CCME - December 2023

December 2023

Eng. Abdulkarim Al Saleh FAWAZ Group CEO

‘CUSTOMER FOCUS, INNOVATION, AGILITY, QUALITY, SAFETY’ Celebrating 50 years of operations is about reinforcing our core organisational principles

‘WE WANT COP28 TO BE A BEACON OF HOPE’ H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment

December 2023

Industry consensus is that MBCx can offer an automated solution for rectifying facilities that have not been appropriately commissioned and for aligning with their design intent

Munich’s road to carbon neutrality George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering

Adaptive reuse of buildings Sean McCauley, CEO, Devmark

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

GUEST COLUMN

LICENCE TO CHILL

COP28:

Regulation Round-up

Has the world missed learning from MOP35?

The implications of a MENA Standards Subcommittee

Air-cooled versus water-cooled plants

Dr Rajendra Shende, Former Director, UNEP

Nabil Shahin, Technical Director, AHRI MENA

Dan Mizesko, President, Dalkia U.S. Chiller Services PUBLICATION PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ LICENSED IMPZ

US$15

Efficiency.

Sustainability.

Compliance.

LEADING HVACR AND WATER HEATING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS recognize AHRI certification programs and equipment performance standards as key to achieving energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Through its extensive global network, only AHRI is positioned to provide the best solutions to help stakeholders navigate the ever-changing business environment.

At AHRI, we make life better.

Let us show you how.

Learn more at ahrinet.org.

VOL. 18 NO. 11  DECEMBER 2023

page

18 WHY MBCx?

COVER STORY

Industry consensus is that MBCx can offer an automated solution for rectifying facilities that have not been appropriately commissioned and for aligning with their design intent

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN HAS THE WORLD MISSED LEARNING FROM MOP35?

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As COP28 negotiations continue, Dr. Rajendra Shende, Former Director, UNEP, suggests drawing inspiration from the Montreal Protocol in addressing ozone depletion

GUEST COLUMNS THE IMPLICATIONS OF A MENA STANDARDS SUBCOMMITTEE

Dr Iyad Al-Attar, independent air filtration consultant, grasps the nettle – air quality issues in schools

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Munich has decarbonised the electricity sector and is investing heavily in deep geothermal District Energy to decarbonise the heating sector, says George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF BUILDINGS Can repurposing existing buildings solve the Middle East's sustainability challenges? asks Sean McCauley, CEO, Devmark

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POST-EVENT REPORT THE SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS OF COOLING SAUDI ARABIA The Climate Control Conference analyses technological innovations and lifecycle costs in the context of mega-projects in the Kingdom.

Dan Mizesko, President, Dalkia U.S. Chiller Services, continues the debate – a key highlight of the DC Dialogue conference, in October in Saudi Arabia

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MILLENNIALS AND REAL ESTATE Are shifting demographic trends boosting the real estate market? asks Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman, Sobha Realty.

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ADVERTORIALS ‘WE BELIEVE IN SELF-AUDITING AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT’

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With COP28 as context, Dr Marcus George, CEO and Partner, Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers, explains how the company follows a systematic approach to MEP stocktaking and auditing.

PERSPECTIVES MUNICH’S ROAD TO CARBON NEUTRALITY

AIR-COOLED VERSUS WATER-COOLED PLANTS

FEATURE

Manufacturers can now share their expertise on the feasibility of technologies underpinning regulations, cost implications, and compliance timelines, says Nabil Shahin, Technical Director, AHRI MENA

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

LICENCE TO CHILL

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‘OUR STRENGTH IS A SOLID BASE OF LEADERSHIP, TRUST AND RELIABILITY ACROSS THE REGION’

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With FAWAZ celebrating its 50th anniversary, Eng. Abdulkarim Al Saleh, Group CEO, elaborates on the ethos and guiding principles of the company.

‘OUR LEVERAGE IS MAKING SUSTAINABLE AND INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER CLIMATE’

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Marco Duarte, Managing Director, ebm-papst Middle East, talks not only about the company’s EC motors and connectivity initiatives but also elaborates on how it is "engineering a better life" every single day.

REGULARS 04 Editor’s Note 44 Regional News 52 Global News 62 Quoteyard www.climatecontrolme.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Let sleeping viruses lie

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Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR ‘WE WANT COP28 TO BE A BEACON OF HOPE’ H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment

December 2023

Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early!

Industry consensus is that MBCx can offer an automated solution for rectifying facilities that have not been appropriately commissioned and for aligning with their design intent

Munich’s road to carbon neutrality George Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering

Adaptive reuse of buildings Sean McCauley, CEO, Devmark

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN COP28:

Has the world missed learning from MOP35?

Dr Rajendra Shende, Former Director, UNEP

GUEST COLUMN

LICENCE TO CHILL

Regulation Round-up

Air-cooled versus water-cooled plants

The implications of a MENA Standards Subcommittee Nabil Shahin, Technical Director, AHRI MENA

Dan Mizesko, President, Dalkia U.S. Chiller Services PUBLICATION PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ LICENSED IMPZ

US$15

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

ome 7-8 years ago, I spoke at the Climate Control Awards ceremony on the threat lying embedded in Siberian permafrost – of how ancient viruses of unfathomable potency and with the ability to spread rapidly have been lying dormant in the ice and could be unleashed if global warming thaws the ground that has been frozen for millennia.

At the time, the world had no inkling of the terrible havoc COVID-19 would visit upon us, and there was perhaps a certain smugness to the manner in which the message was treated. After all, there were trophies to be received and acceptance speeches to be given.

Today, after we have seen the snuffing out of thousands of lives, mask mandates, lockdowns and economic hardships, any talk on potent viruses lying in the permafrost is likely to draw attention, even to cause crease-lines to form on the forehead. What I am saying is true. There has been a recent update to what I spoke about 7-8 years ago – according to an October 2023 Bloomberg report, the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic due to climate change is releasing ancient viruses, posing a new danger to public health.

So, COP28 is not only about rising sea levels, droughts, potential loss of lives and property and displacement of entire communities; it is also about averting another pandemic – perhaps an event far more terrible than COVID-19. And the point is that we can do something about it to minimise the damage. Just think about it – the Siberian permafrost is tightly linked to two areas of deep concern to our industry – energy efficiency, towards the aim of cutting down on indirect greenhouse gas emissions, and Indoor Air Quality. We, as an industry, have an opportunity ahead of us to help curb emissions and simultaneously make our buildings safer – to the point of minimising the spread of diseases in the built-environment; Bill Bahnfleth and his team at ASHRAE are showing the way with the new ASHRAE Standard 241.

There is much we, as an industry, can do to improve energy efficiency. And we must act when we have the means and the time to do so – by taking an integrated, collective, nonpartisan effort to designing, building and equipping our buildings. Please do think about it – without energy efficiency, the demand on global electricity supply systems would be 74 TWH, which is double what is generated worldwide today. Think of the corresponding fossil fuel-related emissions, even if we are getting a certain portion of our electricity from clean renewable energy sources. We must do everything we can to lower — if not flatten — the electricity demand curve, to keep the viruses dormant in the Siberian landscape.

Climate Control Middle East magazine proudly supports the UAE President’s initiative of declaring 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’.

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

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December 2023

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 2023 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.

Castel is always on hand,and your needs are a priority: your plans become our plans, and we are there every step of the way to build together systems that are increasingly efficient, reliable and long-lasting.

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN

COP28

HAS THE WORLD MISSED LEARNING FROM MOP35?

As we find ourselves in the midst of negotiations in COP28, would we have been better off taking a page out of the 35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer?

L

ESS than a month before COP28, a number of impactful events were organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to build the momentum for negotiations. Amongst these, the Regional Climate Weeks (RCWs) were the most inspiring, as they symbolised that COP28 is for all, not only for government negotiators.

Within the RCWs, a series of events took place that provided space for grassroots-level exchange of knowledge and best practices across the region on the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Climate Action (GCA).

Indeed, apart from tagging COP28 as ‘Global Stock-taking COP’, the RCWs tagged the mega-event as ‘COP for all’.

Three of the four RCWs were already held for the Africa, MENA and Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions.

During the LAC region Climate Week, in Peru, I was there to flag-off a ‘Net Zero’ movement for universities and higher educational institutes in the country.

The movement encourages university students to make their campus a ‘living laboratory’ for Net Zero.

That activity by university students stands out, as compared to regional meetings involving environment ministers, as the university atmosphere encourages and inspires action and

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December 2023

not just discussions. Indeed, for more than 30 years, the regional meetings, global meetings and even the geopolitical groupings have been holding discussions, huddling to chalk out strategy, thronging together to decide on approaches and attempting to wriggle out of unfulfilled promises. The youth in universities instead are drawing up the roadmaps to bend the emission curves.

Anyway, we now find ourselves in COP28, with no less than 70 environment ministers in attendance.

The President of the Summit, H.E. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, had already raised a rallying cry: “We have to come through.

We must unite. We must act. And we must deliver in Dubai. There is need to unite on climate and deliver a clear message of hope, solidary, stability and prosperity. We need to show that the international community can deliver and send a clear signal that keeps 1.5 (limiting global average temperature rise above pre-industrial level) within reach.”

Meetings leading to COP28 had increased in frequency, but they did not seem promising enough to turn the tide of climate crisis. The world is still severely divided by trade interests, marred by geo-political conflict, blemished by unkept financial promises and flawed by lacklustre efforts to meet NDCs. The trust-deficit amongst countries and amongst various regional groupings – mainly North and South – has been burgeoning. Negotiations

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.

risk being unproductive or even fatally flawed.

After COP26, hope soared, because business and industry had unprecedentedly joined forces in pledging emission reduction and Net Zero. But global emissions kept rising globally – a one per cent rise in 2022 – though they should have reduced.

In COP27, the source of hope was the agreement by developed countries for payments for loss and damage caused by climate calamities in the developing countries; this was hailed as significant progress. But a year after that agreement, even the methodologies of the loss and damage fund are not ready.

Simply put, the hope turned into hype.

As if in despair, Nature has reacted in 2023, when the global loss and damage due to extreme climate events has touched a new high.

COP28 should not be only a global stocktaking conference, it should also result in unprecedented ambitious and committed response to the Global Stocktake by demonstrating monthto-month verifiable reduction. Put simply, that is the only way to get the world back on track towards the goal of delivering three key goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. First, a strong mitigation outcome; second, a comprehensive adaptation agreement;

and third “ground-breaking” real actions on finance, including delivering on the fund and funding arrangements for loss and damage and annual financial contribution of USD 100 billion for mitigation in developing countries.

Ahead of global stock-taking, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of 2022-23, had clearly spelt out that to keep global warming at an average of 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions must drop 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels. But even with the revised and enhanced NDCs, as they stand today, the world is likely to emit 11% more GHGs by 2030. That sums up the uphill task at COP28.

What many missed amidst the stream of pre-COP28 meetings was another ‘sort of pre-COP28’ meeting that took place from October 22 to 26 in Nairobi. I am referring to the ‘35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP35)’. Apparently, the title of the meeting did not show a direct connect with the Paris Climate Agreement. But in reality, it not only had a direct connect but it also served as an example for COP28 – on what could be achieved in a global climate agreement and how out-of-box solutions could be found by going beyond the borders of the mandate of the countries under global agreements. Indeed, what is needed is a strong political will,

partnership skills and people-oriented policy-implementation.

The Montreal Protocol has been termed as the singularly successful Multilateral Environmental Agreement so far in UN history. The reasons for its success include a timely phase out of Ozone Depleting Chemicals; in countries like India and China, the phase-out was ahead of the time stipulated in the Protocol. And all 196 countries in the world that are Parties to the Protocol, went beyond the original mandate to derive multitude of environmental and economic benefits by implementing outof-box decisions.

Firstly, most of the ozone-depleting substances, mainly chloro-fluro-carbons (CFCs) that were phased out were also greenhouse gases, even thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Hence, phasing out these substances, by consequence, had provided a co-benefit of reducing global warming. Secondly, the ‘ozone-clean’ alternative chemicals, like hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs), introduced when CFCs were phased out, had significant global warming potential. In one of the amendments to the Protocol – the Kigali Amendment – the parties agreed to phase down HFCs for which additional financial and technical assistance was provided by the developed countries.

The amount of financial assistance has nearly doubled, compared to what it was about 10 years ago. What’s more, the multilateral ozone fund, which started its

operation under the UN umbrella, in the early 1990s, was never found to be in deficit, and there were never any delays in providing the promised funding by the developed countries to the developing countries.

ODS emissions, due to compliance with the Montreal Protocol, will avoid global warming of approximately 0.5-1 degrees C by mid-century, with another estimated avoidance of 0.3-0.5 degrees C warming by 2100 from the anticipated phasedown of HFCs under the Kigali Amendment, as per the Science Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol.

The story does not stop there. All was not well with the Montreal Protocol and the ozone-protection effort, as one can imagine. There were instances of illegal production and trading of ozone-depleting chemicals, despite worldwide controls. But they were resolved through transparent discussion and science-based investigations. The residual and nagging challenges remain, including incinerating and dumping of the unwanted chemicals and equipment.

Discussions continue, but the spirit of negotiations is positive. There is always a confidence that “challenges exist for better solutions”. The assessment reports under the Montreal Protocol, though not as featured in media as IPCC reports, were taken with utmost seriousness, and governments acted accordingly. The opportunity of enhancing the energy efficiency of the cooling and heating equipment that the Montreal Protocol has offered is considered by the countries as the best solution for global warming.

Many wished that some of the delegates engaged in the flood of preCOP28 meetings and RCWs should have attended the concurrently held Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, in Nairobi. Yes, the protection of the ozone layer is a relatively smaller issue now, but many times the successful issues look smaller when compared to bigger, yet-to-be-resolved issues.

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

www.climatecontrolme.com

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REGULATION ROUND-UP AHRI writes a bi-monthly column on regulation-related issues in the GCC region, exclusively for Climate Control Middle East

THE IMPLICATIONS OF A MENA STANDARDS SUBCOMMITTEE Manufacturers can now contribute invaluable insights into the feasibility of technologies underpinning regulations, potential ramifications on costs for consumers and the industry, and the practical timelines required for compliance, says Nabil Shahin, Technical Director, AHRI MENA

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N THE MIDDLE EAST and North Africa (MENA) region, renowned for its sweltering summers and soaring demand for cooling, the HVACR industry assumes a critical role in shaping a sustainable and efficient future. The AirConditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), stands as an advocate for the HVACR industry in the region.

Notably, manufacturers have recently come together under the AHRI MENA banner to inaugurate the AHRI MENA Standards Subcommittee, which will for the first time allow regional stakeholders to develop AHRI standards specific for the region.

In recent years, these manufacturers have recognised the surging demand for cooling solutions in the region, prompting a quest for products and technologies custom-tailored to the unique climate. Developing these advanced products necessitates an awareness of the ever-changing regional regulations, where several countries are poised to adopt more stringent Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEPS) while also striving to enhance building efficiency. To navigate these challenges, the establishment of a collaborative alliance between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies becomes not merely a strategic imperative but an absolute necessity.

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December 2023

Historically, regulatory bodies in the MENA region have charted an independent course, with manufacturers having a limited role in shaping new HVAC systems regulations or standards.

The semi-independent approach often led to significant challenges and unintended consequences. However, with the presence of a manufacturing association like AHRI, the establishment of the AHRI MENA Standards Subcommittee, and the active engagement of manufacturers, the path to collaboration has been paved. The new paradigm ensures that emerging standards or regulations undergo thorough scrutiny, and all essential requirements are addressed. At the heart of this process, manufacturers assume a pivotal role, contributing invaluable insights into the feasibility of technologies underpinning the regulations, potential ramifications on costs for consumers and the industry, and the practical timelines required for compliance.

A distinctive advantage inherent in this collaborative approach to the development of industry standards is the proactive participation of manufacturers in the technical committees associated with regional regulatory bodies. This strategic engagement empowers

Nabil Shahin Managing Director, Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. He may be reached at NShahin@ahrinet.org.

manufacturers to leverage their expertise and offer insights in shaping policies and regulations that prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, in a closely knit partnership with AHRI MENA, manufacturers have committed themselves to elevating MEPS standards.

AHRI standards, acclaimed as the most precise by the World Trade Organization (WTO), enable countries referencing them to achieve desired energy savings through their MEPS programmes. The AHRI MENA Standards Subcommittee, its first outside North America, has already created four technical committees, focusing on unitary system, VRF, chiller and AHU programmes. More technical committees will be established to address other programmes in the future. The committees predominantly comprise manufacturers but also include other key stakeholders.

Importantly, the committees are chaired by members from the manufacturing companies themselves, ensuring that industry experts steer the development and refinement of the standards. The primary mandate of the committees is to craft AHRI standards specifically tailored to the MENA region, drawing expertise and insights from regional stakeholders, a development welcomed by regulatory bodies. The standards formulated by the technical committees, developed for T3 (46 degrees C) ambient and other highambient conditions, will be deployed

across the entire GCC region, promoting the harmonisation of requirements across all GCC region countries. In cases where MEPS already reference other standards, such as ISO standards, AHRI standards offer an additional “Multipath Approach” to compliance, augmenting the availability of additional verified energy-efficient equipment and technologies in the market.

The recent convening of the AHRI MENA industry leadership meeting in Dubai, in October 2023, served as a pivotal platform for industry C-level executives, spanning international and regional manufacturers, to congregate.

The event underscored not only the pivotal role of manufacturers but also their leadership in propelling innovation, sustainability and global

collaboration. The gathering, which included manufacturers from the 25 largest HVACR and water heating companies, wholeheartedly rallied behind AHRI’s initiatives, signifying the industry’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability across the region. Discussion extended to the HVAC industry’s involvement in COP28, spotlighting its indispensable role in tackling climate-related challenges.

Manufacturers exhibited the desire to steer the MENA region towards a trajectory of net-zero emissions, firmly anchored in their commitment to formulating HVAC standards attuned to the region’s specific requirements.

Additionally, the meeting cast a spotlight on the industry’s ongoing transition to alternative low Global

Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and underscored the imperative of collaborating with regulators to navigate this transition seamlessly.

Regulatory considerations, in general, assumed centrestage at the meeting, with dialogues underscoring the transformative impact of the evolving regulatory landscape on the industry’s trajectory. The conversations accentuated the pivotal role of certification and surveillance in upholding exacting standards and ensuring that products available in the region adhere to MEPS. CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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PERSPECTIVE

Case-in Point

MUNICH’S ROAD TO CARBON NEUTRALITY Munich has decarbonised the electricity sector and is investing heavily in deep geothermal District Energy to decarbonise the heating sector, says George Berbari

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UNICH is the third largest city in Germany with a population of over 1.5 million people. It is one of the richest cities, with a GDP per capita of over €80,000 and a total GDP of €130 billion – higher than the entire country and particularly higher than the poorest 150 countries in the world.

Munich is one of over a thousand cities and towns that have municipal utilities. SWM, or Stadtwerke München, is a municipal utility

company responsible for providing various services to the city and its inhabitants. Founded in 1866 as Municipal Gasworks to supply gas for street lighting in Munich, it grew over the years to include various utilities, such as electricity, water and public transportation. It also serves telecommunications, District Heating, some District Cooling, waste management and public pools.

SWM employs more than 11,000

people and has a consolidated income from complex shared taxes, including federal government and local taxes, as well as from wholly owned subsidiaries.

SWM’s revenues rose to 10.6 billion in 2022 and are expected to exceed 12 billion in 2023, due to the spike in gas and energy prices that occurred during 2022 and 2023. Here’s a snapshot of electricity, Natural Gas, and District Heating, which represent over 87% of SWM’s revenues:

Munich SWM’s main revenue streams

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SWM’s electric tariff, as of September 1, 2023

In 2023, the price of electricity more than doubled due to the RussiaUkraine war, as shown in the latest residential and commercial rate of SWM. It is to be noted that the average price of electricity rose from €12.5 cents in 2022 to over €30 cents in 2023. Similarly, Natural Gas rose from €5 cents in 2022 to around €10 cents in 2023.

Carbon neutrality SWM has generated enough renewables from local hydropower and solar PV, remote wind turbines in Norway, and solar PV in Spain, equivalent to what it has consumed; and hence, it has decarbonised the electricity sector. SWM is investing heavily in deep geothermal District Energy to decarbonise the heating sector, adding hundreds of carcharging stations and investing in an electric bus fleet, hoping to fully decarbonise the city by 2035. (A full 2022 SWM sustainability report can be found by clicking on the link: https:// www.swm.de/dam/doc/english/swmsustainability-report.pdf.)

An analysis of numbers The drastic increase in tariff in 2023 is expected to double SWM’s revenues in 2023 and lower the consumption

trend owing to the increase in tariff that occurred in 2022, when compared to 2021, which was due to a milder winter, as per SWM. The consumption per capita in the city is one of the highest in the world for total electricity, Natural Gas and District Heating – it stood at 131,385 and 86,571 kWh/capita in 2021 and 2022, respectively, out of which electricity contributed 24,315 and 20,680 kWh/capita, respectively. That is compared to 15,194 kWh/capita for electricity in Dubai, which is used for 100% electric cooling as well as other power consumption. Hence, Munich has a much higher net footprint per capita for power and heating than Dubai.

SWM, to remain competitive and to comply with federal control on tariffs, had a net profit of €500 million in 2022, which was barely five per cent of the revenues. Still, the company is planning to invest over €6 billion over the period 2023-2027 in the following sectors: • €2.35 billion in public transport • €0.85 billion in expansion and modernisation of infrastructure networks (electricity, gas, District Heating and water) • €1.155 billion in expansion of renewable energy

• €0.1 billion in expansion and maintenance of conventional generation plants • €0.35 billion in expansion of deep geothermal District Heating • €0.35 billion in company-flat expansion campaign • €0.1 billion in expansion of fibre optic future-proof networks • €0.05 billion in maintenance of public pools

What Munich is doing right Munich is doing everything right in terms of municipalisation and of a roadmap towards carbon neutrality. The major deviation is to link consumption to efficiency – that is, kWh/m2 – and to penalise inefficient homes and commercial spaces, and use the money generated to invest in building conversion, which can improve the building sector’s general power efficiency.

Also, the city needs to generate higher profits to accelerate investment in District Heating, reduce municipality public debt and focus on decarbonisation of all sectors.

The writer is CEO, DC PRO Engineering and Author, The Energy Budget. He may be reached at gberbari@dcproeng.com CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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LICENCE TO CHILL

AIR-COOLED VERSUS WATER-COOLED PLANTS Dan Mizesko continues the debate – a key highlight of the DC Dialogue conference, in October in Saudi Arabia

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N OCTOBER 11 of this year, I had the privilege of being on two panels at the DC Dialogue conference, in Saudi Arabia. One of them was a discussion – debate, actually – probing the merits of chilled water plants and air-cooled plants. I was the only panellist siding air-cooled technology. Now having said that, I am still, and will remain, a proponent of water-cooled chilled water plants. I will add that many considerations have been overlooked, as of recently, regarding the implementation of new technology air-cooled chillers, especially in the Gulf region, where at one point in time, air-cooled technology dominated the landscape. I would say that over the last two decades, water-cooled technology has made enormous inroads, especially in the District Cooling industry.

Without question, water is a precious and expensive commodity in the Gulf region. This fact cannot be overlooked; however, the industry shifted towards water-cooled technology due to chillers operating more efficiently when water is cooled. Over time, we have been witness to mandates and recommendations in the Gulf for District Cooling Plants (DCPs) with water-cooled chillers to operate on Treated Sewerage Effluent (TSE). Now, although this water comes at a much lower “perceived” cost, it does come with many drawbacks and additional costs.

In my next column, I will cover the many additional costs and measures required when using TSE; for now, in this column,

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I would like to focus on the many benefits of the new technology air-cooled chillers available for us today in the Gulf region versus chilled water plants, using either potable water or TSE. The first aspect that must be understood is that in this region, most chilled water DCPs operate over 0.75 kW per ton. The vast majority is in the range between 0.85 and 1.0 kW per ton.

You see, the thing is when you read all these claims relating to efficiency, no one informs you what their definition of “Chilled Water Plant” is. Is it just about the chillers, condenser water pumps, primary chilled water pumps, secondary chilled water pumps, cooling towers, condenser water makeup pumps and the RO/plant to pre-treat the condenser water? Are these the only pieces of equipment required to generate and deliver the chilled water to end users? Or, is it all of the above, plus indoor lighting, exterior lighting, elevators, office equipment, plug loads, domestic water, and everything and anything that consumes water and power? Oh, and one last thought – it seems the industry has forgotten to include the cost of water when reporting how efficiently the plant operates.

I did not want to go off at a tangent; however, what is needed is a reporting system that reports how much it takes a plant to produce a Ton/Hr of cooling. That would be the real reporting standard to report how “efficiently” a plant operates.

That would include all costs the plant incurs, including utility costs – the cost

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

of total plant electricity and water costs.

That total cost would be applied to the total ton-hour production and that would provide a true plant efficiency. That would allow a fair and honest comparison of a DCP’s efficiency. It would also help the end users to understand which DC companies are truly most efficient versus those that just claim they are.

Okay, having established the fact that there does not exist a fair comparison of a DCP’s efficiency, I am going to try to explain why the new air-cooled chiller technology makes a great case for utilisation, especially in the Gulf region, where we can agree water is scarce and very expensive to produce, as it is mostly generated through desalination.

I have been saying for years I am a big supporter of oil-less magnetic bearings centrifugal compressor technology, as these compressors installed on chillers provide unrivalled energy efficiency and reliability. Still to this day, I have not seen many, or any DCPs, with this technology, which in my view is a huge missed opportunity for the huge efficiency gains this technology provides. As I wrote way back in 2019, this technology is also available in air-cooled chillers made for the climate of this region.

The twin-turbo, high-lift compressor is the world’s first oil-free compressor optimised for high-lift applications. The compressor uses oil-free magnetic bearings, a permanent magnet motor and

an integrated variable-speed drive. The compressor operates with refrigerants R-134A, R513A and HFO1234ze. Each compressor is sized from 82 to 107 tons, is small and lightweight and is perfect for air-cooled chillers, as multiple compressors can be used for many different tonnage applications.

The new high-lift centrifugal compressor, with a two-stage design, allows the compressor to unload to 20% with AHRI ambient relief or 28% at a constant 95F/35C ambient. This also allows more accurate water temperature control for process applications at low-load conditions as well as reduces frequent compressor start/stops.

The compressor also has an in-built economiser, which improves performance by sending the liquid refrigerant to the evaporator and the refrigerant gas the intermediate stage of compression. The benefits of having the economiser include an increase in capacity (TR) and an improvement in efficiency.

Broadly speaking, the compressor opens up so many possibilities for installing air-cooled technology and receiving the efficiencies of water-cooled equipment. In other words, there are better efficiencies to be had than the vast majority of water-cooled chillers installed throughout the Gulf.

During the DC Dialogue conference, I had a selection of two air-cooled chillers engineered for the OEM; both were selected at 44 degrees C condenser air temperatures. One chiller was of 200 TR capacity, and the other was of 400 TR capacity. Both had average design efficiencies of below 0.567 kW per ton.

The figure is less than most watercooled chillers in the region. Let me

list all the benefits of installing oil-less, magnetic-bearing air-cooled centrifugal chillers versus water-cooled ones…

■ Same centrifugal compressor technology as water-cooled chillers ■ No cooling towers ■ No cooling tower or condenser water utility costs ■ No condenser water piping network ■ No condenser water storage tanks ■ No condenser water make-up pumps and piping network ■ No blowdown piping and network ■ No condenser water filtration system ■ No water condenser water treatment equipment ■ No hazardous chemicals and blowdown water being introduced into the sewer and sewage treatment plants, which improves environmental sustainability ■ No possibility of Legionella bacteria, which instigates Legionnaires’ Disease, as there is no cooling tower water mist being created ■ No chemical costs for condenser water loop treatment, which improves environmental sustainability ■ No storage of hazardous chemicals, which factors out over 10 OSHA health and safety requirements ■ No concerns or uncertainties involving the availability of water ■ No cooling tower and condenser tube cleaning and expensive associated condenser water side high maintenance costs ■ Plenty of potential for saving mechanical room space ■ Easier to control – no tower bypass, cooling tower VFD, and associated tower controls and control logic

In addition to the above, the aircooled centrifugal chiller has solarassisted condenser fans, which is another energy-saving feature.

The first cost of installing an aircooled centrifugal chiller plant versus the cost of a water-cooled plant would be exponentially less. Now, let’s consider the operational cost. Let’s look at a water-cooled chiller versus a chiller with the new oil-less, magneticbearing compressor. The power cost of the water-cooled chiller versus the aircooled chiller would be close. Now if you add the cost of the cooling tower water, the cost of the cooling tower chemical water treatment, the cost of the power to pump the cooling tower water (condenser pumps), and the cost to operate the cooling tower fans – not to mention the efficiency loss of the watercooled chiller, due to condenser tube fouling by sludge, scale and biologicals, such as biofilm – you will find that the air-cooled centrifugal chiller/plant will be less costly to operate than the chilled water plant.

What I am suggesting is that aircooled centrifugal solutions might be the right choice in most selections.

Indeed, air-cooled chillers and plants should not be rejected without consideration; it would be incorrect to assume that water-cooled plants are less costly to operate when compared to air-cooled plants, especially now with the development of the high-lift, oil-less, magnetic-bearing centrifugal chillers. First cost, operational cost, water and power cost, chemical cost and maintenance cost must all be taken into consideration as well as the environmental impact, and health and safety (blowdown water and Legionella) before an air-cooled or water-cooled plant is selected. And what you will find is that the air-cooled option might just be the better option for your plant, whether a stand-alone building or a District Cooling plant. In this region, this option should, without question, be part of the conversation!

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

13

FEATURE

MILLENNIALS AND REAL ESTATE

Are shifting demographic trends boosting real estate market development?

T

HE EVER-EVOLVING real estate industry trends are influenced by a multitude of factors, such as economic conditions, government policies, technological advancements, and other social and cultural elements.

Amongst these factors, demographic shifts play a profound role in shaping new trends across the sector.

Understanding the composition and characteristics of a population – such as age, income, family structure and cultural background – can help developers to stay updated on housing preferences, demand and property values.

Real estate being one of the most dynamic industries, developers are driven to adapt innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Furthermore, the prime influence has led real estate developers to consider the preferences of millennials, who are the largest generational cohort in the current times.

With their distinguished choices and novel concepts, millennials have proven to be instrumental in redesigning several conventional real estate approaches.

Millennials are deemed to be tech-savvy, seek convenience and connectivity, prefer access to amenities and urban-centric living options over traditional, suburban living.

However, the increasing environmental consciousness among the generation is increasing the demand for green building practices, energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources in residential and commercial properties. The recent rise in mixed-use developments, co-living spaces and urban revitalisation projects signify the influence of millennials in the industry.

In order to retain their position in the market, developers are focusing on

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Ravi Menon

catering to their demands by adapting to these trends, further focusing on creating sustainable communities with vibrant social spaces and proximity to workplaces.

Another demographic element that drives these trends in the real estate sector is the ageing population.

With better healthcare facilities and living standards, the population of senior citizens continues to grow, and this brings increased demand for housing units equipped with convenient amenities that cater to their needs. Developers are following current trends and are delivering senior housing, a friendly community for aged people, healthcare facilities and accommodations that incorporate technologies that benefit this group.

Active adult communities and senior living facilities are being built to address the growing demand for housing solutions that offer them a sense of

community living. Identifying this trend, real estate developers and investors have amped up their investments in housing projects, presenting a significant opportunity in the real estate market.

Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman, Sobha Realty, said: “Demographic shifts have a big impact on real estate trends, and also have an impact on how we build, buy and invest in real estate. To be competitive in the market, developers are now adapting to the needs of various populations. For instance, millennials prefer urban living with flexible and sustainable spaces that fulfil creative mixed-use complexes and co-living alternatives. The senior housing demand, which is fuelled by an ageing population, creates investment opportunities in this industry.

Additionally, the rising concerns on urbanisation and affordability drives developers to construct sustainable, affordable housing solutions and remote working influences, owing to the surge in flexible workspaces and integrated live-work properties. Real estate stakeholders will only be able to succeed in this dynamic market and satisfy the evolving requirements by comprehending and adjusting to these demographic variations.”

The influence of demographic shift in real estate is complex and has multiple implications. With different demographic cohorts entering the market, developers and investors have to alter their strategies and tailor their offerings to meet the evolving demands and stay updated with the trends. In order to thrive in an evolving property market, it is crucial to understand these intricate implications, cater to the requirements and capitalise on opportunities.

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PERSPECTIVE

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF BUILDINGS Can repurposing existing buildings solve the Middle East’s sustainability challenges? Sean McCauley, CEO, Devmark, believes the answer is a resounding 'yes'.

A

DAPTIVE reuse has been gaining traction worldwide for the last several years, and it’s about time the Middle East followed suit.

With Expo City Dubai, we’re seeing one of the most significant adaptive reuse projects, and it’s exciting to see the potential it offers for sustainable development in the region.

In the context of the built environment, adaptive reuse is transforming an underused building or site into a more functional and practical setting. Repurposing old structures presents a unique opportunity for developers to reengage with urban spaces that were once liabilities while also preserving their architectural features.

Cities like New York and London have led the way in this trend, with some notable landmarks undergoing successful transformations. For example, One Wall Street, an art deco skyscraper in New York, was transformed from offices to residential use. In London, No. 1 Grosvenor Square, the US embassy from 1938 to 1960, has been converted into a super-prime residential building. The iconic decommissioned Battersea Power Station has been reconstructed into a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, and leisure facilities.

Predictions estimate that by the end of the following decade, about 90% of all newly constructed buildings

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globally will be adaptively reused, and this global trend is increasing at an unprecedented rate.

But what makes adaptive reuse such a significant and game-changing trend?

Fundamentally, Expo City Dubai is not the city’s first adaptive reuse project. The UAE government has already demonstrated the benefits of repurposing old buildings by developing new places that meet the evolving requirements of the community, such as the Bastakiya neighbourhood and Al Serkal Avenue in Al Quoz, which are prime examples of how this trend can transform forgotten areas into thriving cultural districts. The Bastakiya neighbourhood now features cafes, art galleries and boutique hotels while retaining its traditional wind-tower homes, which preserve its historical significance while fostering a sense of culture and community. Similarly, Al Serkal Avenue, once an industrial area, has been converted into galleries, studios and performance spaces, providing a hub for the city’s arts community.

Today, these stunning projects have become the city’s trendiest cultural hotspots, demonstrating how repurposing unused spaces into places that can be used helps preserve the neighbourhoods’ historical significance while fostering a sense of culture and gathering

amongst residents and visitors. By transforming old buildings and sites into functional and practical settings, they can provide affordable housing, community centres and cultural spaces that benefit the community whilst preserving the environment.

Alternatively, sustainability has become increasingly important to people. The opportunity to live in a building that was not torn down and rebuilt, generating large amounts of waste and carbon emissions, is a critical consideration in our conversations with prospective buyers.

With governments emphasising environmentally conscious living amongst businesses and residents, developers must be innovative in supplying new developments. This is especially crucial as the United Nations Environment Program stated that the built environment accounts for a staggering 39% of gross annual carbon emissions, worldwide. The UAE’s construction market reached USD 86.7 billion in 2022, a sign of a pressing need for sustainable solutions.

Adaptive reuse is a feasible approach to reduce these impacts and advance sustainability by decreasing the energy needed to create and transport construction materials.

Reusing existing structures rather than creating new ones lowers carbon emissions.

What the developers of Expo City Dubai have done is an incredible example of how a built site can be transformed and deliver something new and cutting-edge while simultaneously advancing sustainability. The venue developed for the World Expo 2020 has been entirely reimagined to serve a different purpose. In preserving some original structures, such as the iconic dome and the UAE pavilion, the developers pay homage to the area’s past while presenting a new residential neighbourhood.

What sets Expo City Dubai apart is that it’s not just another residential development. The entire site has been transformed into a self-sustaining, 15-minute city with its own parks and green spaces, all designed to meet the rigorous standards for sustainable living, achieving GOLD LEED certification. The development prioritises eco-friendliness with green roofs and smart energy-saving appliances, providing residents with a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Yet, Dubai’s Expo City is just the

beginning, and we can expect to see a rise in adaptive reuse initiatives as more regional developers emphasise environmental stewardship. The UAE declared 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’, ahead of COP28, which should encourage local developers to prioritise sustainability in their upcoming projects.

As more people from across the globe are choosing to make the UAE their home, there will be a greater need for housing and entertainment destinations. I believe repurposing older spaces is a much more efficient and sustainable option than starting new developments. These projects breathe new life into old structures and allow developers to create unique and award-winning properties that stand out in a competitive market.

Moreover, the demand for sustainable projects is increasing in the region, and it is evident that buyers are drawn to high-quality adaptive reuse projects, particularly those located in unique settings.

This trend is expected to persist, which could be a lucrative factor for developers, particularly if the current structure is suitable for reuse.

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

17

COVER STORY MBCx

M Industry consensus is that MBCx can offer an automated solution for rectifying facilities that have not been appropriately commissioned and for aligning with their design intent

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ONITORING-BASED Commissioning (MBCx), the method of maintaining and improving building performance continuously, though prevalent in the West for some time, is still new to the GCC region, even in terms of the understanding of the concept, says Rehan Shahid, Director, P&T Group. It is quickly gathering momentum in the region, though, he says.

MBCx is a long-term commitment, he says. This realisation has dawned on many stakeholders and facility managers, and they have begun to take it seriously, he says. Further, quite a few utility providers have adopted the method to reduce energy consumption, ensure longer equipment life and lower operating costs, he adds.

Mohamed R Zackariah

Rehan Shahid

Khalid A Al Mulhim

Mohamed R Zackariah, Chief Consultant, Suhaimi Design Protecooling, while enthused by the gathering momentum of MBCx, says that before adopting the method, it is

essential to address the foundational commissioning process outlined in ASHRAE’s Guideline Zero; he points out that the baseline process itself is not widely mandated, even in projects

led by many leading institutions in the region. The commissioning process, he says, starting from project conception to completion, is often neglected in the absence of mandates, leading to lastminute startup procedures rather than a thorough commissioning approach.

Moreover, he adds, the challenge lies in the lack of widespread adoption of the fundamental process, pointing to the need for increased awareness and enforcement.

That said, Zackariah highlights how MBCx can offer an automated solution for rectifying facilities that have not been appropriately commissioned and for aligning with their design intent, in terms of operation sequence and performance efficiency by continuously monitoring performance and executing strategies to maintain or enhance efficiency. The method, he says, can provide a feedback loop, alerting operators if performance deviates from the intended plan.

Picking up the thread from Zackariah, Khalid A Al Mulhim, Business Development Director, Suhaimi Design - Protecooling, emphasises the collaborative effort needed amongst technical experts, industry organisations and government bodies to establish, adopt and regulate best practices for optimal industry performance and compliance. He says that with industry practices and regulations in place, it would become easier for clients and governmental bodies to define and enforce standards. He says a proactive role for technical experts and industry organisations in establishing best practices becomes essential to

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19

COVER STORY MBCx between the design and day-to-day operations of a building. Shahid adds that the operations and maintenance phase is where MBCx has a pronounced impact, with the chance to optimise the building’s ongoing performance through real-time data analysis.

Zackariah says that despite the current low uptake of advanced technologies, like AI, there’s an expectation that adoption of MBCx will eventually be necessary. He says that over time, as companies operate with older control systems, there will be a demand for visible advantages from investing in advanced technologies.

The force for the uptake of MBCx, he says, is expected to come from owners and stakeholders who have invested in the technologies and are seeking measurable results. However, he adds, the challenge lies in their potential lack of understanding of what specific outcomes to demand from these investments in control segments.

Maximising efficiency with MBCx for HVACR systems

set standards for industry operations and to provide a foundation for future regulations and procedures to be adopted by clients and government entities.

Shifting the discussion to the factors driving the adoption of MBCx, Shahid says it is a viable and effective

approach for various reasons, such as poor utilisation of the building management system’s potential, as many such systems historically are not well maintained, commissioned or are operated by operators with the appropriate skills. MBCx, he says, can also be used to bridge the gap

MBCx is as good as the data it receives through various media; it has the analytical ability to translate that into meaningful and useful output in the form of reports. Furthermore, it can offer improved energy–efficiency, enhanced comfort, lower operating costs, ensure better data management and increase building value when applied correctly.

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Shifting the discussion to how MBCx can be employed to improve the energy efficiency and sustainable performance of HVACR systems in the Middle East region, Shahid says MBCx can quite effectively address performance concerns, and it can reduce energy waste by up to 30% in some retrofit cases. Shahid says that like any other systems management tool, MBCx is as good as the data it receives through various media; it has the analytical ability to translate that into meaningful and useful output in the form of reports, he adds. Furthermore, Shahid says, it can offer improved energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, lower operating costs, ensure better data management and increase building value when applied correctly. For instance, he says, in the projects at the DAFZA headquarters and Dubai CommerCity, the facility management teams were able to fine-tune further their central utility plants, making them up to 10% more efficient, plan preventive maintenance effectively and even predict energy consumption following the addition of any new leaseholder.

Additionally, Shahid says, fixing the basics with existing controls and monitoring system; enhancing the existing control and operation as applicable; making repairs and upgrades, if necessary, to existing equipment to make it run more efficiently; adding monitoring and measuring apparatus to allow real-time visibility to energy consumption and having a comprehensive commissioning strategy will improve the performance of the HVACR systems. MBCx, he adds, can provide performance improvements and operational savings persistently, but it’s not going to deliver results without a comprehensive commissioning strategy, which building owners can demand from commissioning specialists.

Weighing in, Zackariah says there are benefits to be gained, particularly when considering the scenario where all District Cooling plants are operating at peak efficiency. In such cases, executing MBCx might yield only marginal benefits, as the performance is already top-notch.

However, he adds, the reality is that many plants are currently operating below optimal levels, presenting a significant opportunity for improvement through MBCx. He further says that the initial step involves bringing negative operations up to a baseline level, resulting in substantial energy savings.

The progress will be tangible even before achieving optimal efficiency, he says. In addition, Zackariah underlines that it is crucial to recognise that the journey to improved energy performance involves incremental steps, starting from negative to zero and progressing to advanced strategies, like analytics and control sequencing.

As more facilities reach the baseline, he adds, the industry will witness a shift towards advanced monitoring and commissioning practices, paving the way for subsequent advancements in energy efficiency.

Al Mulhim says there are many buildings in Saudi Arabia that are 30 years old or more. They are inefficient and consume excessive energy, he says. In such cases, while the initial efforts involve replacing outdated equipment, the true potential lies in enhancing system configurations

and controls, and in understanding occupant behaviour within the buildings.

The focus, he adds, is on upgrading existing systems to new, efficient ones, as seen in a successful project, where control sequencing significantly improved efficiency without replacing units. Al Mulhim underscores that the key takeaway is that retrofitting should extend beyond equipment replacement to encompass comprehensive system functions, configurations, integration, and understanding of building behaviour for sustained efficiency improvements.

Integration of MBCx with BMS Integration has been made easy with plug-and-play monitoring performance automation tools available. MBCx does not replace existing building operators but provides an additional means to maintain and improve building operations, Shahid says. Furthermore, he says, it can act as a virtual energy manager, freeing skilled personnel from monitoring, attending and solving issues. Shahid also points out that all systems can be monitored if they integrate into other systems through industry standard protocols, such as Modbus, BACnet or SQL. Zackariah says that when viewed from a global perspective, despite assigning various names like energy management and building monitoring, it is essentially a unified and comprehensive system. In practical terms, he says, everything within a facility operates together seamlessly as one large unit. While there may be technical distinctions, the integration is thorough, with data interchange and monitoring occurring across all aspects, forming a seamlessly integrated holistic system.

Al Mulhim says that in the next few years, technological advancements are expected to accelerate rapidly due to their dynamic nature, and the key now is to have a workforce of professionals who can adeptly navigate these technological changes and seamlessly integrate the evolving components.

Leading companies, he says, possess the necessary components to enable smart and efficient integration, and it is

crucial for professionals to possess the skills to tap into these resources, adding value by saving energy and enhancing the overall system in a systematic manner.

MBCx to ensure design-toperformance alignment Shifting the discussion to how MBCx can solve the issue of inadequacies and neglect during the HVACR installation phase of building construction so that design intent is translated to field performance, Shahid says that it is an Artificial Intelligence-based approach, and it can be used to compare current, historic and target data to understand performance problems at a micro level and predict future energy use, given system configuration and identified constraints.

Zackariah says MBCx plays a crucial role in addressing inadequacies and oversights during building construction’s HVAC or installation phase. He says that regular feedback on vital signs prompts corrective actions and adjustments; just as health monitoring identifies areas for improvement in lifestyle, continuous data feedback in building systems allows for early detection and correction of shortcomings. The feedback mechanism, he adds, can be motivating and effective in identifying and rectifying issues, ultimately leading to improved performance and efficiency.

For his part, Al Mulhim says that currently, numerous organisations have heavily invested in various initiatives, particularly in facility management applications. He says: “Manufacturers, for instance, have developed sophisticated, well-designed, and financially substantial applications.

However, a notable gap exists in communication between entities like ASHRAE and facility management societies.” Although there is a connection between commissioning and facility management, he adds, there is a lack of communication between commissioning professionals and facility managers due to the absence of shared processes.

This disconnect, he adds, must be addressed for a more cohesive and integrated approach.

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FILTER FOCUS

THE WINDS OF CHANGE Dr Iyad Al-Attar grasps the nettle – air quality issues in schools

E

DUCATION enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key factor to escaping poverty and achieving social cohesion. It creates opportunities to teach values, build confidence and encourage critical thinking to approach the world with well-rounded perspectives. When people acquire knowledge, they establish a knowledge-based track to attain promising economic and social standings. Education is a potent tool to drive innovations and empower the nation’s economy, so citizens can aspire to decent employment and dignified retirement. Education is the bridge the poor need to cross to become middle-class, and onward to financial independence, so they, too, can help others depart from poverty.

Well-protected and equipped facilities are essential for providing a suitable learning environment, so nations can have the capacity to dream and reach their destinies.

Learning opportunities and the vicious cycle of poverty Poverty is a vicious cyclical trap, and education, economic empowerment and a robust healthcare system are required to rise above it. No one can learn in deprivation or illness, as both impede learning progress.

Ultimately, access to food, clean air and water, sanitation and functional educational facilities will grant children healthy platforms for better living and learning, and the quality of air to which students and staff are subjected to is paramount.

School air quality impacts students’ learning, performance, focus, memory and health. Our children spend most

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of their time learning, studying and exercising in indoor school spaces.

Typical selection criteria for parents range from the quality of education to the school’s reputation and proximity to their neighborhood. However, hardly any parent questions the air quality their children inhale. For example, would a higher tuition fee implicitly mean the air quality is better? Does the wellbeing of students hang in the balance of owners of schools, boards of directors and teachers? Should students with limited means inhale poor air quality, simply because better air quality is made available only to the elite? Is inhaling air with suspended particulate matter, VOCs, radon, SOx, and NOx an allowable sin, simply because no authority asks about IAQ for schools before they license them?

Governed by policies, driven by passion To guarantee clean air delivery in schools and air quality, schools should be governed by policies and programmes. Aspiring for the best air quality outcomes is possible if we can effectively position the technologies and innovations that we possess.

The most critical realignment is deploying reliable air quality sensors to facilitate continuous monitoring, whereby reliable data are collected and interpreted to take appropriate mitigation action. The data acquired should be shared with the entity in charge, whether it is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local municipality or the Ministry of Education.

The premise of this game-changing approach encompasses a blend

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

of command-and-control as well as market-incentive legislation. When a school adheres to legislation driven by concern for IAQ, then its license is renewed, and it is permitted to receive students in classrooms. If they go the extra mile and achieve a better-thanrequired air quality among community schools, they can be deemed eligible for tax credits, interest-free loans and rebates on retrofitting work, where not only the government can participate in the incentive programmes but so can banks and the private sector.

Undertaking major realignments to alter conventional practices requires better governance to raise the bar with regard to outdoor and indoor air quality.

An appropriate mitigation approach must consider multi-disciplinary air quality issues, such as filtration, ventilation, fit for human occupancy variation and relevant system selections.

Complex exposures and interactions of various pollutants School air quality is further challenged when students are asthmatic or suffer from other chronic respiratory illnesses. The formidable challenge during the pandemic was the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, where filtration technologies and HVAC systems’ performance fell under the analytical knife. Rushing into sweeping

conclusions further blurred the vision of addressing the pressing issues of deteriorating air quality. Achieving the best air quality in a given indoor space is like chasing moving targets, which requires considerable expertise to manage the underlying parameters, some of which are time-dependent.

Therefore, it is critical to realise that filtration is not a panacea, and, in several cases, involving other technologies is necessary to reach the desired air quality outcomes. However, inappropriate usage of filtration technologies can be counterproductive, as sources of pollution and the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants can vary, given the applications and challenges to be tackled.

Another aspect often overlooked is the wellbeing of teachers and staff; their health and safety are equally important and should hang in the balance of the air quality equation. Architects and HVAC engineers should be mindful of the appropriate student occupancy, given the volume of indoor space occupied, size of HVAC equipment, required filtration and the type of activities involved. It is also critical to realise that appropriate air quality measures may differ from one school to another and from the classroom to other indoor spaces. This highlights the importance of bespoke air quality and filtration solutions, accompanied by adaptive HVAC system selection, performance and operation. Furthermore, the number of students and their activities could

vary, whether in a classroom, gym or auditorium. The essence of serving a purpose is realising its objectives. No one would want to send their loved ones to dusty, stuffy and smelly schools.

Ultimately, air quality realignments should investigate critical considerations such as the health effects of complex exposure to various solid and gaseous pollutants.

The knockout of the pandemic To further scar a tangled education situation, unprecedented disruption through school closures was a knockout [1]. The United Nations said closures of schools had impacted 94% of students worldwide, putting close to 1.6 billion children and youth out of school by April 2020[2]. The pandemic forced students to abandon their classrooms, which is nearly a declaration that their indoor space is

Figure 2: Many classrooms were abandoned during the pandemic

thought to be occupied by SARSCoV-2 and, therefore, unfit for healthy educational purposes.

The return to physical attendance brought tremendous controversy relevant to the fitness of schools to reopen their classrooms. Protecting the wellbeing of students emerged as a requirement to reopen, and facility managers relied on maintenance measures and mask-mandates as primary measures for businessas-usual status. Unfortunately, the pandemic was treated as a business opportunity rather than a litmus test for realignments. In fact, during the pandemic, the focus was merely on SARS-CoV-2, overlooking the entire spectrum of pollutants that, for decades, got us ill and took many lives. Examples range from Particulate Matter PM1 (Figure 3) to various VOCs, particularly formaldehyde, radon, NOx, Sox, ammonia and CO2. The sad truth is that the main focus for years was on the capture of solid particles, neglecting other pollutants, such as gases and bioaerosols. Furthermore, identifying the sources of indoor pollutants is essential to employing appropriate mitigation and possible filtration upgrades.

Meeting challenges Nothing speaks louder than advocating for a decent education that could change the world for children, communities and societies. Education is the lens through which we can preserve our planet from the rising tides of air pollution and, eventually, climate change. Education levels the playing field among global societies and grants everyone the chance to contribute. Therefore, providing healthy, pleasant and sustainable learning environments for everyone is critical to meeting our future challenges.

The rising tide of atmospheric pollution constitutes one of the major problems in urban areas and, particularly, in schools. Adverse health effects from exposure to airborne pollutants have highlighted the importance of better air quality in classrooms and the impact on students’ performance [3-6].

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FILTER FOCUS References: [1] UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

“Combining Data on Out-of-School Children, Completion and Learning to Offer a More Comprehensive View on SDG 4”, 2019. Ref: UIS/2019/ED/ IP/61 © UNESCO-UIS 2019. http:// www.uis.unesco.org.

[2] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). COVID-19 and human development: Assessing the crisis, envisioning the recovery. 2020 Human Development Perspectives, 2020, New York: UNDP, available at http://hdr.undp.org/en/hdp-covid.

[3] Annesi-Maesano I, Baiz N, Banerjee S, Rudnai P, Rive S, SINPHONIE Group. Indoor air quality and sources in schools and related health effects. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2013;16(8):491-550. doi: 10.1080/10937404.2013.853609.

PMID: 24298914.

[4] W.J. Trompetter, M. Boulic, T. Ancelet, J.C. Garcia-Ramirez, P.K. Davy, Y. Wang, R. Phipps, “The effect of ventilation on air particulate matter in school classrooms, Journal of Building Engineering, Volume 18, 2018, Pages 164-171, ISSN 23527102, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jobe.2018.03.009.

Figure 3: Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of sample air filter taken from a school

Conclusion Educational challenges are transboundary, and how to deal with them impacts our current and future prosperity. Therefore, it may be time to reimagine the educational landscape and focus on how teaching and learning are structured and delivered, with indoor and outdoor air quality being significant considerations. Let us seize the opportunity to redo the math and orchestrate new ways to address how we perceive and conceive the possible changes in the school’s built environment. The right of students and staff to inhale clean air in their facilities cannot be denied by those who adhere to yesterday’s toolbox. The

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fundamental change we require lies in unlearning conventional maintenance practices and embracing relevant technologies and innovations to raise the bar on air quality. Before we ask for the price of enhancing air quality, we should design the promise of rendering our educational facilities fit for purpose. In that case, we should listen carefully to the creaking sounds of the conventional HVAC systems as they send a hidden message about their inability to deliver the air quality desired by occupants. Facing the imminent winds of change with a furrowed brow cannot be enough; we either take a chance or take charge of our environmental challenges.

[5] Tunga Salthammer, Erik Uhde, Tobias Schripp, Alexandra Schieweck, Lidia Morawska, Mandana Mazaheri, Sam Clifford, Congrong He, Giorgio Buonanno, Xavier Querol, Mar Viana, Prashant Kumar, Children’s well-being at schools: Impact of climatic conditions and air pollution, Environment International, Volume 94, 2016, Pages 196-210, ISSN 0160-4120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. envint.2016.05.009.

[6] Pradeep Kumar, A.B. Singh, Taruna Arora, Sevaram Singh, Rajeev Singh, Critical review on emerging health effects associated with the indoor air quality and its sustainable management, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 872, 2023, 162163, ISSN 0048-9697, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162163.

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 Climate Control Conference (9th edition)

THE SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS OF COOLING SAUDI ARABIA The Climate Control Conference analyses technological innovations and lifecycle costs in the context of HVAC interventions in mega-projects emerging in the Kingdom’s landscape. Indu Revikumar has the story...

Frédéric Paillé

Surendar Balakrishnan

Steve Lemoine

Khalid A Al Mulhim

During the plenary discussion

Kandasamy Anbalagan

Larbi Behloul

T

Bertrand Guillemot

HE NINTH edition of The Climate Control Conference (C3), held on October 10, in Riyadh, discussed the significant role played by the HVAC industry in the progress and development of Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing sweeping changes, manifested mostly through sprawling mega projects. The conference, by CPI Industry, publishers of Climate Control Middle East, and co-hosted

by Dalkia EDF Group, featured plenary discussion, industry leadership address and techno-commercial presentations,

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December 2023

Markus Lattner

Dominic Mc Polin

highlighting innovations to match the requirements of mega projects, lifecycle costs, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and cost-effective, reliable, energyefficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning.

Steve Lemoine, CEO Middle East, Dalkia EDF Group, kicked off the discussions by underlining the global challenge of climate change and emphasising the need for a collective effort to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C, as per the Paris Agreement. He also said that Dalkia EDF

Zaki Ahmed Mohammed

Hassan Younes

Group is keen on addressing climate change and has an integrated approach that spans electricity production, distribution and building services.

Furthermore, pointing to the initiatives in Saudi Arabia, in line with the country’s net-zero target by 2060 and Saudi Vision 2030, Lemoine highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to the entire value chain, including HVAC systems, with a focus on emerging trends like digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, Lemoine spoke on the challenges in the market, such as

balancing Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Operational Expenditure (OpEx) and opportunities in the region, especially in relation to existing building stock.

He said that Dalkia EDF is present in District Cooling, consultancy services, energy efficiency and operation and maintenance services, and added that there is huge potential for geothermal energy in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. His presentation concluded with a video that provided an overview of Dalkia EDF Group’s commitment to sustainable solutions, energy efficiency, and the fight against global warming.

Speaking after him, Khalid A Al Mulhim, Business Development Director, Suhaimi Design - Protecooling, and the Chairperson of the Conference, highlighted the initiatives in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demand for air conditioning sustainably and efficiently. He said the focus is on energy efficiency, sustainable living and the adoption of new climate technologies to achieve thermal comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). As the demand for air conditioning is growing in the country, he said, several initiatives are also being launched with the aim of safeguarding its natural resources and environment on both local and global scales, such as the efforts focusing on reducing the reliance on oil and the burning of hydrocarbons for the purpose of cooling.

Furthermore, Al Mulhim pointed to the impact of COVID-19 on HVAC systems, emphasising the need for good IAQ in healthcare facilities. He added that the country faces challenges in enhancing cooling technology, making power generation more efficient and achieving zero emissions in transport.

He said that to meet these challenges, the government is implementing a reform programme relating to domestic price of energy, in line with the aims to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and stimulate private sector investment in renewables and other sustainable technologies. He emphasised the importance of adopting innovations and green technologies to preserve the environment for future generations.

In the first technical presentation of the day, Bertrand Guillemot, Head of Innovation, and Yannick Leborgne,

‘We require regulation that transcends technical standards’ Indu Revikumar shares key takeaways from the plenary discussion...

The 9th edition of The Climate Control Conference included a plenary discussion, which delved into the HVAC industry’s significant role in the progress and development of Saudi Arabia, and enabling factors that can allow the industry to give the fullest possible expression of its prowess and innovative spirit. Moderated by Khalid A Al Mulhim, Business Development Director, Suhaimi Design - Protecooling, the discussion featured Kandasamy Anbalagan, Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants; Larbi Behloul, Director - Facilities Management, UAPM; Bertrand Guillemot, Head of Innovation, Dalkia EDF Group; Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East; Dominic Mc Polin, Freelance Strategic Planning Advisor, and former Advisor to the Minister of Works, Bahrain; Zaki Ahmed Mohammed, Director Sustainability Advisory, GORD; Hassan Younes, CoCEO & Co-Founder, GRFN Global and Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, AHRI MENA, who was unable to attend but sent a video presentation that set the stage for the discussion.

In his video presentation addressing the HVACR industry in Saudi Arabia, Shahin highlighted the pivotal role of regulations in shaping the industry and contributing to the country’s sustainability targets. Pointing to the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and electricity consumption, Shahin said there is a need for adherence to higher energy efficiency levels and to ensure that minimum energy performance targets are up to date with the latest technologies and set by the regulatory bodies. He also touched upon the demand for high-efficiency equipment and emerging technologies like inverters in the rapidly growing market and highlighted the importance of financial support from government and financial institutions.

Following the presentation, Al Mulhim engaged the other panellists by commenting on how regulations play a crucial role in driving innovations and harnessing the power of energy efficiency, achieved through a combination of mandatory requirements and additional initiative mechanisms. Mc Polin emphasised the critical role of regulation in the District Cooling industry and said: “Every recent discussion reaches the same conclusion, the necessity for regulation. The core issue is clear, and we require regulation that transcends technical standards, specifically focusing on reducing the costs of District Cooling to enhance consumerfriendliness. This is undeniably the most critical aspect for the broader adoption of District Cooling, and drawing from my over 40 years of government experience, it is imperative that governmental bodies address this challenge directly.” Mc Polin also briefly outlined the importance of addressing the consumer’s burden and implementing a shared responsibility approach involving developers, government, building owners, District Cooling providers and end consumers.

Joining the conversation, Anbalagan commented on the ways to facilitate private-sector engagement. He said, “As someone relatively new to the Saudi Arabian market and engaged in a couple of projects, my observation is that the majority of initiatives stem from public investment funds and government-led projects, with private ownership constituting a smaller proportion, particularly in larger endeavours.” He added that a collaborative approach from the government appears to be crucial to encourage increased participation from private investors, such as incentivising private investors and fostering a more transparent environment for private investments.

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POST-EVENT REPORT The Climate Control Conference (9th edition)

Bertrand Guillemot

Jalal Al Kurdi

Nasser Abuhaltam

Viktor Osokin

Ahmad D Awartani

Yannick Leborgne

Dr Ali Nour Eddine

Markus Lattner

Dominic Mc Polin

Khalid A Al Mulhim

Khalil El Ghazzi

to operation and maintenance, and collaborates with consultancy and construction companies to enhance efficiency.

Guillemot and Leborgne further said that the Group focuses on performance contracts tailored to diverse markets, considering factors like energy market variations, economic differences and regulatory domains. The Group, they added, employs digital tools, including digital twins, data visualisation and predictive maintenance, leveraging 10 years of research. Moreover, they

said that the Group aims to enhance digitalisation, using a corporate service solution for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction, particularly in District Cooling and Heating. In addition, they briefly covered the Group’s energy management solutions, which include an energy monitoring system and a nocode cash management module, which enable analysis, benchmarking and optimisation.

Jalal Al Kurdi, Sales Director Projects, Hussein & Al-Hassan Ghazi Shaker Bros, in his techno-commercial

During the panel discussion

Director - Analytics, Dalkia EDF Group, shared an overview of Dalkia EDF, which has been offering energy as a service for 85 years. Their presentation covered the services offered by the Group globally across healthcare facilities, residential projects, and District Cooling or District Heating and added that the company manages over 3,000 industrial sites and operates District Heating or District Cooling plants in around 330 locations, worldwide. Furthermore, they said that the Group engages in the entire value chain, from design and construction

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presentation, discussed in detail the Midea V8 VRF series, which he said has durability in extreme temperatures and addressed the key challenges in the industry, focusing on durability, environmental concerns and operational efficiency. He added that Midea’s IP 55 shielded control box, with advanced thermal management in the V8 series, ensures the reliability of electronic components in diverse conditions.

His presentation also highlighted hyperlink technology, which he said can revolutionise installation practices by reducing wiring complexity and costs.

Furthermore, pointing to the innovative variable distribution and air discharge design of the VRF system, Kurdi said it offers a modular solution for highrise buildings and can address the customer’s ever-evolving needs.

Speaking next, Ahmad D Awartani, Regional Sales Manager - Eastern Region, SKM, underlined inverter technology as a pivotal solution in addressing the global rise in temperature and the urgent need for energy conservation. Inverter technology, a proven and mature solution, he said, can offer substantial energy savings, with its potential to reduce electricity consumption by 50%. With energy consumption and electricity generation being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, he added that inverter technology emerges as a critical step towards achieving global net-zero emission goals. In his presentation, Awartani also highlighted that despite the higher initial costs, the return on investment is rapid, with payback periods ranging from 2-4 years, leading to significant long-term savings.

Furthermore, he said, the comprehensive range of inverter equipment offers a one-stop solution to cater to diverse needs and facilitate a smooth transition to more sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

Speaking after Awartani, Nasser Abuhaltam, Country Head - KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, AAF International, emphasised the need for efficient air filtration and ventilation, given that people spend 90% of their time indoors. Abuhaltam’s presentation, which discussed the critical importance

For his part, Behloul said that from the perspective of a developer, one of the most important assets is human resources, in the context of District Cooling, as it is crucial for implementing regulations set by the government or any international entity. He said: “Training and awareness are paramount, especially after introducing regulations. This ensures that developers are equipped to undertake projects, whether involving District Cooling or individual chillers, while ensuring compliance throughout the equipment or property lifecycle, from design and execution to decommissioning.”

Weighing in, Lattner said he shared a similar view as Behloul with regard to human resources. “Eurovent Middle East has recently launched a Leadership Academy to bring certified technical training to the market and offer knowledge development programmes for engineering and the procurement side to create more awareness on quality aspects, total cost of ownership and the overall efficiency,” he said. Further, pointing to the global challenges related to climate goals, refrigerant phase-outs and to the urgent need for investing in education and training, Lattner said, the government’s role is seen as crucial in mandating qualifications for various HVAC-related jobs, ensuring that everyone involved is trained to run installations professionally and efficiently.

Younes emphasised the importance of integrated design in construction projects, citing examples from the UAE, where it is prioritised in regulations and green building rating systems. He said: “In our projects, a common issue arises when architects are engaged first, working in isolation without input from MEP engineers. This often leads to MEP engineers receiving drawings and units without the necessary due diligence and feasibility studies, resulting in sub-optimal system outcomes.” He also touched upon the importance of concept design, especially in comprehensive feasibility studies, as well as the importance of compliance and the challenges in obtaining data for embodied carbon in air conditioning systems, emphasising the need for research, compliance and market readiness.

For his part, Guillemot said innovation should ultimately serve the public and enhance social acceptance. He highlighted the importance of addressing regulations and refrigerant improvements to ensure operational efficiency and contracting methods. He said: “As the climate continues to warm, creating a greater need for air conditioning, it becomes imperative to shift away from incessant consumption. This shift calls for an approach rooted in sobriety, emphasising customer and authorities’ education through regulations that promote sustainability.” Moreover, he said, engaging with compelling topics that inspire a change in mindset and behaviour is crucial, moving beyond mere consumption to a more conscientious and sustainable way of utilising resources.

Mohammed shared his insights on innovative approaches to supporting private developers in achieving energy efficiency, taking examples from projects in Qatar. He said: “In Qatar, the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) employs its own short energy simulation tool, called Energia Suite, and the tool allows users to input building characteristics, generating an integrated energy performance value. Furthermore, the GSAS collaborates with banks and developers to incentivise energy efficiency measures based on the outcomes from this simulation tool, and the integrated approach involves various stakeholders to promote and reward sustainable building practices in the country.” In addition, Mohammed touched upon the challenges in effectively utilising data gathered from projects, particularly in educating facility management teams to make informed decisions for energy efficiency. He added that there is a call for capacity building, especially at the field level, to enhance awareness and implementation of energy-saving measures in facility management.

Al Mulhim said the FM sector holds significant potential, particularly in harnessing state-of-the-art systems for extensive data collection. However, he said, the challenges arise when it comes to effectively analysing and utilising this data for the benefit of facilities or systems. He said, “In the rapidly advancing landscape of social media, electronics and development, the next generation has a promising opportunity to address these challenges and streamline data utilisation.”

www.climatecontrolme.com

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POST-EVENT REPORT The Climate Control Conference (9th edition)

Lifecycle Costs, TCO in the spotlight Whilst cost is a factor, energy wastage, due to an inefficient unit, cannot be ignored The Climate Control Conference featured a panel discussion that looked at the topic, ‘Lifecycle Cost and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The HVAC industry as an ally of building owners across multiple locations’.

Moderated by Makus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East, the plenary discussion featured Khalid Al Mulhim, Business Development Director, Suhaimi Design - Protecooling; Ahmad D. Awartani, Regional Sales Manager – Eastern Region, SKM; Khalil El Ghazzi, Managing Director, Systemair Saudi Arabia; Larbi Behloul, Director - Facilities Management, UAPM; Dr Ali Nour Eddine, Technical Manager, Eurovent Certita Certification; and Dominic Mc Polin, Freelance Strategic Planning Advisor, and former Advisor to the Minister of Works, Bahrain.

Lattner kicked off the discussions by sharing an incident about receiving a call from a company concerned about the poor condition of an air-handling unit it had purchased 18 months ago. Elaborating, he said: “The unit showed an ISO 9001 certification, a TÜV certification and a Eurovent certified performance mark, but it required replacement. The details about the installation process and maintenance practices were unavailable. However, a preliminary assessment based solely on the provided pictures indicated a substandard makeshift approach, revealing poor quality in both construction and materials.”

Furthermore, Lattner underlined the cost factor and energy wastage due to the inefficient unit, setting the stage for discussion on how such situations occur and the preventive measures that can avert a repeat.

Joining the discussion, El Ghazzi said: “We encounter issues related to low-quality products, frequently, driven by clients or contractors seeking the

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cheapest options. Certification doesn’t guarantee high standards, and I have witnessed cases where certified units were still of poor quality.” Improper installation and maintenance, he said, also contribute to problems, “For instance, I once saw electrical cables installed through water drain pipes, leading to unit failures during testing,” he said. He also said that educating the stakeholders in the market on the importance of adhering to quality and standards when purchasing products is crucial.

Weighing in, Awartani sharing a manufacturer’s perspective, said that as an air-handling manufacturer, he consistently encounters challenges stemming from the absence of hygiene and precise specifications in the market. He said: “We have witnessed situations, like units filled with water due to incorrectly installed drain pipes, and this points to the crucial role of skilled workmanship during installation. Moreover, it is important to have accurate specifications and knowledgeable professionals to ensure the production of high-quality, maintainable products.” He further said that the key lies in having proper specifications, knowledgeable specifiers and adherence to highquality manufacturing processes. He also pointed out that discrepancies between specifications and procurement can lead to issues, underlining the need for alignment in these processes.

Speaking after Awartani, Al Mulhim said: “The engineer or project manager needs to clearly define the specific requirements for the project, especially considering the diverse climate conditions in Saudi Arabia. Each engineer should be meticulous about specifying the needs for applications, like residential, hospitals or office spaces, particularly focusing on

aspects such as fresh air and proper unit placement.”

He further said that the emphasis should be on clear specifications and certifications from the design phase, with rigorous on-site inspections to guarantee compliance with standards. This comprehensive approach, Al Mulhim added, will involve collaboration between design engineers, application engineers, inspectors and manufacturers.

Dr Eddine, sharing a perspective from the point of view of a certification body, said the certification process focuses on ensuring that the performance declared by the manufacturer is accurate. “While certification does not guarantee the overall quality of the product, it verifies that the unit’s performance matches what the manufacturer claims,” he said.

“Moreover, manufacturers may produce good and bad units, but our role is to ensure that the stated performance is consistent and reliable.” Certification, he said, allows users to make informed choices based on the specified performance.

Dr Eddine said that certification covers all aspects, from materials to manufacturing processes, ensuring quality from conception to delivery. He said, “While the certification mark on the units signifies the performance you can expect, it’s important to note that it does not distinguish between units; rather, it ensures that the declared performance is accurate for the chosen unit.”

For his part, Behloul said that it is crucial to start with accurate specifications in the design stage and involve the facility management company in providing feedback based on location, supply chain and installation context. He said: “This collaborative approach ensures that units are designed with the right specifications to address specific needs. Moreover, consistency is vital in maintenance practices.” He further said that even though units perform well during testing and commissioning, neglecting consistent maintenance can lead to a significant decline in efficiency over time, with factors like improper

of IAQ and its impact on health and productivity, covered various aspects ranging from classification of filters, standards, filter efficiency, HEPA filters and the significance of understanding particle size. He spoke of the importance of filters with appropriate efficiency levels, of considering particle sizes like PM 2.5, and choosing filters based on World Health Organization guidelines for different outdoor air quality levels.

Abuhaltam also drew a comparison between traditional central blower filters and inertia filters and said that the latter have higher efficiency and a compact footprint. He also touched on the topic of Total Cost of Ownership and said that when selecting air filters, it is important to consider factors such as pressure

cleaning and installation contributing to the problem.

Furthermore, pointing to the environmental factors in the GCC region, Behloul said that adjusting maintenance schedules based on real-time conditions rather than rigid timelines will prevent issues like dust accumulation from affecting unit efficiency. Behloul said: “These factors highlight the critical role of facility management in maintaining the overall total cost of ownership for major installations. Whether the unit is budget-friendly or expensive, efficiency can be lost in less than three years without proper and consistent maintenance.”

Joining the discussion, Mc Polin said there’s a challenge in communication, particularly with building occupants who might find the technical aspects mysterious. He said: “While the principles of cost, quality and function are age-old, the complexity of today’s technology and language can create a disconnect. Bridging this gap involves translating technical details into accessible terms that investors, banks and the market can understand.”

In addition, Mc Polin said, there is a need to simplify certification into a label that is easily understandable by both the government and the market, which can influence decisions regarding rent, government oversight, job creation and overall market response. The key, he said, is to make the wealth of expertise in this field accessible and comprehensible to a non-technical audience. He emphasised that the ultimate stakeholders are people who will live, buy or rent in these spaces.

The discussion also briefly covered the key indicators for evaluating the quality of air-handling units, green financing to incentivise investors to choose higher efficiency buildings, the importance of educating end-users and owners on the long-term benefits of efficient systems and proper maintenance, the role of government in enforcing energy-efficiency standards and leveraging the growing focus on ESG standards in the finance industry to embed sustainability considerations in financing and investment decisions.

drop, capacity, construction strength, moisture resistance and filter rating.

Joining the series of technocommercial presentations, Viktor Osokin, CEO, Tevmo, presented the plugin developed by his company for calculating cooling loads in Revit, and explained in detail how the plugin can seamlessly integrate with Revit and allow for quick and accurate energy modelling of buildings. The software, Osokin said, can automatically assign surface types and provides visualisations of the calculated results, making it easy for engineers to analyse and optimise cooling loads. He further said that the plugin is particularly beneficial for projects in Revit and highlighted its compatibility with various

software, including ASHRAE-certified solutions.

The last presentation of the day was

by Zaki Ahmed Mohammed, DirectorSustainability Advisory, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), and he introduced Energia Suite, a performance-based energy assessment tool based on CEN/ISO standard, and developed in-house by GORD. Mohammed said the tool can be used to calculate building energy performance and added that it has a feature to assess passive energy or thermal demand requirements.

Furthermore, he said that Energia Suite is scalable and cost-effective and added that it can be used in various building types and is designed to be time-efficient, especially for large and complex projects.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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ADVERTORIAL Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers

‘WE BELIEVE IN

SELF-AUDITING AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT’ With COP28 as context, Dr Marcus George, CEO and Partner, Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers, explains how the company follows a systematic approach to MEP stocktaking and auditing, amongst other civil, structural and MEP measures to improve building performance. Excerpts from an interview...

T

HE UAE is hosting COP28, where the emphasis is on Global Stocktaking in the context of greenhouse gas emissions. Does the building construction industry – MEP industry, including – need to do its own form of stocktaking, or selfauditing, to ascertain whether it is substantially improving energy efficiency in Existing Buildings and New Construction or not?

Absolutely, the emphasis on Global Stocktaking in the context of greenhouse gas emissions at COP28 is a critical call to action for industries worldwide, including the building construction sector, encompassing

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MEP services. As a company deeply embedded in this industry, we recognise the need for our own form of stocktaking and self-auditing, such as assessment of current practices, energy audits for Existing Buildings, integrating sustainable design principles, lifecycle assessments, employee training and awareness, collaboration with stakeholders and integration of technology.

In essence, COP28’s emphasis on global stocktaking aligns with our commitment to self-auditing and continuous improvement.

By scrutinising our practices and proactively seeking ways to enhance energy efficiency in Existing Buildings

and New Constructions, we not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also position ourselves as leaders in an industry that is pivotal to mitigating climate change.

Broadly speaking, what does COP28 mean to you as the leader of a company offering a bouquet of building-related engineering services, inclusive of civil, structural and MEP? For our company, COP28 underscores the growing importance of incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into our engineering services. As the world intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the

Dr Marcus George

construction and engineering industry plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable design, reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency.

As an engineering firm, what unique approaches are you adopting to improve energy efficiency and, at the same time, address the need for better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

As a company, we adhere to the need for integrating Green Building practices. We emphasise the integration of green building practices in our designs, ensuring that structures are energy efficient, utilise renewable resources and minimise environmental impact.

We also are keen proponents of renewable energy solutions. We actively promote the incorporation of renewable energy solutions in our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) designs to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a cleaner environment.

We are also very particular about using sustainable materials and sustainable construction methods in civil and structural engineering projects, considering lifecycle assessments and environmental impacts.

Yet other key components in our projects are adaptation and resilience. We assiduously address climate change adaptation and resilience in our engineering plans, recognising the importance of designing structures that can withstand changing environmental conditions.

We also are fastidious about regulatory compliance. We regard it as crucial to stay abreast of evolving environmental regulations and standards

that will result from COP28, ensuring that our engineering services align with the latest requirements and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Just when we were thinking that COVID-19 is largely a thing of the past, there has been a spike in infections in some pockets of the world. As an engineering firm, do you have a strategy in place to minimise the spread of bioaerosols in the built environment, thus lowering the possibility of infection in the event of another pandemic?

We certainly do. The resurgence of COVID-19 and the ongoing global concerns about pandemics highlight the importance of proactive strategies in the built environment. As an engineering firm, we prioritise the health and safety of occupants, and to that effect we have implemented the following comprehensive strategies to minimise the spread of bio-aerosols and enhance infection prevention in our projects: Ventilation systems and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): We focus on optimising ventilation systems to ensure adequate air exchange rates, filtration efficiency and ventilation rates per person. We ensure the installation of high-quality air filters to capture bio-aerosols, and we adhere to industry standards for IAQ. Advanced HVAC technologies: We explore and integrate advanced HVAC technologies that promote air purification and disinfection. This includes UV-C germicidal lamps, HEPA filters and other technologies designed to eliminate or reduce airborne pathogens.

Design for social distancing: In our designs, we consider spatial layouts that facilitate social distancing measures. This involves thoughtful space planning to reduce congestion, and allow for safe distancing in various environments, from offices to public spaces.

Touchless systems and automation: The incorporation of touchless systems and automation is a key element of our strategy. This includes touchless entry systems, automated doors and

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ADVERTORIAL Engineering Consortium Consulting Engineers sensor-based technologies to minimise physical contact with surfaces that could harbour pathogens.

Flexible and resilient design: We prioritise flexibility and resilience in our designs to adapt to changing circumstances. This includes the ability to quickly reconfigure spaces to accommodate social distancing requirements or other health protocols.

Collaboration with health experts: We maintain a collaborative approach with health experts to stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations related to infection control. This ensures that our strategies are aligned with current scientific understanding.

Employee training and awareness: Our team is regularly trained on best practices for infection prevention and control. This includes understanding the principles of bio-aerosol transmission and the proper use of personal protective equipment, when necessary.

By integrating these measures in our projects, we aim to create built environments that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing

but also prioritise the wellbeing of occupants. Our strategy reflects a commitment to public health and safety, with the agility to respond to evolving challenges, including the potential for future pandemics.

The building industry is embracing digitalisation like never before. How can Building IoT and AI improve civil, structural and MEP functions?

In our company, embracing Building IoT and AI has revolutionised civil, structural and MEP functions. IoT sensors offer real-time data on structural integrity, occupancy and energy usage, enabling predictive maintenance and the optimising of resource allocation. AI enhances design processes, automating complex calculations and simulations.

This synergy improves efficiency, sustainability and overall project performance.

What specific strategies are you adopting to offer your engineering expertise across the GCC region – particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has rapidly become the hotbed of construction activity?

In expanding our engineering expertise across the GCC, with a focus on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning construction sector, we prioritise strategic partnerships with local firms, stay abreast of evolving regulations and tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of the region. This includes leveraging advanced technologies, fostering local talent and ensuring that our projects align with the Kingdom’s vision for sustainable and innovative development.

How have you scaled up as a company, in terms of human resources, to grow your business more rapidly across the GCC region, especially Saudi Arabia?

To accelerate growth in the GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia, we’ve strategically expanded our human resources by hiring local talent, fostering a dynamic workplace culture and investing in continuous training programmes. This approach ensures we have the expertise and agility to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving construction landscape in the region.

What is it that sets you apart as an engineering firm, besides the fact that you offer the entire gamut of building engineering verticals? What is your business philosophy, and how does it allow you to differentiate yourself from the competition?

Our differentiator lies in not just offering comprehensive building engineering services but in our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our business philosophy revolves around client collaboration, cutting-edge technology integration and a relentless pursuit of eco-friendly solutions.

This approach not only sets us apart but positions us as industry leaders dedicated to shaping a sustainable and resilient future.

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ADVERTORIAL FAWAZ

‘Our strength is a solid base of

LEADERSHIP, TRUST and RELIABILITY across the region’

With FAWAZ celebrating its 50th anniversary, Eng. Abdulkarim Al Saleh, Group CEO, elaborates on the ethos and guiding principles of the company.

Excerpts from an interview...

A

50TH anniversary typically speaks of endurance, longevity and customer satisfaction. What else does the milestone signify for FAWAZ? We have been in the market for a long time, during which we have had several opportunities to meet the specific needs of our customers and address even formidable challenges. In this manner, we have established a solid base of leadership, trust and reliability across the region. And our clients have reciprocated our approach to them with their repeat business over the years – they know they can fully trust FAWAZ. As we stand at the significant milestone of a 50th anniversary, we are confident we are well-positioned for continued success in the years

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to come. We are able to say this, because we have the robust backing of a team that is dedicated and equally skilled. Indeed, our strength is our set of employees – the unparalleled commitment we get from them is a significant factor behind our success.

What is FAWAZ’s long-term vision and strategy? Fifty years on, what is your assessment of your progress?

Over the past 50 years, we have made significant progress towards the long-term vision of becoming a leader in the industry. It is nothing short of remarkable that FAWAZ has grown from a small contracting and maintenance company into a leading provider of facility management,

manufacturing, engineering and HVAC services. Not only that, it has also expanded its business into new markets, including Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

FAWAZ's long-term vision is to be a leader in its industry. The strategy is to focus on relentlessly providing high-quality products and services to customers. And we are committed to investing in new technologies and to developing our employees.

What major specific challenges has the company faced in the last 50 years that perhaps needed a recalibration of efforts and adaptability?

We have had to overcome many challenges and setbacks along the

environment of increased competition.

The Middle East market for facilities management, trading, manufacturing and HVAC contracting services is becoming increasingly competitive.

This has made it more challenging for us to maintain our market share and profitability.

Another challenge is the constantly changing needs of our customers; for example, today, they are demanding sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. As FAWAZ, we need to be able to adapt to these changes to remain successful.

Yet another challenge has to do with rapid technological advancements; indeed, the market is extremely dynamic. This makes a demand on us to invest in new technologies to remain competitive.

To overcome the challenges, we have had to recalibrate our efforts and to become more adaptable. For instance, in response to economic volatility, we have diversified our portfolio of services and expanded into new markets. And as a response to increased competition, we have focused on developing FAWAZ’s core competencies and providing value-added services to customers.

Further, in response to the changing needs of our customers, we have developed a new range of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

We have also invested in customer relationship management (CRM) software to better understand and meet the needs of our customers.

Eng. Abdulkarim Al Saleh

way, some of them being economic volatility, increased competition, the changing needs of our customers and rapid technological advancements.

The Middle East economy has experienced significant volatility in

recent years, owing to the oil price collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has made it difficult for FAWAZ to plan and invest in new growth opportunities.

Hand in hand with that is an

How has the company evolved and adapted to changing market conditions and consumer preferences over the past 50 years?

FAWAZ has had to adapt to these changes to stay ahead of the competition. It was necessary to recalibrate our efforts and become more adaptable. We have done this by focusing on strategic planning. We have developed a new strategic plan that focuses on the company’s key strengths and competitive advantages.

The plan also identifies FAWAZ's key growth opportunities.

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ADVERTORIAL FAWAZ

FAWAZ is a leading provider of facility management, trading, manufacturing, and HVAC services

Along the way, we have also developed new products and services.

These meet the dynamic and changing needs of our customers. For example, we have developed a new range of energy-efficient HVAC solutions – we are immensely proud of the portfolio of products.

The technology landscape in the facility management, trading, manufacturing and HVAC contracting sectors is constantly evolving. By way of response, we have had to invest in new technologies to keep up with the competition and meet the changing needs of our clients.

What key decisions has FAWAZ taken over the years that have shaped and defined its destiny?

Over the years, we have taken a significant number of key decisions.

One of them is to focus on integrated services. We can say with pride that FAWAZ offers a wide range of services, including trading, engineering, HVAC contracting and manufacturing. This has been a key factor for success, as it has allowed us to build strong relationships with our precious clients and to become a trusted partner.

Another key decision has been to invest in technology and innovation. As FAWAZ, we have always been at the forefront of technological innovation in the engineering and contracting industry. This has allowed us to offer

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our clients better solutions, and to maintain a competitive advantage. We have expanded our presence in six countries in the GCC region, which has given us access to a larger market.

We have also been selective in our geographic expansion, focusing on countries with strong economies.

We have invested in training and development programmes for our employees. This has allowed us to build a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. As FAWAZ, we tremendously value diversity and inclusion in the workplace – this has created a culture where all employees feel valued and respected.

Could you elaborate on the growth of the company's two core business lines in the last 50 years and on expansion plans?

FAWAZ’s business lines have grown significantly over the last five decades.

They include trading and facility management (FM).

The trading business line has grown to such an extent that we have become one of the major regional distributors and suppliers of high-quality engineering products and integrated solutions. FAWAZ today represents a wide range of internationally renowned manufacturers. Our product portfolio includes equipment and materials for the HVAC, oil and gas, petrochemical, power, institutional, commercial

and residential sectors. The FAWAZ Trading division has grown rapidly in recent years. As a company, we have expanded our reach, driven by the GCC region's booming construction and infrastructure development sectors. We have gone into new markets within the GCC and the Middle East regions.

Our FM business line is equally a matter of pride for the company.

It provides a comprehensive range of services and integrated solutions to our clients in various sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemical, power, institutional, commercial and residential. Our services include HVAC maintenance, plumbing maintenance, electrical maintenance, fire protection maintenance and building management systems. FAWAZ’s FM division has also experienced significant growth in recent years, in terms of client base and the services offered. This is indicated by the fact that we employ nearly 5,000 qualified professionals across the GCC region.

Could you provide a comprehensive overview of the company's facilities and features, including showrooms, facility management support and warehouses?

We at FAWAZ have several facilities that enable us to provide our clients with the highest quality of products and services. These include showrooms, a vast facility management workshop and warehouses.

Today, we can say with pride that we have showrooms in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. These showrooms display a wide range of products and services for refrigeration, accessories for HVAC systems, ventilation systems, firefighting, security systems and water supply systems. We employ experienced engineers and technicians who can provide our clients with expert advice and support.

Our FM workshop is well equipped. It is staffed by qualified and experienced technicians who can undertake a wide range of tasks, including the overhauling of compressors, rewinding and repair

of motors, general fabrication and machining, repair of electronics and other related services.

Our warehouses serve all our projects across diversified business lines. They feature a heavy-duty, multistoreyed racking system with material-handling facilities, safety and security systems and the effective utilisation of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP Inventory Module. The warehouses are run by experienced personnel with proficiency in handling computerised transactions and inventory management.

This is an era of disruptive technologies, and business and financial approaches? What are FAWAZ’s organisation principles?

The current era is characterised by rapid technological change and disruption. Businesses and financial institutions must adapt to these changes to remain competitive and thriving. As FAWAZ, we have been able to thrive in this challenging environment by adhering to a set of core organisational principles, such as customer focus, innovation, agility, quality and safety.

When it comes to customer focus, as FAWAZ, we make it a point to listen to our customers with the intention of comprehensively understanding their needs and requirements.

Hand in hand with that is our ethos of innovation. Indeed, as FAWAZ, we are constantly innovating and looking for new ways to improve our products, services and processes.

Our ability to be agile is a key aspect of our success. As FAWAZ, we are able to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands.

We pride ourselves in the quality of our service. As FAWAZ, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services, with no compromise, whatsoever.

Speaking of compromise, we never ever compromise on safety. As FAWAZ, we have a commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, stakeholders and the public.

The FAWAZ team with Eng. Abdulkarim Al Saleh

Broadly speaking, our adherence to these core organisational principles have enabled us to achieve success in a wide range of industries, including engineering, manufacturing, trading and facility management.

What is FAWAZ’s approach to ESG? What makes FAWAZ a conscientious company?

We have a strong commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, which is strongly evident in our approach to business and to operations.

We treat the environment with the utmost respect and adhere to strict green guidelines. We proactively set ambitious goals to reduce our environmental impact and improve sustainability. We use resources wisely, reduce waste and promote recycling.

We are equally committed to being a socially responsible organisation.

We intensely care about everyone we work with and promote open communication. We are committed to diversity, inclusivity and employee wellbeing. To give an example, we ensure that we offer career growth opportunities.

We uphold strong ethics in all that we do, with a broad oversight of ESG issues for accountability. ESG factors guide our risk management, and we comply with the law – reporting both successes and challenges.

As FAWAZ, we are a conscientious company. Indeed, we go beyond simply complying with laws and regulations. We are committed to operating in an ethical, sustainable and responsible manner, delivering long-term value creation, transparency, accountability, continuous improvement and adaptability to changing circumstances. We invest in initiatives that benefit our employees, the communities in which we operate and the environment.

How does FAWAZ align itself with regional and global socioeconomic and sustainable development targets?

We are strongly committed to regional and global socio-economic and sustainable development targets.

We align ourselves with these in a number of ways, in terms of providing employment and economic opportunities. We are a major employer in Kuwait and in the GCC region, and are committed to hiring and training workers. We also support local businesses by sourcing products and services from them, whenever possible.

As a company, we promote environmental sustainability and support social causes through ensuring sustainable practices and through giving stewardship to initiatives that benefit society in a profound manner.

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39

ADVERTORIAL ebm-papst

‘Our leverage is making

SUSTAINABLE and INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS for a better climate’

Marco Duarte, Managing Director, ebm-papst Middle East, talks not only about the company’s EC motors and connectivity initiatives but also elaborates on how it is “engineering a better life” every single day. Excerpts...

H

ow is ebm-papst leveraging its expertise for optimal interaction of motor technology, electronics, and aerodynamics to contribute to sustainability initiatives in the Middle East?

In essence, ebm-papst's expertise in integrating motor technology with electronics enables the development of innovative, efficient and adaptable solutions. This integration drives advancements in various industries, supporting the drive towards sustainability while enhancing performance and reliability in diverse applications. By leveraging our expertise in these areas, we craft innovative solutions that significantly enhance energy efficiency in

Marco Duarte

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various applications. Our fan and motor technologies are meticulously designed to work seamlessly together, achieving optimal performance and minimal energy consumption. Through continuous research and development, we ensure that our products contribute to sustainability initiatives by delivering efficient, reliable and eco-friendly solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Middle East. Our leverage is making sustainable and intelligent solutions for a better climate.

In the transition towards energyefficient solutions, what role does industrial digitalisation play in optimising energy consumption in buildings and industrial settings within the Middle East?

Digitalisation provides us with so many new opportunities – why shouldn’t we use them to develop the obvious? And that is basically sustainable solutions to save energy.

By integrating smart technologies, data analytics and real-time monitoring, GreenIntelligence enables precise control

over our fans and motors, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. This not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances overall system performance.

With this motto, we combine the opportunities of digitalisation with our sustainable solutions. This benefits our environment, but of course, also our customers and their customers. And Artificial Intelligence is playing a very important role inside our company.

Our engineers are already using AI and working on sustainable and digital solutions to protect the climate and to help our customers, and their customers, to reduce their carbon footprint and save on costs at the same time.

We can also achieve greater energy efficiency with connectivity that will be reflected in energy consumption in buildings and industrial settings. We’ve already achieved very high efficiency with motors, electronics and aerodynamics.

There’s no longer much room for improvement there. Products offer the greatest potential for energy savings in their applications, such as running

only when they’re needed, and then only with the required output.

The focus is no longer on the products alone, it’s mainly on the data they supply. We’ve already had smart products with on-board electronics for some time, and we’ve been gathering data in our products for a long time for later viewing and analysis. Now, connectivity is joining the mix. By networking our fans, we make their data accessible and useful to the user everywhere. That introduces new possibilities. Added value is created when digital products solve problems that analogue products can’t. And for that, our epNEO products can help achieve great savings on energy with smart, predictive controls; full integration of systems; and affordable and quick payback.

With our digital technology, we want to help create a more sustainable future. Because we are sustainability enablers and digitalisation facilitators, and this combination creates the ideal space for innovations with an absolute customer focus.

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ADVERTORIAL ebm-papst Could you elaborate on how the move toward EC technology aligns with the Middle East’s changing stance on energy efficiency and sustainability and how it benefits existing and new HVAC systems in the region?

The shift to EC (Electronically Commutated) motors aligns perfectly with the Middle East’s focus on energy efficiency. Embracing EC technology helps HVAC systems meet evolving regulations, making buildings compliant and efficient. Despite higher initial costs, the long-term energy savings makes it appealing for businesses aiming to cut operational expenses and support sustainability.

EC fans offer several benefits, like reduced energy consumption, variablespeed control and high efficiency, addressing the region’s temperature fluctuations effectively. They ensure precise control over fan speed, optimising energy usage without compromising comfort.

Moreover, EC motors guarantee improved performance and reliability, crucial in extreme climates. They enhance longevity, reduce maintenance needs, and align with the Middle East's evolving stance on energy efficiency and sustainability. This transition positions the region as a leader in sustainable HVAC practices.

In addition to our values of efficiency, enthusiasm and humanity, glocalisation, digitalisation and sustainability are key factors in being able to Make the Future Together for a better world for present and future generations.

Given the significance of energy efficiency standards, like the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), in Europe, could you describe ebm-papst’s initiatives or strategies to ensure the company’s products align with energy efficiency standards and regulations? How do you adapt your product offerings to meet the specific requirements and demands of the Middle East market, where climatic conditions and regulatory frameworks may differ from those in Europe?

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December 2023

ebm-papst places a high priority on meeting and exceeding energy efficiency standards, globally.

We have practiced sustainability since our founding, and in our product development we follow our guiding principle that every newly developed product must surpass its predecessor economically and ecologically.

Because "engineering a better life" is our motto, and we base everything we do on it. It is our drive that makes us strive with full innovative power for maximum efficiency and sustainability.

By maintaining a proactive approach, we ensure that our fans and motors not only meet but often surpass the energy efficiency standards.

This adaptability showcases our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges and requirements of the Middle East. We want to inspire our customers.

This is clear from the example of our RadiPac fans that are used, for example, in air-handling units.

Over the past few years, we have continuously optimised our fans, focusing primarily on energy efficiency but also on noise reduction and "handling".

Fans for ventilation and airconditioning technology are subject to continuous further development, as the demands of users, particularly in terms of control options and energy efficiency, are increasing rapidly. Legal requirements, increasing environmental awareness and potential savings in operating costs are contributing to this.

Centrifugal fans from ebm-papst are setting new standards here: Thanks to aerodynamic optimisations, innovative materials, well-thought-out design details and highly efficient EC motors with intelligent control electronics, they not only deliver significantly more air performance than before but also operate particularly quietly and efficiently. Ventilation and air conditioning technology can benefit from this just as much as industrial applications.

In this way, our products are designed to align with regional regulations and standards, including

the specific demands of the Middle East market. We also collaborate closely with Eurovent Middle East, where we are a Member of the Board, and the aims are to introduce better practices in the HVACR industry and to promote guides to higher standards in the industry and regulatory bodies, tailored to the region's climatic conditions. For example, the Association has recently launched the HVACR Leadership Academy, aiming to offer certified training courses designed for engineers and technicians. Additionally, the initiative includes knowledge development programmes, tailored to meet the needs of other professionals within the HVACR industry. The goal is to enhance comprehension of products, technologies, industry standards and best practices. This sector is pivotal, not only for ensuring health and comfort but also for managing the rapidly expanding energy footprint worldwide.

How does ebm-papst address the global carbon footprint associated with fans and motors in its product design and manufacturing processes, with a focus on energy efficiency and reduced emissions?

What specific initiatives and innovations has ebm-papst undertaken to enhance the energy efficiency of fans and motors, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions?

At ebm-papst, we take a comprehensive approach to minimise the global carbon footprint of our products. Our fully owned and operated factories worldwide employ advanced R&D and manufacturing processes that prioritise energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

Initiatives include continuous improvements in motor technology, aerodynamics and materials to enhance overall efficiency.

Additionally, our focus on local supply chains reduces transportation-related emissions. We constantly innovate, introducing initiatives that not only

meet but exceed global energy efficiency standards, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The company is clearly committed to climate protection with the aim of achieving climate-neutral production by 2025.

This includes emissions it generates directly (Scope 1) and indirectly (Scope 2).

There’s a better than 50% chance that one of our fans is in use somewhere. Because we are part of all the changes with our air technology. It’s a fact – climate change is changing the world; we all know that by now. But the question arises in this context: Who is currently thinking about his or her carbon footprint during climate change?

In Germany, it is calculated at approximately 11.6 tons per person per year. In the everyday situations already mentioned, but also in many buildings, there is a high probability that our products are in use. We are a HIDDEN CHAMPION in the true sense of the word. But in a double sense, because our innovative fans and solutions often help “quite hidden” in everyday products that the end user often does not even see.

Because we help our customers to reduce their carbon footprint. You can see how this can look in concrete terms in one of many examples: Supermarkets. Everyone knows them, everyone goes shopping there.

Supermarket refrigeration systems are responsible for 30-60% of energy consumption. In 70 supermarkets, 200 AC fans were replaced with our EC fans. Energy consumption was reduced from 800,000kWh per year to 150,000 kWh as a result. This saving of 650,000kWh could power the refrigerators of 5,200 private households for one year.

How does ebm-papst collaborate with customers to understand their requirements and preferences for more energy-efficient fans and motors to lower the carbon footprint of their applications?

Our collaboration with customers is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability. We engage in a consultative process, actively listening to our customers’ requirements and preferences. Through close communication, we gain insights into their unique challenges and needs. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor energy-efficient solutions, ensuring that our fans and motors not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers. By working hand-in-hand with clients, we collectively lower the carbon footprint of their applications, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Given the magnitude of the context COP28 provides, what does it mean for ebm-papst to showcase its green credentials in the UAE – the host country of the mega climate summit?

While ebm-papst may not participate directly in COP28, our technology stands as a key enabler for driving HVAC solutions towards sustainability. Showcasing our green credentials in the UAE, the host country of this pivotal climate summit, underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility. We believe that sustainability is not merely a burden but an added value.

By emphasising the importance of information exchange and collaboration across industries, organisations and policymakers, we strive to contribute to the global awareness of climate change. Our presence in the UAE and the Middle East reflects our dedication to fostering a greener future and aligning with international efforts for climate neutrality.

Could you please tell us the next steps for ebm-papst Middle East and the Group?

We’re heading towards our North Star, which shines clearly and simply: Values, vision, strategic objectives, portfolio, unique selling points, organisation, cooperation – the strategy, in a nutshell.

We want to continue to inspire customers and protect the environment with digital-retrofit solutions in the future. And we do it Engineering a Better Life and Making the Future Together.

As part of its “Making the Future Together” strategy, launched in 2022, the company continues to prioritise quality and responsibility towards customers and employees by focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, innovation and the promotion of young talent. Particular attention is being paid to the growth markets of America and Asia. In addition to record investments in Germany and international locations, ebm papst is once again increasing its spending on research and development to 140.2 million euros.

We particularly focus on the expansion of production and the development of heat pumps and highly energy-efficient fans. The construction of the new Electronics Innovation Center, in Mulfingen, and investments in the United States, and in Asia and eastern Europe are part of the strategy. Here, the focus lies on the core business of ventilation and heating technology. In China, we are growing our production sites in Xi’an and Shanghai. This represents our response to the continuous development of our APAC business and ensures that we can respond independently and in the best possible way to our customers’ needs and local market requirements as part of our “local for local” strategy, maintaining the same production standards as a product being made in Germany or in any other location that we have worldwide.

We are also growing tremendously in the Middle East, with the help of all our partners. Being the global market leader in fans and motors, and with our total focus on sustainability and efficient digital air and heating technology, we provide our customers with the best solution products. We are bringing ventilation technology into a new era with intelligent and sustainable solutions for our customers, Making the Future Together!

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REGIONAL

NEWS NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION

‘We want COP28 to be a beacon of hope’ UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment says the country’s leadership wants that; shares updates on UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy

By Surendar Balakrishnan | Editor, Climate Control Middle East

S

AYING that what is going on with regard to climate change is disheartening, H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the country’s leadership wants COP28 to be a beacon of hope. H.E. Almheiri was speaking at a roundtable with media organisations, of which Climate Control Middle East magazine was a part.

Pointing to climate change as one of the biggest threats confronting humanity, H.E. Almheiri said the primary objective of the roundtable was to share updates on the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which she clarified was not a Ministry initiative but a country strategy. Saying that the

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UAE was amongst the first in the region to set a year for achieving net zero, she highlighted how the country announced its National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway, at COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022.

She added that crucially, the Net Zero 2050 Strategy showcased how the country would build on the momentum created by the UAE’s Third Update to the Second NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution), moving from 40% emission reduction by 2030, to Net Zero by 2050.

“We want to slash emissions by 2050,” H.E. Almheiri said. “We have seven emirates, and we have to make sure all are on board. We want to walk the talk, and having the Strategy makes us a good role model for the region.”

SCAN FOR MORE NEWS STORIES AND EVENT UPDATES

Muna Alamoodi, Director of Climate Change Department at the Ministry, spoke of how the UAE had set clear sectoral targets with emissions in the power and water sector to be reduced to zero by 2050 from 0.55 million tons per MWh during the 2019 base year. Similarly, emissions from industry would be reduced to seven million tons from 103 MTC02e from 2019. Emissions in the transport sector, she said, would be cut to zero from 42MTCO2e in 2019, and to 1 MTCO2e by 2050 across the buildings sector from 62MTCO2e in 2019. The waste sector’s emissions would be cut to 3 MTCO2e by 2050 from 13 MTCO2e in 2019, and agricultural emissions would be reduced to 1 MTCO2e in 2050 from 6 MTCO2e during the base year, she said.

The Strategy’s importance, H.E. Almheiri said, lay in the fact that it would emphatically flatten the curve on emissions by 2050; without the Strategy in place – and if the country were to follow a business-as-usual approach – it would see an alarming 210 million tons of CO2 emissions in 2050.

// REGIONAL NEWS

Empower announces District Cooling Summit 2023 Summit will be held in the Green Zone of the COP28 site, Empower says

By CCME Content Team

E

MIRATES Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) announced its participation in COP28 by hosting the District Cooling Summit 2023 in the Green Zone, in association with the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said the DC Summit will be held on December 5, from 10 am to 1:30 pm at the Connect Conference Centre (Home of the United Nations Hub), Expo City (COP28 Site), Dubai, and will feature recognised global industry experts who will share their insights on the implementation and optimisation of District Cooling.

Empower said that the Summit is organised to showcase the role of District Cooling in achieving energy efficiency, meeting sustainable development goals, and mitigating climate change.

The event, Empower added, will spotlight District Cooling as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for cities, communities, and campuses. Furthermore, Empower said that the event will highlight the role of the UAE in adopting sustainable cooling solutions, as Dubai has been chosen as one of the Champion Cities for District Cooling by the United Nations.

The Summit Agenda, Empower said, has various programmes, including panel discussions on Energy Transition and Low-Carbon Solutions, Need for District Cooling Favorable Policies and Financing for District Cooling Infrastructure. Empower also said that the Summit is aligned with the magnitude of the COP28 thematic programme for December 5, which is Energy Transition, and

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

aims to seek actions towards rapid decarbonisation of the cooling sector. The District Cooling Summit 2023, Empower added, will feature in-depth and diverse discussions to discuss the importance of District Cooling and its tangible pioneering role in confronting climate change, including reducing energy consumption and its superior ability to protect natural resources, ultimately translating into a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower; Board Member Emeritus, IDEA and Chairman, Association of District Cooling Operators Dubai, said: "The District Cooling Summit, organised as a side event of COP28, is of great significance and will bring in key players in the global District Cooling industry.

As the region's first country to ratify the Paris Agreement and as a leader in District Cooling, the UAE can accelerate adoption in regional and emerging economies.

Moreover, collaborative efforts are necessary to address pressing climate issues, and we are committed to supporting any efforts

Rob Thornton

to transition to sustainable cooling that reduces emissions. Hosting the District Cooling Summit alongside COP28 furthers our dedication to promoting district cooling solutions locally and globally."

Empower said that Rob Thornton, President and CEO, IDEA, expressed the Association's pride in continuing the collaboration with Empower, especially in actively participating in organising the District Cooling Summit alongside the prestigious COP28, and underlined that the Summit will be a milestone, as it will gives UAE the advantage of forging a unique historic opportunity to make actual progress in the field of climate action and build a better future for all in cooperation with countries around the world. Thornton said, "IDEA looks forward to continuing its work towards an essential transformation in the District Cooling sector through close cooperation and constructive partnerships during the Summit, and supporting the UAE in fulfilling its ambitious environmental agenda during and after the event."

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// REGIONAL NEWS

Tabreed announces the conclusion of District Cooling nanofluid pilot study District company says Maxwell, a nanofluid technology developed by HTMS, demonstrates the potential to increase District Cooling energy efficiency by up to 15%

By CCME Content Team

T

ABREED announced the conclusion of the first pilot project of its kind, which it conducted in partnership with Ireland-based HT Materials Science (HTMS). Making the announcement through a Press release, Tabreed said a heat transfer fluid technology developed by HTMS, known as Maxwell, has been applied across its current portfolio of 89 District Cooling plants.

Tabreed said it could increase efficiency by between nine and 15 per cent. The District Cooling company further said that, theoretically, this could mean preventing approximately 200,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually as a result of decreased electrical energy consumption. For context, Tabreed added, this would equate to removing 43,500 cars from the roads each year as a result of saving 335 million kWh of electricity, which is also enough to power approximately 20,000 homes.

Introducing the project, Tabreed said, Maxwell, named after James Clerk Maxwell, the scientist who first developed the concept of nanofluids in the 19th century, is an engineered suspension of sub-micron aluminium oxide particles in a base fluid of water or water/glycol (nanofluid), a dropin additive for cooling and heating systems, that works by enhancing heat transfer. Tabreed further said it was trialled in the summer of 2023, at a Tabreed District Cooling plant in Khalifah City, Abu Dhabi, which exclusively supplies chilled water to a 55,742-square-metre educational campus.

Tabreed added that the performance of the Maxwell

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December 2023

Khalid Al Marzooqi

nanoparticle fluid technology at its facility was evaluated under industryapproved Energy Efficiency Analysis (EEA). The exercise demonstrated that its addition increased the efficiency of the plant’s chillers by 13.6%, leading to an overall plant efficiency improvement of nine per cent, compared with the same period in 2022.

Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO, Tabreed, said: “This development is a testament to the company’s pursuit of energy efficiency at every level of its operations, adding that as a sustainable cooling champion focused on innovation, we are always looking for ways to accelerate the energy transition and provide more efficient services that benefit our customers, our stakeholders and the communities in which Tabreed operates. Furthermore, this pilot project proves the power of international partnership and

technological collaboration, and we look forward to working with HTMS to further the application of their technology to advance sustainable cooling solutions that benefit communities and industries worldwide. In real terms, we are looking at a potentially seismic improvement in energy efficiency that could radically change this industry, and the fact that Tabreed is spearheading such developments should not be a surprise. In addition, I am proud to be leading a company that’s completely aligned with the UAE’s Net-Zero strategy.”

Tabreed also shared an overview of how Maxwell works in a chilled water system and said that Maxwell’s nanotechnology increases the thermal capacity of water, the base fluid for commercial and industrial chilled water systems. When added to a chilled water loop at a two per cent concentration of nanomaterials, Tabreed added, Maxwell increases the system’s cooling capacity by up to 15%, and this increased cooling capacity allows chillers, fan units, pumps and other equipment to operate more efficiently, reducing electrical energy consumption and carbon emissions. Maxwell is a nontoxic, non-corrosive material and fully recoverable and recyclable, the District Cooling company further said.

In addition, Tabreed said, it is in discussions with HTMS, following the pilot study results, to introduce the Maxwell technology to other District Cooling facilities in the company’s portfolio. With cooling accounting for an estimated 70% of energy consumption in the GCC region, and global demand expected to triple by 2050, Tabreed said, this technology could potentially play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of

// REGIONAL NEWS

an industry already widely viewed as an essential contributor to sustainability, with District Cooling being up to 50% more energy efficient than conventional cooling methods.

Commenting on the pilot project, Thomas Grizzetti, CEO, HTMS, said: “Thanks to the ease of installation and use in both new and existing HVAC systems, Maxwell can have a material impact on energy usage and the carbon footprint of a broad range of industries and sectors globally. Maxwell is a step forward for businesses wishing to drive down energy use, increase system capacity and meet regulated energy efficiency targets increasingly promulgated by governments globally.

We believe Tabreed is an ideal strategic partner for HTMS to help achieve widespread adoption of this unique technology.”

design, and other clever CVS, Flamebar organise seminar structural strategies to contain or slow down the of fire, smoke, and heat. on passive fire protection systems spread According to CVS, Atam

Company says attendees included representatives from real estate developments, consultants and contractors

By CCME Content Team

C

ENTRAL Ventilation Systems announced that it organised a seminar jointly with Flamebar, highlighting the vital role of passive fire protection systems, on October 19 in Dubai. Making the announcement through a Press release, CVS said the seminar brought together representatives from real estate companies, consultants and contractors.

Passive fire protection systems, CVS said, are like silent heroes, safeguarding buildings, their inhabitants and their belongings in the event of a fire, and passive fire protection systems use fire-resistant materials, smart

Hayat, Head of Sales & Business Development, CVS, delivered the welcome address and Noman Qamar, General Manager, CVS, discussed the importance of life safety dampers and smoke management systems in the corridor. CVS also said that Qamar introduced Novenco fans during his presentation.

CVS said Pieter D’hont, Global Business Development Manager, and Amar Saeed, Regional Sales Manager, Flamebar, discussed in detail Flamebar, a coated firerated ductwork system, including its benefits and how it can make a difference in safeguarding buildings and inhabitants in case of fire.

Furthermore, the company said, ducts are manufactured by Flamebar and coating is applied at CVS.

www.climatecontrolme.com

47

// REGIONAL NEWS

Blue Star completes 80 years of operations Company highlights its track record of largescale project management and MEP solutions

By CCME Content Team

B

LUE STAR completed 80 years of operations. The company used the occasion to highlight its track record of largescale project management and MEP solutions.

Blue Star said its most recent achievement is the signing of a multimillion-dollar contract with a prominent consortium of commercial developers in Dubai. The company said the contract, involving the supply of over

M M Abbas

5,000 HP of VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems, not only reflects its commitment to innovation but also marks one of the most significant milestones in its history. The company said it is also progressing towards 10,000 HP projects, one of which is currently in the final approval stage.

The latest feat, in Dubai, Blue Star said, propels it towards its ambitious goal of becoming a significant player

in the UAE's VRF market over the next three years. Blue Star said its VRF systems feature customisable zoning capabilities, which promise optimal comfort and substantial energy savings.

They use refrigerants with low global warming potential.

Speaking of its operations in India, Blue Star said it enjoys a market share of over 20% and a vast installation base. The company said it is the second-largest VRF manufacturer in India. The company said its global presence extends to wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and Europe, coupled with a strong presence in over 20 countries across the MENA and SAARC regions. This global expansion, the company said: underlines its focus on providing HVACR solutions to diverse markets.

Speaking on the occasion of the 80th anniversary and the awarding of the contract, M M Abbas, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Star, said, “We are immensely proud to secure this prestigious contract, which represents not only a major milestone for Blue Star but is also a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability in the HVACR industry. Blue Star’s VRF technology is at the forefront of sustainable HVAC solutions, delivering unmatched energy efficiency and comfort. We believe this project will set a new standard for large-scale residential developments in terms of both performance and environmental responsibility.”

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Refrigeration 2022

• All highlighted companies are paid for.

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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 Coolpoint Ref & A/C Devices Trading LLC Rivacold Municipality designed withAfrica the standards Daikin Middle East and FZE Seckin Sogutma says it is the first community of Rafah, the sustainable community guidelines of the Emirate Danfoss FZCO Smart Cool Danlesco Gulf LLC Snowman Embuild Materials LLC Spectro Line TradingTeam LLC By CCME Content EMELCO Technical Services LLC Technical & Trading LLC EPTA Middle East Tecumseh Products Fawaz Refrigeration & Airconditioning Co Thani Murshid Establishment Friterm A.S. Thermozone Technical Services Haste Trading LLC Thermozone Technical Services LLC Hengel Industries Tiger Profiles & Insulation LLC HYDRACOOLING TPmec JJSR Project Consultants Private Limited Trade Circle Technical Industries JK Engineering Solutions Transcool Refrigeration Devices Ind. LLC KELVIN CONTROLS LLC Trimac Inc Kilfrost TSSC Kingspan Insulated Panels Vacker LLC Koldkraft Climate Technologies Limited VAST Ltd KTI-Plersch Kaltetechnik GmbH Viessmann H.E. Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Leo Technical LLC Williams Refrigeration Lowe Refrigeration LLC ZANOTTI spa AS AL KHAIMAH Municipality Department M.T.H. SRL and the Environment announced that it held a launch Protection Mercatus and Development Authority WALK-IN REFRIGERATORS event to unveil plans for the and designed to & foster thrivingLLC Naser Al Sayer Company Abu Saeed Trading Company LLC first sustainable community of Ras communities populated responsible Nice Refrigeration DevicesbyInd. LLC Adearest LLCon November 11, at Al Khaimah, residents. Through this project, the Nucore Group AHI Carrier FZC Movenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island, Municipality added, Ras Al Khaimah Qingdao Haier Biomedical Co., Ltd Al Ras Arz Refrigeration in Al Khaimah. Trading Making Co theLLC aims to cultivate an attractive and Qplan Refrigeration Solutions LLC Al Hathboor Group announcement through a Press release, environment-friendly community for Rivacold Al Waleed Refrigerant Gassustainable Industry LLC the Municipality said the residents by promoting increased use Seckin Sogutma Al-Ameen Trade district of Dev. Awafi&in Ras Co. Al Khaimah is of outdoor spaces, healthy mobility, Smart Cool Albwardy Engineering the first community designed with the lower consumption of energy and Snowman Alfa Laval Middle Eastthe Limited standards of Rafah, sustainable water, and reduction of waste.

Spectro Line Trading LLC community guidelines of the Emirate.

On the occasion of the launch, All-Rite Heating, Air Conditioning, Stepstone Technical Servicesbin LLC Refrigeration, The RafahInc. guidelines, the H.E. Munther Mohammed Tecumseh Products Ampex Engineering Services LLC Municipality said, were developed in Shekar, Director General, Ras Al Thani Murshid Establishment partnership with the Public Khaimah Municipality, said, “The Andrews Sykes Climate RentalServices

Ras Al Khaimah Municipality launches Awafi sustainable district

R

Thermozone Technical Services Thermozone Technical Services LLC Tiger Profiles & Insulation LLC Awafi district reflects Trade sustainable Circle Technical Industries the Emirate’s vision to develop and Trimac Inc cultivate communities designed to TSSC ensure higher standards of living for Vacker LLC the current and coming generations, VAST Ltd while pursuing broader sustainability Viessmann goals. The district was designed to Williams Refrigeration emanate the kind of modernity, peace, ZANOTTI spa and warmth people would look for when deciding where to live a happy WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT and healthy life with their families.”

The Municipality said SYSTEMS (WMSes)that the Awafi sustainability district has 190 private Carel Industries residential plots and more than 13,000 Carel Middle East square metres of gardens and open Fromfroid spaces, with an additional 28,000 Stepstone Technical Services LLC square metres of commercial services Technical Supplies & Services Co. LLC available. The Municipality added, Zenatix Solutions the community's strategic location allows residents to be close to critical WAREHOUSES highways and offers easy access to key ABB surrounding facilities and attractions, Abu as Saeed Tradingshopping Company LLC such the airport, centres, Adearest LLCand beaches. restaurants, Furthermore, the Municipality Advance World Group said, the district is for aMiddle AFS Air Conditioningdesigned LLC (Air Flow East) sustainable, healthy, and comfortable Al-Ameen & Trade Co.and planned lifestyle forDev. its residents, facilities include Alfa Laval Middle an Eastexclusive Limited community park with a play area, Bacharach Inc. swimming pool and fitness corner, Baltimore Aircoil Gulf retail shops, mosques, a community Bin Dasmal General Trading Co. LLC farm andTrading children’s nursery, a Co. Bureida & Refrigeration dedicated footpath, Cantas Refrigeration and cycleways with facilities, landscaped Carelstorage Industries public areas and sikka, LED streetCarel Middle East lit roads, shade structures and Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia (CGS) jogging tracks, parking for people of Continental Technical Supplies LLC determination, EV charging points, Direct Coil INC communal waste collection points and EcoFreeez recycling hubs.

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Rheem Middle East launches new VRF series for the MEA region market Company says SAVR-D series can enhance energy efficiency, optimise performance and maximise indoor comfort for end users

By CCME Content Team

R

HEEM Middle East, a manufacturer of HVAC and water-heating solutions, announced the launch of a new series of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) units. Making the announcement through a Press release, Rheem said the SAVR-D series, designed with innovative technologies and unique features, can enhance energy efficiency, optimise performance and maximise indoor comfort for end users.

Rheem said VRF systems have surged in popularity over the past decade due to their superior energy efficiency and reduced seasonal energy consumption, and added that these are accomplished through precise temperature control, operation based on demand, and minimising the refrigerant path, collectively leading to cost savings of more than 30%. Rheem also said that the SAVR-D series introduces multiple distinctive features that further elevate this efficiency level.

According to Rheem, one of the attributes of the new series is its capacity and said that it includes 15 basic models ranging from 8HP to 36HP and enabling a maximum combination of 144HP. Moreover, Rheem said, a single SAVR-D unit can match the performance of two industry-standard units. The company further said the new series offers space efficiency as fewer units are required, simplified installation and lower operational expenses.

Rheem said another important feature of the new series is backup operation technology. In case of a breakdown within a module unit, the company added, an emergency mode can be configured, enabling the other modules within the same combination to continue functioning

Brian Hempenstall, Managing Director, Rheem Middle East, said: “At Rheem Middle East, we are committed to producing high-quality, innovative products which address and solve the major challenges in the HVAC industry today. With the launch of our VFR range, we are proud to continue this dedication to sustainability-focussed HVAC solutions which optimise comfort, reduce energy consumption and, ultimately, increase cost savings for our customers, with no compromise on quality.”

as usual without any disruption for occupants. Furthermore, Rheem said, the new series has a six-step oil separation technology, which can collect and return oil to the compressor, ensuring the refrigerant circulating throughout the system remains relatively oil-free. This particular feature, Rheem Middle East said, can enhance efficiency by optimising heat exchanger operation diminishing compressor strain, consequently prolonging the unit's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

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European Union reaches political agreement on EU Methane Regulation EIA says the agreement includes measures on the heavily debated issue of fossil fuel imports

By CCME Content Team

P

OLICYMAKERS from the European Union (EU) have reached a political agreement on the EU Methane Regulation, including partial measures on the heavily debated issue of fossil fuel imports, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) announced through a Press release.

EIA said that after a two-year-long process, the EU held its final trialogue on November 14, and the EU Methane Regulation is the first European legislative text aiming to tackle this climate super-pollutant, responsible for about one-third of the global warming observed to date.

Kim O'Dowd, Climate Campaigner, EIA, said: "The long-awaited EU Methane Regulation marks an important milestone. Tackling methane emissions from the energy sector is one of the most cost-effective ways to limit global warming in the near term, and the agreement is a positive stride in the right direction." He further said that

when implemented effectively, it has the potential to significantly cut methane emissions in the EU while saving supplies.

According to EIA, the Regulation puts obligations on monitoring, reporting and verification, leak detection and repair, and limits to venting and flaring.

While measures on EU segments of the supply chain are vital, EIA added that the benchmark for the EU methane regulation has always been how it addresses the upstream segments of the supply chain, because it relies on imports for 70% of its hard coal consumption, 97% of its oil consumption and 90% of its fossil gas consumption.

O'Dowd further said: "It is encouraging to note that in recent weeks, both the Council and the Commission have transitioned from outright opposition to measures on imports to now incorporating a performance standard on the supply chain. Nevertheless, this

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agreed-on proposal falls short of the comprehensive and practical mitigation measures put forward by the European Parliament, which offered clear, concrete and achievable solutions."

The Regulation, EIA said, will enter the implementation phase in 2024, and EIA will continue to advocate for stronger measures.

While the Regulation establishes a foundation, O'Dowd added that effort will be required to ensure its effectiveness. He said, "There is a pressing need to enhance import measures, particularly the intensity standard set to enter into force in 2030, and to ensure its continuous alignment with cutting-edge technology for methane detection and mitigation."

Tim Grabiel, Senior Lawyer, EIA, said: "The jury is still out on whether the provisions on imports pack a punch against methane emissions, given the lacklustre track record of the EU on intensity standards. We will be calling on the next Commission to push for an extended effort on leak detection and repair and limits to venting and flaring to tackle methane emissions associated with fossil fuel imports."

The agreement, EIA said, was reached a few weeks before the COP28 UN climate summit, which will mark the second anniversary of the Global Methane Pledge, launched at C0P26 by the United States and the EU. O'Dowd said: "Through this Regulation, the EU is signalling its

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

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

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// GLOBAL NEWS

commitment to implementing the Global Methane Pledge as it approaches COP28 and will hopefully inspire other signatories to do the same. However, to sustain its leadership role and demonstrate unwavering commitment

to the Pledge, the EU must extend its focus beyond the energy sector to include agriculture and waste.

Moreover, the EU needs to ensure the Pledge's longevity by catalysing the development of a robust global

governance framework. This framework should incentivise countries to adopt clear national targets and mitigation measures, supported by comprehensive monitoring and a dedicated financial mechanism."

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

Allied offers full range of Engineering and Project Management services provided by nearly 140 dedicated professionals distributed among Egypt, UAE and KSA. The company is a multidisciplinary consulting firm and has a track record and specialization in Buildings, Industrial Works and District Cooling and Power Generation Plants.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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// GLOBAL NEWS

Sensitron adopts AR and metaverse to enhance customer experience Sensitron says augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse (VR) enable the company to transform its corporate communications

By CCME Content Team

S

ENSITRON, an Italian manufacturer of gas detection systems and part of the Halma Group, announced its commitment to the evolution of corporate communications through the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, including augmented reality and the metaverse. Making the announcement through a Press release, Sensitron said with more than 35 years of experience in the gas detection industry nationally and internationally, Sensitron is committed to promoting safety and people and environments.

Now, the company said, it also carries forward its spirit into the sphere of communication.

Sensitron said using augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse (VR) enables the company to transform corporate communications, providing an engaging and interactive experience for customers and stakeholders. The use of augmented reality, the company added, aims to enhance our customers' experience.

Riccardo Montano, System Engineer, Sensitron, said: "We adopted AR to offer an immersive three-dimensional view of our products, allowing customers to explore them in detail from every angle.

Sensitron is leveraging AR and the metaverse to revolutionise its corporate communications, offering a captivating and interactive journey for customers and stakeholders. Beyond the product, information and technical data are also showcased using infographics.

With the metaverse, Sensitron said it will dive into the digital future through the creation of virtual spaces. The company added that a comprehensive virtual environment with all the information about who Sensitron is and what it does can be found in the metaverse, and visitors can explore product information, certifications and gas detection details. The company further said it is a comprehensive and interactive information hub representing Sensitron's commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing.

Valentina Lombardo, Marketing Manager, Sensitron, said: " We aimed to design virtual spaces that illustrate the applications of our gas detectors. Gas is a versatile element, with applications spanning industrial, commercial, marine, building sectors, and more. We have recreated real-world scenarios in these virtual environments, such as a parking lot and a pharmaceutical chemical setting. These spaces are ready for exploration and provide detailed insights into how our products are utilised."

Sensitron said it is determined to stay on top of the digital evolution and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by augmented reality and the metaverse to improve communication with customers, partners and stakeholders. These new technologies, Sensitron added, complement all the ways it has communicated with customers over the past 35 years.

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

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ACREX India 2024 to be held in Greater Noida Trade fair will take place from February 15 to 17, organisers say

By CCME Content Team

A

CREX India will return to Greater Noida for its 2024 edition, the organisers announced through a Press release.

The organisers said ACREX India 2024, the premier event for the HVAC industry in India, which will focus on the crucial aspect of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), will be held from February 15 to 17 at IEML, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. Organised by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and Informa markets, the Press release said, ACREX India is the ideal platform to

learn about the latest innovations and technologies in the HVAC industry, including cutting-edge solutions for IAQ. With the growing awareness of IAQ's impact on health, comfort and productivity, organisers said ACREX India 2024 will be the place to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

According to the organisers, here's what visitors can expect at ACREX India 2024: ■ Seminars and Workshops: Gain insights from experts in IAQ during our informative seminars and workshops.

■ Product Exhibits: Explore a wide range of IAQ products and solutions showcased by leading industry players.

■ Live Demonstrations: See IAQ technologies in action through live product demonstrations.

■ Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals who share your interest in improving IAQ. ■ Expert Advice: Get answers to IAQ-related questions from industry professionals Furthermore, organisers said that IAQ is not just a luxury but a necessity for a healthier, more productive and sustainable future, and ACREX India 2024 will offer a platform to gain knowledge and resources needed to make meaningful improvements in IAQ for home, workplace or facility.

Cooling Solutions Process Cooling Chillers A diverse selection of air-cooled chillers is accessible, spanning capacities from 2 tons to 5 tons, catering to both domestic and industrial process cooling needs. Additionally, we offer air-cooled chillers ranging from 5 tons to 150 tons, specifically designed for process cooling in pharmaceutical, plastic, and other industrial applications.

Heat Exchangers Comprehensive selection of heat exchangers, including Shell and Tube variants, as well as fin and tube condenser and evaporator coils available in both copper to copper and copper to aluminium configurations.

Sheet Metal Fabrication We offer sheet metal fabrication services, ranging from precision CNC bending, CNC punching, MIG/TIG welding and assembly. Our facility is equipped to handle Prototype, Short & long run production work. We can work with GI, Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper or Brass.

Factory Intentionally crafted and constructed manufacturing facility, outfitted with topnotch machinery. The plant operates entirely on solar power, adhering to the sustainability guidelines set by the UAE Government.

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Embraco announces new brand positioning The new phase includes changes in the portfolio strategy which will support its plan to double net sales in five years, company says

By CCME Content Team

E

MBRACO, a provider of refrigeration technology for the residential and commercial markets and part of Nidec Global Appliance, announced new brand positioning. Making the announcement through a Press release, Embraco said that based on its 52-yearold experience, the new communication presents Embraco's strategy to transform the refrigeration market by detailing its plan of a future built on integration and synchronisation of products, which combines efficiency and data intelligence, besides exploring the brand's full potential to be recognised as a complete solution provider.

Guilherme Almeida, President, Nidec Global Appliance, said: “This new positioning reinforces our usual capability to anticipate the customer's needs through smart products, as well as our variable speed technology and

natural refrigerants. But more than that, it reflects our commitment and solid plans for the future, including launches that incorporate component synchronisation, added to a wide range of compressors and condensing units for household and commercial refrigeration.

This strategy will sustain our goal of doubling the net sales by 2027.

Furthermore, in line with incorporating connectivity into our portfolio, we are raising the bar and cracking the code in our segment by translating all our expertise to reach higher performance results in the applications, giving control and easier implementation for our customer's challenges.”

Embraco said Almeida underlined that there is also a robust plan connected to the refrigeration market demands in the scenario of climate change and stricter environmental

Systemair in ventilation initiative Publishes Open Letter advocating for official UN recognition of World Ventil8 Day

By CCME Content Team

T

HE SYSTEMAIR Group has published an Open Letter advocating for the official recognition of World Ventil8 Day by the United Nations (UN) as a special observance. Making the announcement through a Press release, Systemair said it is calling upon the global HVACR community, stakeholders and industry partners to join hands in this crucial endeavour with the belief that clean, healthy air is a fundamental aspect of a sustainable future.

World Ventil8 Day, which takes place on November 8, every year, was established by a group of researchers and professional bodies to raise awareness of the importance of ventilation as a crucial

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part of enabling the health and wellbeing of people, in addition to recognising the ventilation and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) community. Since its inception, this day has gained significant momentum. In its letter, Systemair said, it has highlighted the need to broaden and reinforce the importance of ventilation through official bodies, calling upon stakeholders, fellow manufacturers and trade associations within the ventilation sector to join this vital endeavour.

Morten Schmelzer, Head of Group Public Affairs, Systemair, said: “The UN has a longstanding tradition of designating international days to draw global attention to pressing issues, serving as potent tools for advocacy and uniting people and

regulations. Almeida said: “We are strategically engaged in pushing the limits of energy-saving, always adding miniaturisation and noise reduction as our drives in Research and Development. Beyond maintaining a sustainable approach, we want to continue offering a high level of service and the best payback time.”

Embraco further said it has eight Research and Development centres and more than 500 engineers whose work is linked to a global structure.

Almeida said that as it has been responsible for shaping market trends for the last five decades by bringing solutions beyond the compressor, the company is also considering strengthening its responsibility to transform the industry. Moreover, he added that the company is planning new launches to achieve these goals.

organisations worldwide to raise awareness and act. The key criteria for UN special observances, which include alignment with the UN’s mission of promoting sustainable development and protecting human rights, are met with remarkable clarity by the cause of ventilation. We, at Systemair, believe that this will go a long way in making the world a healthier place, one breath at a time.”

The letter, signed by Schmelzer and Martin Dahlgren, Vice President of Products and Technologies, Systemair Group, further emphasises how ventilation is central to sustainable development, as it significantly contributes to reducing the environmental impact of buildings, Systemair said.

Moreover, the company added, ventilation plays an essential role in safeguarding human rights, as access to clean air is a fundamental requirement for everyone, regardless of their background or location, highlighting the need for ventilation to be acknowledged on a global scale.

// GLOBAL NEWS

Research Institutes of Sweden joins Eurovent Association says the membership was approved during the Board of Directors meeting that took place on September 19

By CCME Content Team

E

UROVENT announced that the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) has formally joined the Association as an associate member.

Making the announcement through a Press release, Eurovent said, the membership was approved during the Board of Directors meeting that took place on September 19.

Eurovent said RISE is a Swedish state-owned research institute that offers expertise and around 100 test and demonstration environments for futureproof technologies, products and services.

RISE's activities, Eurovent added, include testing, calibrations and chemical analyses, research and development, control, assessments and normalisation, and it functions as a national metrology institute. Eurovent also said that RISE is well known globally for performing tests for different certification and quality label schemes and certifying products.

Monica Axell, Head of Research and Business Development, RISE, said: “We look forward to joining Eurovent and for the opportunity to work for greener and smarter buildings with the industry, as our research and close collaboration with the industry combined with our test facilities can strengthen the HVAC industry's competitiveness and sustainable development in Europe. At RISE, we ensure that products meet the set requirement, and we shape future standards and regulations to lead the way in the transition to innovative and renewal growth for the industry.”

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Tel: 0757-88786520

A Carrier Company

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P.C: 528234

©2023 Carrier.All Rights Reserved.

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Eurovent Certita Certification revamps fan certification scheme ECC says the certification is specifically for fans intended for use in AHUs

By CCME Content Team

E

UROVENT Certita Certification(ECC) announced that it has added a revamped fan certification scheme to its portfolio of Eurovent Certified Performance programmes. Making the announcement through a Press release, ECC announced that developed specifically for fans intended for use in air-handling units, the new programme aims to breathe fresh air into fan certification.

ECC said the redevelopment of the fan programme started back in the spring of 2023, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among Eurovent Certita Certification, the Eurovent Trade Association, the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc, the European Air Movement and Control Association (EU AMCA) and the Asia Air Movement and Control Association (ASIA AMCA). Since then, ECC said, it has

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been working in collaboration with AMCA to develop an added-value fan certification programme, offering a more dynamic approach to certifying products.

According to ECC, the certification programme has been developed using world-renowned AMCA evaluation protocols and the stringent Eurovent Certita Certification audit process to tear down the administrative and cost barriers that fan manufacturers face when certifying products.

Combining the best of AMCA and Eurovent into a groundbreaking certification programme, ECC added, the new scheme enables manufacturers to prove beyond doubt the performance and reliability of products, allowing HVAC professionals to identify, specify and install products they can trust.

Furthermore, ECC said that under the improved Eurovent Certified

Performance programme for fans, products are evaluated by the AMCA according to their most current testing and rating standards, covering aspects such as air flow rates and available pressure, with options for certifying acoustic characteristics and energy efficiency. Once products have achieved AMCA certification, ECC added, it is possible to apply for the Fans Eurovent Certified Performance mark by undergoing an initial admission audit. ECC said that this one-day audit verifies the consistency between what is declared by manufacturers, upheld by AMCA certification, and what is produced and sold by the manufacturer, elevating certified products to a new level of validation. In addition to this initial audit, ECC said, it will carry out an annual audit to ensure products continue to reach certification standards, and the yearly audit has other benefits as it aids manufacturers' own quality control processes and reduces the risk and costs associated with quality issues and customer complaints. ECC also said audits will provide substantial feedback, which can be useful for R&D teams and product development.

For those specifying, installing and operating products, ECC said, the revamped certification scheme ensures professionals can be confident that certified products will deliver the performance promised by the manufacturer. According to ECC, the fan certification will be available globally in a joined-up programme designed to keep certification standards high, while reducing manufacturer costs and administrative burden.

Sylvain Courtey, President, ECC, said, “The new Eurovent Certified Performance programme for fans is a combination of AMCA testing standards and Eurovent Certita Certification’s audit process. By joining together the expertise of our respective teams, we have evolved fan evaluation and validation by creating a next-generation certification scheme that will benefit not only fan and AHU manufacturers but the whole industry internationally.”

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European Heat Pump Summit 2023 summit attracts experts Organisers say the 2023 edition attracted record attendance from 42 countries

By CCME Content Team

T

HE EUROPEAN Heat Pump Summit, on October 24-25 in Nuremberg, Germany, attracted a record attendance of some 570 participants from 42 countries, the organisers revealed in a Press release. The organisers said the presentations, such as specific approaches to solving current problems, impressed the trade professionals in every way, and the accompanying exhibition in the foyer boasted twice as many exhibitors as the previous edition and attracted many visitors during breaks.

Daniela Heinkel, Director - European Heat Pump Summit and Chillventa, NürnbergMesse, said: “The European Heat Pump Summit is one of Europe’s and the world’s most important events for international heat pump experts – as this year’s event proved yet again.

Today’s challenges in reducing CO2 and addressing climate change make this summit even more important. Moreover, this is where the key approaches for future solutions are presented and discussed by the industry’s leading experts, and this year’s event attracted more in-person attendees than ever before.”

Elke Harreiss, Executive Director, European Heat Pump Summit and Chillventa, NürnbergMesse, said: “We

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December 2023

were already fully booked up for onsite attendance even before the event started, and we are very pleased with this tremendous interest, which once again highlights this conference’s significance. The more than 150 digital attendees, in particular, show that our high-quality content was especially on target. Heat pumps will again be a major theme at Chillventa in October 2024, and we look forward to seeing everyone again.”

The organisers said high-quality presentations set new records, and the 2023 European Heat Pump Summit was a success all down the line. The new record participation, organisers said, also included a high level of international attendance, and heat pump experts came to Nuremberg from 42 countries, and there were 39 presentations by international speakers.

Furthermore, organisers said the summit spanned a broad range of topics from developments in market and energy policies to the latest research results on applications for residential buildings, the home, and industry, or the potential application of IoT and AI. Dr Rainer Jakobs, Content Coordinator, European Heat Pump

Summit and Chillventa Congress, said: “The conference demonstrated the importance of heat pumps in meeting social challenges like protecting the climate. The 39 presentations addressed current issues in the heat pump sector, such as developments in industry, technology and applications. Top-level knowledge transfers and high-intensity networking opportunities were once again a focus of the summit in 2023 and offered added value for attendees, whether on-site or at their computer screens worldwide. One of the most intriguing presentations was by Thomas Nowak of the EHPA, who concentrated on the heat pump market in Europe. He pointed out that 2022 had been a record year for heat pumps, with three million units sold. That means 20 million heat pumps are installed in Europe alone.”

Meanwhile, Dr George Bennet, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Government of United Kingdom, shared an overview of the British government’s road map for how decarbonising the heating of private homes and office buildings might look.

He said a total of 30 million households and office buildings are to be converted by 2050, and heat pumps will be playing a key role.

The organisers said another interesting presentation came from Marcel Rössler of ebm-papst.

Organisers said Rössler focused on noise ratings for heat pumps and on deriving a psychoacoustic metric for ventilator development. Rössler said: “Air-to-water heat pumps are not entirely noiseless, and the more densely built up an area is, the more the machines’ noise may annoy neighbours. Here, the measurable sound pressure level is by no means the only crucial factor – human noise perception is also important, and here, psychoacoustics comes into play, together with its investigative methods. A specialised psychoacoustics laboratory for test subjects was set up, where the running noise of heat pumps and their incorporated ventilators could be demonstrated in various configurations.

The test subjects’ assessments were analysed using statistical and psychological methods. The results are

// GLOBAL NEWS

being incorporated into the company’s ventilator development and also provide information about which ventilators are best suited for a given installation situation.”

The organisers said Dr Veronika Wilk, Austrian Institute of Technology, discussed case studies and market opportunities for IoT-capable heat pumps and said that heat pumps are becoming networked devices capable of being connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Wilk said, “Heat pumps like these, in-home and industry applications, make it possible to optimise operation to cut energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint, mine economic advantages, or improve comfort.”

In addition to Wilk, organisers said, Ran Roth of Sensibo reported on how artificial intelligence and data analyses can optimise heat pumps’ energy consumption. His presentations

pointed out how AI algorithms learn through continuous analysis of ambient data and adapt to users’ individual preferences by fine-tuning heating and cooling processes to achieve a perfect room climate while at the same time minimising energy consumption.

The organisers said the popularity of the European Heat Pump Summit highlights that heat pumps are on the fast track not just for residential uses but for commerce and industry. Industry, the organisers said, is using heat pumps as one of its most important tools for decarbonisation.

Furthermore, the organisers said in the accompanying foyer exhibition, 31 key players in the industry presented their innovative products and solutions and demonstrated impressive growth.

At twice the floor space, with twice the number of exhibitors compared to 2021, organisers said, here attendees had

first-class opportunities for in-depth, one-to-one shop talk and conversations, and not just during the breaks between presentations. The organisers added that the event’s slogan, “Connecting Experts”, was also fully in action at the get-together on the first evening of the event, and attendees took full advantage of this opportunity to wind up the day in a relaxed setting and the occasion quickly became a networking highlight.

The organisers said the next Chillventa, an exhibition for refrigeration technology, will be held again from October 8 to 10, 2024, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. Along with heat pumps, organisers said the event will once again focus on technologies for refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation. Furthermore, organisers said the Chillventa Congress will kick off on October 7, and the next European Heat Pump Summit will take place in October 2025.

www.climatecontrolme.com

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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

Ahead of global stock-taking, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of 2022-23, had clearly spelt out that to keep global warming at an average of 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions must drop 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels. But even with the revised and enhanced NDCs, as they stand today, the world is likely to emit 11% more GHGs by 2030. That sums up the uphill task at COP28.

p11 Munich is doing everything right in terms of municipalisation and of a roadmap towards carbon neutrality. The major deviation is to link consumption to efficiency – that is, kWh/m2 – and to penalise inefficient homes and commercial spaces, and use the money generated to invest in building conversion, which can improve the building sector’s general power efficiency.

The influence of demographic shift in real estate is complex and has multiple implications.

With different demographic cohorts entering the market, developers and investors have to alter their strategies and tailor their offerings to meet the evolving demands and stay updated with the trends.

p14 62

December 2023

p17 The venue developed for the World Expo 2020 has been entirely reimagined to serve a different purpose.

In preserving some original structures, such as the iconic dome and the UAE pavilion, the developers pay homage to the area’s past while presenting a new residential neighbourhood.

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