Bacharach Inc. and experience of the Montreal Protocol Baltimore Aircoil Gulf can be leveraged to accelerate the Bin Dasmal General Trading Co. LLC mitigation of emissions. Given it Co. has Bureida Trading & Refrigeration been seven years since the Kigali Cantas Refrigeration Amendment, countries and companies Carel Industries must now go Carel Middlebeyond East words and ensure truly sustainable cooling.” Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia (CGS) Signatories also pledge to Continental Technical Supplies LLC collectively increase global average Direct Coil INC efficiency of new air-conditioning EcoFreeez equipment by 50% by 2030.

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Tabreed secures AED 600 million Green Revolving Credit Facility District Cooling company says the financing agreement aligns seamlessly with its sustainability strategy By CCME Content Team

ABREED announced the closure of its inaugural AED 600 million Green Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as the Green Coordinator, alongside Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (ADCB), and Emirates NBD, following a signing ceremony at the end of its successful participation in COP28. Making the announcement through a Press release, Tabreed said this financing agreement, spanning five years, aligns seamlessly with its overarching sustainability strategy. The facility, Tabreed added, is designed to introduce highly efficient cooling solutions into the GCC market, meeting the growing demand for sustainable and innovative technologies. As an active participant in the Cool Coalition, Tabreed further said that its operations and objectives are linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The District Cooling company also said that the AED 600 million raised through this RCF will be exclusively allocated to finance projects and investments

January 2024

adhering to Tabreed’s Green Finance Framework, established in 2022. These encompass diverse initiatives, including the development, procurement, and operation of District Cooling schemes, and the funds will also support projects dedicated to enhancing energy and water efficiency and those focused on proficient wastewater management, Tabreed added. Commenting on the conclusion of the Green RCF, Adel Al Wahedi, Chief Financial Officer, Tabreed, said: “This financing agreement is a testament to Tabreed’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. By allocating the proceeds exclusively to green projects, we aim to make a significant impact on environmental preservation and drive advancements in cooling technologies. We are proud to partner with FAB, ADCB, Emirates NBD Capital Limited [as Mandated Lead Arranger] and Emirates NBD Bank [as original lender], who share our vision for a more sustainable future.” Fawaz Abusneineh, Acting Head of Global Corporate Finance, FAB, said: “At FAB, we believe that District

Cooling has a major role to play in the Middle East region’s energy-efficient future, as it is more reliable, more energy efficient, and has less negative environmental impact than standard approaches to air-conditioning. This partnership aligns with and amplifies our commitment to lend, invest, and facilitate over USD 135 billion in sustainable and transition financing by 2030. Together, we are ensuring that the UAE’s built environment can transition towards a greener future. “We are proud to partner with Tabreed in our collective pursuit of the UAE’s ambition for a net-zero economy. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing sustainable financing solutions and supporting our clients in their transition towards environmental sustainability. As Sustainalytics’ highest-rated diversified bank in the GCC region for ESG, ADCB is proud to bring its experience and capabilities to support its clients’ green ambitions.” Hitesh Vithal Asarpota, CEO, ENBD Capital Limited and Emirates NBD Capital PSC, said: “We are delighted to support Tabreed’s efforts in further decarbonising the District Cooling sector. This agreement comes in line with our Sustainable Finance Framework, reinforcing our commitment towards sustainability. As a banking group in the region, ENBD is fully aligned with the UAE’s journey to net-zero, and through such agreements, we enable our

// REGIONAL NEWS

stakeholders to play an active role in this transition.” Tabreed also said that this financial commitment reaffirms its commitment to

environmental preservation and is at the forefront of pioneering advancements in cooling technologies. The company added that it will remain dedicated

to leveraging innovative financing solutions to accelerate the transition to sustainable, efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions across the region.

Empower hosts District Cooling Summit 2023 Held at COP28, the conference features panel discussions involving regional and global leaders, District Cooling utility provider says By CCME Content Team

S PART of the activities of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), at Expo City, Dubai, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), hosted District Cooling Summit 2023. Organised by the International District Energy Association (IDEA) in the Green Zone, the conference saw participation of leaders from the global District Cooling sector, representatives from governmental bodies, international organisations and officials from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), along with environmental experts from various countries, Empower said through a Press release. The conference featured sessions that convened regional and international energy sector experts, who discussed the landscape of the District Cooling industry. The discussions revolved around exploring the industry's future prospects and pioneering new solutions aimed at achieving significant advancements in the sector. Rob Thornton, President and CEO, IDEA, led the first session. H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, IDEA Board Member Emeritus, and Chairman of Dubai’s District Cooling Operators Association; and Shikha Bhasin, Senior Advisor at UNEP, participated in the session.

During the first panel discussion of the day, speakers emphasised the significance of energy-efficient solutions in curbing carbon emissions and underscored the pivotal role of District Cooling in addressing global climate change challenges. International experts in District Cooling and energy, such as H.E. Bin Shafar; Carlyle Coutinho, CEO, Enwave & IDEA Board Chair; Steven Swinson, former CEO, CentTrio and IDEA Board Member Emeritus; Andrea Voigt, Head of Global Public Affairs & Industry Affairs, Danfoss; and Ommid Saberi, Global Program Lead for Green and Resilient Buildings, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), USA, highlighted the importance of efficient cooling methods and proposed a roadmap to achieve desired goals in this regard. The second panel discussion delved deeper into the significance of policies favouring District Cooling. The focus was on enabling the industry to further reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable urban development. District cooling experts, including H.E. Bin Shafar; Khaled Al Marzouqi, CEO, Tabreed; Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO, Emicool; Ahmed Al-Ammari, CEO, Marafeq Qatar; and Joyce Honeine, Program Management Director, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, enriched the session with their insights. H.E. Bin Shafar said: “We all understand that climate change has

become a real threat that must be confronted with deliberate actions and policies, not with only words and emotions. Fortunately, District Cooling systems possess significant potential to mitigate this threat. This vital industry not only helps build a sustainable future but also creates an enabling environment for energyefficient management systems. We trust our ability to provide more efficient plans for countries and governments to adopt District Cooling as a future solution for sustainable life." Thornton said the world looks with admiration and appreciation to the UAE for its pioneering efforts and supremacy in the applications of sustainability and environmental preservation to contribute to reducing climate change. Thornton praised UAE for its strategies to increase the contribution of renewable energy, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050, in addition to the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce electricity and water consumption by 30% by 2030. He explained that the UAE’s global leadership in the District Cooling sector was the fruits of the State’s investment in advanced infrastructure and facilities with international standards.

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Qatar Cool, Marafeq Qatar join District Cooling Operators Association Members of the Association meet to discuss a comprehensive agenda, including exploring ways to protect natural resources and increase the operational efficiency of the District Cooling industry By CCME Content Team

N CONJUNCTION with the COP28, the region's District Cooling Operators Association held its ninth meeting, as announced by Empower. The District Cooling utility provider further said that the meeting was attended by Rob Thornton, President and CEO, International District Energy Association (IDEA), and featured key decision-makers in the District Cooling industry from Qatar, including representatives from Qatar Cool and Marafeq Qatar. Empower further said that the meeting was chaired by H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chairman, District Cooling Operators Association and CEO, Empower and attended by Rob Thornton; Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO, Tabreed; Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO, Emicool; Bassam Tanbouz, General Manager, South Energy; Ehab Kahale, Operations Director, Emaar District Cooling; Eng. Yasser S. Al Jaidah, CEO, Qatar Cool; Eng. Ahmed Al-Ammari, CEO, Marafeq Qatar; Ramiz Hamdan Alaleh from the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau Dubai (RSB) and a representative from Meydan.

January 2024

Empower said that the Association welcomed the joining of District Cooling companies from Qatar, namely, Qatar Cool and Marafeq Qatar, as members of the Association, and expressed its confidence in the ability of the two companies to add value to the Association's endeavours to achieve its goals. The meeting, Empower said, also discussed a comprehensive agenda, including exploring ways to protect natural resources and increase the operational efficiency of the District Cooling industry. Empower also said that the participants considered cooperation between key players of the District Cooling industry and deepening the bonds of joint action towards reducing carbon footprints using practical and scientific solutions. H.E. Bin Shafar said, "The meeting agenda featured in-depth discussions on key issues, including the need to unify efforts and mobilise all capabilities to enhance the sector's performance at local, regional, and global levels." Thornton said, "We noticed during the meeting a strong determination

to achieve a paradigm shift in the District Cooling industry, and we were impressed by the interaction of the leaders of this vital industry to make District Cooling a key player in reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change." Al Jaidah said, "Joining the District Cooling Operators Association is a reflection of fruitful collaboration to achieve common goals." Al-Ammari said, "Joining the District Cooling Operators Association is a unique opportunity to exchange research and technical expertise and benefit from the legislative and regulatory experiences in the UAE's District Cooling industry. Moreover, the Association is the nucleus of the District Cooling industry in the GCC region, and it is expected that the Association will achieve its goals with the presence of Gulf, Arab and International competencies in this field. We are grateful to H.E. Bin Shafar, for the initiative and for hosting the District Cooling Summit and accompanying activities."

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Baltimore Aircoil Company announces its participation in AHR Expo 2024 Company says it will showcase its evaporative adiabatic and hybrid cooling solutions at the AHR Expo By CCME Content Team

ALTIMORE AIRCOIL COMPANY (BAC) announced that it will showcase its evaporative adiabatic and hybrid cooling solutions at the AHR Expo, the event for ‘everything new in HVACR’. Making the announcement through a Press release, BAC said that the latest edition of the Expo will take place from January 22 to 24, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. BAC further said that visitors could view tabletop display models of BAC’s innovative products, learn about its sustainability initiatives, and try the immersive augmented reality experience in booth #S6734 at the Expo. At the Expo, BAC said, it will present multiple topics concerning technology and innovation. BAC said Tom Vega will speak as part of a panel on ‘Thermal Energy Storage: Current Technologies and Innovations’, hosted by the Air-Conditioning, Heating,

and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), on January 22nd from 10.30am to 11.30am, in McCormick Place Room S403a. BAC further said that the presentation will cover commercialised products, namely rooftop packaged units, chillers, campus-wide tanks; economic and carbon-reduction benefits to end-users and benefits to the grid. BAC also said that attendees will get the opportunity to learn about why thermal energy storage is important with the new investment tax credit included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In addition, BAC said, Stephen Kline of BAC and Mihir Kalyani of Evapco will be sharing their expertise on adiabatic heat rejection, and the audience can learn about how to compare different heat rejection systems, when adiabatic coolers and condensers are right for your projects, the different types of adiabatic units

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that are available, and requirements for code compliance, during the seminar, titled Fundamentals of Adiabatic Heat Rejection. BAC added that the seminar, hosted by the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI), will be held on Monday, January 22 from 1pm to 2pm, in McCormick Place Room S401a. At the booth, BAC said, it will showcase the TrilliumSeries Adiabatic Cooler, its newest adiabatic product, which serves demanding cooling applications where energy efficiency is paramount but water must be used sparingly. Innovative and inherently reliable, BAC added, this fluid cooler optimises water and energy-efficiency while delivering the lowest ownership costs — all in a single, easy-to-install package. The Nexus® Modular Hybrid Cooler, BAC said, which will also be highlighted at the Expo, is the world’s first intelligent, plug-and-play, modular hybrid fluid cooling system for HVAC and light industrial applications. The intuitive and smart controls, BAC added, will minimise operating costs by effectively balancing water and energy savings based on the application’s needs and preferences with three modes of operation. Furthermore, BAC said that improved water quality can be achieved with the optional UV system that reduces bacterial growth, and the modular design is ideal for confined layouts, resulting in a 40% smaller footprint

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January 2024

// GLOBAL NEWS

and lowest installation costs, when compared to conventional centrifugal fan fluid coolers. BAC also said it will highlight the reliability, maintainability and modularity of the Series 3000

Crossflow Cooling Tower. The open interior, BAC added, will allow easy access to all major components, and the optional ENDURADRIVE® Fan System requires minimal maintenance for unmatched peace of mind. BAC

further said that the heavy-duty construction materials available include EVERTOUGH™ Construction with the 3-layer TriArmor® Corrosion Protection System backed by a 10-year warranty.

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.

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// GLOBAL NEWS

Ziehl-Abegg gets new CTO Wolfgang Mayer comes on board By CCME Content Team

IEHL-ABEGG SE announced that the Supervisory Board of ZiehlAbegg has appointed Wolfgang Mayer as the new Chief Technology Officer. Making the announcement through a Press release, Ziehl-Abegg said the 50-year-old mechanical engineer will take up his new role in February 2024. Ziehl-Abegg said that Mayer previously held the position of CTO at Kuka Robotics, where he internationalised the company's development activities. Ziehl-Abegg further said that he played a crucial role in establishing and expanding the R&D departments of Kuka Robotics in China, Hungary, Finland and the USA. Ziehl-Abegg added that Mayer also has a soft spot for smart product architecture. Ziehl-Abegg said that Mayer holds a degree in engineering and has held positions in application and software development and research and development in the field of mechatronics for Kuka Robotics.

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{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.

p07

Although air cleaning may be seen as redundant to a filtration system, we nor mally recommend that air-cleaning technologies be added with improved air filtration systems as part of an IAQ upgrade. Although this might be viewed as “belts and suspenders”, systems do fail, including filters. Having a separate air-cleaning system is good insurance that we meet occupant IAQ needs, even when things go wrong, as they often do.

p11 HVAC and refrigeration plants often operate below their maximum capacity due to inadequate maintenance practices, including overcharging oil, refrigerant undercharging and dirty condensers. p11 The idea of using Near Field Communication or similar technology to detect individual employees and tailor the ventilation conditions to their preferences is promising and could significantly enhance workplace comfort and energy efficiency. p14 The 13th edition of the Climate Control Awards exercise culminated in a glittering ceremony on December 6 in Dubai, during which those that displayed the best expression of HVACR and construction industry practices walked away with the iconic ‘CCA Trophy’. I am of the unwavering opinion, though, that COP is the only ‘game in town’, the only choice, which one must accept for want of a better one. The UN has unparalleled convening power, where all the countries come under one roof to deliberate the global issues that affect the local ecosystem and societies in each of the nations.

p12

January 2024

p37 McPolin raised the pivotal question about the possibility of interconnecting two District Cooling companies operating in the same urban area to form a network. This, he said, will address the essence of regulatory seriousness, as it is fundamental to ensuring continuity, backup, alternative energy supplies and the creation of a city-wide resource using the combined resources of multiple companies. p44 In the first quarter of 2023, the air conditioning market in Türkiye had increased its exports compared to the same period in 2022 – 7.9% in the heating systems sector, 3.9% in the cooling systems sector, 11.3% in the air conditioning systems sector and 16.6% in the ventilation systems sector.

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