DUBAI, UAE, 10 October 2023: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) announced that it convened an exclusive gathering of 25 C-level executives and representatives from regional and international HVACR companies. Making the announcement through a Press release, AHRI said the topics discussed at the meeting ranged from the latest global and regional developments, regulatory and other concerns, collaborating toward promoting a sustainable and efficient built environment, the industry’s pivotal role in COP28, and its involvement in the Net Zero Middle East initiative.

AHRI said attendees emphasised the importance of achieving regulatory certainty in the ever-evolving landscape, and added that the association explained how its certification and standards programs help create a level playing field for manufacturers and support increasing government energy efficiency requirements. AHRI said it has established the AHRI Standards Subcommittee and the AHRI Technical Committee, comprised of regional experts, to establish standards tailored to its requirements. Furthermore, AHRI said it will also submit white papers with members’ input to COP28, with its programs seen as a key to achieving energy efficiency in the built environment and addressing climate-related challenges.

The association also said that executives in attendance expressed their commitment to leading the journey toward net-zero emissions in the region. Also prominent in the agenda was the transition to alternative refrigerants – a topic of great importance to the Middle East, where suitable alternatives can be difficult to source, AHRI further said. 

Stephen Yurek, President and CEO, AHRI, said: “The meeting was a testament to the commitment of our industry’s leaders to address our challenges together, with one strong industry voice. AHRI, with our team of experts in the Middle East region, is here to serve its members and all industry stakeholders while working toward attaining energy efficiency in the MENA region.”

AHRI said it looks forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and will hold this meeting regularly to help address increasing regulatory requirements and demand for AHRI standards and certification programs.