The 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, highlighting innovations to match the requirements of mega projects, lifecycle costs, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and cost-effective, reliable, energy-efficient 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 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, 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 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 no-code 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 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 high-rise 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 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 drop, capacity, construction strength, moisture resistance and filter rating.

Joining the series of techno-commercial 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, Director- Sustainability 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.

‘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, Co-CEO & 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 consumer-friendliness.

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.

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.”

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 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 high-quality 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 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.