Dubai, UAE: In recent years, the governments in the GCC region have undertaken several initiatives to become sustainable economies and are paying close attention implementing environmentally friendly measures. In this regard, it has also introduced a slew of regulations to help businesses contribute to this change.

But can too many regulations be an impediment to product development as the cost of research and materials are eventually passed on the consumer?

Expressing his views, David W Budzinski, Vice President – Indirect Channels & Distribution, MEA at Johnson Controls, says that in the past 24 months, tremendous changes have occurred in the region, where manufacturers have transitioned from having one portfolio for the entire GCC region to country-specific portfolios. “We now have unique portfolios that serve every regulated residential market in the GCC region,” he says.

At the same time, he welcomes the energy regulations that are being introduced. “However,” Budzinski adds “the regulations need to be implemented in different phases, thus ensuring that there are no disruptions of services for our end-users, yet serving the needs of the country. Hence, there is a balance between having a gradual move towards a more energy efficient system as opposed to a drastic change, which essentially causes the consumer to suffer.”