How 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 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 energy- efficient 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.

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, variable- speed 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?

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 air- conditioning 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!