RHONE-ALPES, France, 3 April 2024:  Lennox EMEA announced that Thierry Jomard is its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 2. Making the announcement through a Press release, Lennox said, with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in the HVACR industry, Jomard steps into this pivotal role, succeeding Ricardo Freitas.

The company said that boasting an impressive 27-year career, Jomard has held various leadership positions, globally, notably at Carrier and FläktGroup. Lennox also said that his extensive expertise in general management, operations, project management, and engineering functions positions him as the perfect candidate to drive the company towards its next phase of expansion and innovation.

Lennox said Jomard will maintain the existing organisational structure at Lennox EMEA, with the Executive Management Team (EMT) continuing to report directly to him. The company also said that Jomard is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, with plans to actively engage with employees across different facilities and sales offices in the forthcoming weeks.

DUBAI, UAE, 3 April 2024: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), announced a record increase of 54% in the volume of consumption of its District Cooling services (Refrigeration Ton hours) over the past five years. Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said, the increase in the year 2023 alone was 16% compared to 2022. Furthermore, Empower said that its share of Dubai’s District Cooling market has exceeded more than 80% by the end of 2023 as the growing annual rates of consumption for its District Cooling services in Dubai is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable revenues and profitability. 

Empower said that the remarkable growth in demand for its services in various areas across Dubai can be attributed to the high occupancy rates in existing real estate projects, and a significant increase in the new mixed-use projects added to its portfolio. The District Cooling systems, Empower said, contribute to economic and environmental benefits by combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural resources, and lowering energy consumption, in addition to their positive impact on living and business costs. 

H. E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for comprehensive and sustainable development in Dubai, we continue to boast our production capacity and increase the efficiency of District Cooling systems and distribution networks. This ensures we meet the growing demand for District Cooling services and cater to the future needs of customers, developers, and business sectors. Moreover, Empower continues to expand the scope of its services and develop its unique business model to keep fulfilling its vital mission of providing environmentally friendly district cooling services in Dubai and contributing to protecting resources, environment and climate in the UAE and globally.” 

Empower said, during 2023, it delivered District Cooling services to a total of 1,527 buildings, across diverse sectors in the Emirate of Dubai, and added that 66% of the total number of buildings served by Empower are residential buildings and 14% are commercial and office buildings. Empower also said that the hotel and hospitality sector represents 13%, the health sector accounts for two per cent, and the remaining five per cent is distributed among education, entertainment, shopping centres and other sectors. Empower said it would continue to expand its District Cooling network, which has proven to be the best environmentally friendly solution for air conditioning.

DUBAI, UAE, 3 April 2024:  Oasis Coils and Coatings (OCC), announced that it signed a distributorship agreement with Desiccant Rotors International (DRI). Making the announcement through a Press release, OCC said, the partnership, which details distributorship rights of DRI’s Eurovent-certified EcoFresh enthalpy and sensible wheels, marks a pivotal moment for both entities, signifying a transformative shift towards innovation and efficiency in the Middle East region’s HVACR sector. 

Established in 1984, with five manufacturing units and an installation base in more than 45 countries, OCC said, DRI is a technology-driven global provider of products for energy recovery, IAQ, fresh air treatment, evaporative cooling, green buildings, dehumidification and pollution control, renowned for its technical expertise and innovative products across the HVAC&R sector. 

Pramodh Idicheria, Chief Operating Officer,  Oasis Coils & Coatings, said: “We feel privileged to join hands with DRI, a name synonymous with trust and innovation. This partnership heralds a new era of shared synergies and limitless possibilities. By integrating DRI’s desiccant heat wheel technology into our offerings, we are poised to enrich the value proposition for our esteemed clients across the region.” 

Varun Pahwa, Executive Vice President, DRI, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with OCC to expand the reach of our EcoFresh enthalpy and sensible wheels. This collaboration enables us to leverage OCC’s extensive network and expertise in the market to cater to the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions in the Middle East region.” 

OCC said that by combining its distribution channels with DRI’s product portfolio, the strategic alliance is poised to set a new standard of excellence in the HVAC industry across key markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, and Bahrain; and will ensure quality, reliability, and innovative solutions are delivered to customers.

DUBAI, UAE, 1 April 2024: Orbit Events, the organisers of EarthSoul Festival, an eco-conscious music and art festival, announced that the event is all set to debut on May 4 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the organisers said the Festival aligns perfectly with the UAE’s declaration of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability. 

Describing the Festival as a musical extravaganza, Orbit Events unveiled the lineup of artistes, prominently featuring Jason Derulo. Attendees are in for a treat if they choose to immerse themselves in the “Nu King” Show, where Derulo’s talent and energy would take centre stage, Orbit Events said. Derulo’s American Pop, Orbit Events said, would have the audience dancing to the rhythm of chart-topping hits, like ‘Savage Love’, ‘Trumpets’, ‘Acapulco’ and ‘Take You Dancing’. 

Orbit Events said Pakistani sensation, Shae Gill, of ‘Pasoori’ fame; Emirati soul singer, Arqam; and the rising star, Celinedee Matahari are other artistes in the lineup; they are widely expected to drive environmental consciousness through their musical talent, contributing to a concert filled with profound purpose. 

Arqam said: “I feel immensely privileged to be the UAE’s representative at Dubai’s inaugural eco-conscious music festival. We are eagerly looking forward to curating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both Earth and music.” 

Orbit Events said the focus of the Festival extends beyond entertainment to address pressing environmental issues, with an emphasis on marine conservation and sustainability. The designated artistes will raise awareness about critical challenges through their performances while inspiring individuals to take action for a greener planet, Orbit Event said, adding that with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, EarthSoul serves as a platform for artistes and audiences to come together in support of a sustainable future.

Pragna Vaya, Managing Director, Orbit Events, said: “The festival encapsulates the notion that change commences from within ourselves. We have faith in the transformative potential of art and music to ignite inspiration and foster positive transformation, thereby positioning EarthSoul as a driving force towards a sustainable world accessible to everyone.”

Orbit Events said the event will feature a panel discussion on conserving the planet through participation of thought leaders and ambassadors of change. The community can discover the opportunity to participate in an impactful pre-event beach clean-up drive through meaningful partnerships with organisations, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all, Orbit Events said. 

Art would also take centre-stage through a University Art Contest, under the theme, ‘Oceans of Change’, Orbit Events said. The Contest is expected to contribute to the Festival’s message of sustainability, Orbit Event said, adding that the Contest will offer a platform for students from universities and design schools in the UAE to compete to showcase their creativity through art installations made from waste that is collected, and from recycled and upcycled materials. 

Orbit Events said Gulf News is lending its support to the event as the Media Partner; Climate Control Middle East, which focuses on energy efficiency and other sustainable development aspects, is the Magazine Partner. Watermelon Communications is an Associate Partner, whereas Channel 4 Network and Radio Volna 103.2 FM are the Radio Partners. The Festival also has the support of the Emirates Environment Group and Leefo. 

Orbit Events said the Festival is dedicated to fostering a profound and tangible impact, driving real change in communities and beyond by offsetting the carbon footprint through planting mangroves and trees and restoring marine ecosystems. By attending the Festival, Orbit Events said, the members of the community can actively support the green initiatives, knowing that a portion of the money raised through the sale of tickets would directly contribute towards protecting the environment and greening the planet.

Dubai, UAE, 1 April 2024: Danfoss announced the promotion of Marcio Barwinski to Climate Solutions Sales Director for the MENA region. Making the announcement through a Press release, Danfoss said, the appointment is effective from April 1. Danfoss said Barwinski brings nearly 30 years of experience in the industry to this crucial role, and has a proven track record of success, most recently leading significant revenue growth for Danfoss Brazil’s climate solutions business, followed by a global role focused on District Cooling based in the region. The company also said that his deep understanding of the HVACR market and strong relationships within Danfoss will be instrumental in driving further growth for the company’s climate solutions portfolio in the region.

Mert Kalafatoglu, Climate Solutions Senior Sales Director at Danfoss Turkey, Middle East and Africa, said: “Barwinski’s expertise and leadership make him the ideal choice to spearhead our climate solutions sales efforts in the MENA region. His career achievements perfectly align with our mission to deliver innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption and create a more sustainable future. We are confident that under Barwinski’s leadership, we will continue to expand our footprint and make a positive impact on the region’s climate goals.” 

Barwinski said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this new role and lead the MENA Climate Solutions team at Danfoss. Together, we have a tremendous opportunity to become our customers’ preferred business partner across the region, by providing the most complete range of products and solutions for the HVACR sector while enhancing our partners` experience with Danfoss at all stages of the solution design and purchasing journey. Danfoss technology is a perfect match with the high standards and ambitious decarbonisation goals of the regional countries.”

LONDON, United Kingdom, 28 March 2024: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) announced that illegal climate-wrecking super-pollutant refrigerant gases are still being smuggled into Europe, new research shows. Making the announcement through a Press release, EIA said, five years after it had first revealed a widespread European illegal trade in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) climate gases, a new investigation has revealed that significant levels of trafficking persist despite the worsening climate emergency. Furthermore, EIA said, the evidence suggests that black market traders and traffickers are becoming more sophisticated and adapting their tactics to evade detection.

EIA said that commonly used in refrigeration and air-conditioning, HFCs are currently being phased down under the European Union’s F-gas Regulation. EIA also said, organised criminals attracted by high profits are taking advantage of weak law enforcement to meet the demand left by the transition away from the harmful gases.

According to EIA, its 2021 report, titled, Europe’s Most Chilling Crime, highlighted Romania as a key entry point for illegal HFCs arriving in the EU The latest investigation, More Chilling Than Ever – Tackling Europe’s ongoing illegal trade in HFC climate super pollutants, EIA said, uncovered evidence of traders primarily sourcing HFCs from Turkiye and China to import illegally into the EU. Furthermore, EIA said, trafficked from Bulgaria and other countries on the edge of the bloc, these chemicals are smuggled across the continent to destinations such as Greece, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The new investigation, EIA said, demonstrated that traders are becoming smarter at dodging detection, employing tactics such as avoiding banned disposable cylinders and disguising HFCs as less-regulated hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant alternatives. 

EIA said that Fin Walravens, Senior Climate Campaigner, warned that the illegal HFC trade not only exacerbates climate change but has also been linked to significant tax evasion. 

Walravens said: “The EU has recently revised its F-gas Regulation, offering enforcement agencies additional tools to combat illegal trade – but these will only work if they are implemented quickly and effectively. As 2024 signals another reduction in HFC supply to EU markets, this risks fueling demand for illegal HFCs. There is an urgent need for coordinated, proactive enforcement efforts across the EU to combat HFC climate crime.”

EIA said More Chilling Than Ever calls on the European Commission and all EU Member States to prioritise the implementation of compliance-related measures under the new F-Gas Regulation and to step up enforcement. 

Walravens further said: “Globally, HFCs are being phased down under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. As countries around the world begin to reduce HFC consumption, they can learn important lessons from Europe’s experience of illegal trade. There is a clear need to invest and strengthen monitoring, reporting, verification and enforcement under the Montreal Protocol and to build capacity in developing countries, to ensure it is fit to meet the complex challenges posed by the global HFC phase-down. Ultimately, the illegal trade in HFCs is fuelled by ongoing demand for the gases, primarily used in the cooling sector, and there is an urgent need to find better ways to keep cool.”

BRUGINE, Italy, 28 March 2024 – CAREL announced that it will participate in the ASHRAE International Building Decarbonisation Conference 2024, taking place from April 17 to 19, 2024, in Madrid. Making the announcement through a Press release, CAREL said that it will make a presentation speech on the article titled “Airborne infectivity control by proper IAQ while minimising its environmental impact“, authored by Raul Simonetti, Corporate Business Manager HVAC/R, Carel and member of ASHRAE. Furthermore, CAREL said, starting from an analysis of the probability of infectivity in enclosed spaces and with respect to air exchange and thermo-hygrometric conditions, the paper will propose a technological solution for air-handling units based on three key principles: hygiene, energy saving and digitalisation.

CAREL said the event will serve as an important platform for all stakeholders in the sector aiming to address the need to reduce CO2 emissions from buildings and infrastructure. Now in its third edition, the company said, it is a significant opportunity for the HVAC/R sector to share information, exchange ideas, and collaborate on the design, construction, and operation of structures that have a minimal or neutral impact on the environment in terms of carbon footprint. Furthermore, CAREL said the primary objective is to enrich the knowledge base and foster global collaborations in decarbonisation efforts.

With its active participation in the event, which also includes a speech titled ‘Heat Recovery for sustainable buildings’, CAREL said it aims reaffirm its commitment to promoting cutting-edge technologies that contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable built environment.

ABU DHABI, UAE, 28 March 2024: Saying that Renewable Energy capacity has witnessed a surge over the past 15 years, more than tripling globally, and adding that in order to align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, however, Renewable Energy must set itself to triple again for the next decade, IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) announced the 14th session of the IRENA Assembly. In a bid to escalate the transition toward Renewable Energy, the session will take place on April 17 and 18 at St Regis Hotel, Saadiyat Island, in Abu Dhabi. 

IRENA said the session is anticipated to attract more than 1,500 participants, globally, adding that the assembly will witness the presence of heads of governments, ministers, CEOs and key stakeholders from the energy sector. 

According to IRENA, the Assembly is set to serve as a platform for international energy leaders to discuss immediate priorities to achieve the ambitious tripling target, under the theme, “Outcome of COP28: Infrastructure, Policies and Skills for Tripling Renewables and Accelerating the Energy Transition”. 

IRENA said the momentum towards Renewable Energy received a significant boost with the adoption of the UAE Consensus at COP28, in end-2023 in Dubai. The global agreement marked a pivotal moment in the global energy transition, which included the signing of a collective commitment to steer away from fossil fuels, IRENA said. Parties further pledged to triple annual renewable power additions, in hopes to align with insights from the IRENA World Energy Transitions Outlook, IRENA added. 

IRENA said the Assembly will address the challenges encountered by the transition, namely the geopolitics of energy security and decarbonisation of the heavy industries. 

Providing the link to register for the event (https://assembly.irena.org), IRENA said registration is open till April 8.

The 12th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi took place from February 26 to 29 in Riyadh with the vision to redefine and revolutionise the future of construction in the GCC region. It brought together five new product sectors and over 1,300 exhibitors from 47 countries. 

In all, the exhibition covered 14 product sectors: Building envelope & construction, building interiors & finishes, building materials & tools, building security & access control, intelligent buildings, offsite & modular construction, kitchen & bathroom, plant machinery & vehicles, solar & MEP, concrete, construction technologies, paints, steel, and urban design & landscape. 

Spanning 70,000 square metres, the event, among other features, reflected the growing demand for cutting-edge HVACR solutions. The event also facilitated conversations about urban construction, advanced building techniques, smart cities and sustainability. Among them was the International Contracting Conference (ICC). His Excellency Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the ICC by giving the Keynote Address. Zakaria bin Abdulrahman Al-Abdulqader, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA), was among the distinguished speakers at the conference. 

In all, the exhibition area was home to 17 country pavilions, many of them showcasing advancements in HVACR technology. Among them was Midea, which unveiled its “latest innovation” – the IcyBlast. 

Big 5 Construct Saudi also hosted over 60 certified educational panels and discussions, encompassing nine streams: Sustainability, decarbonisation, HVAC R, facilities management, project management, concrete, architecture & design, digital construction, and codes & standards. From sustainability to digital construction, the sessions provided a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern HVACR landscape and, broadly speaking, gave delegates the opportunity to gain insights into key industry trends and best practices. As an additional benefit, delegates had the opportunity to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. 

Saud Alshaikh, Executive Director, Tahweer Buildings Company, was one of the speakers. He emphasised the need for sustainability within the construction sector during a panel discussion, titled ‘The Role of the Construction Sector in Achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He said: 

“Each organisation must set a clear sustainable goal, integrate sustainability concepts into the planning phase and invest in training and education towards sustainability.” 

Additionally, the Big 5 Talks revolved around technology, covering themes such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the future of construction technology and value engineering. Petros N Zouzoulas, MEA Innovation Practice Lead, Parsons Corporation, highlighted the importance of strategic planning in construction projects during his session titled ‘Simplexity: Crafting an Efficient and Accessible Future in Infrastructure with Tech’. 

Speaking on the education panels and discussions, Muhammad Kazi, Vice President of Construction, dmg::events, said, “It is our vision to create the right platform for partnerships and collaborations to flourish between businesses in the industry, resulting in increased growth and profitability for exhibiting companies.” He emphasised on the pivotal role of Big 5 Construct Saudi as a driver of investment and innovation within the Saudi Arabian economy, adding that the event’s significance extended “far beyond the exhibition floor”

Here we bring the event to you in pictures…

The 24th edition of ACREX India, from February 15 to 17 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi – NCR, shone a light on the growing relevance of HVACR in India. Held under the theme, ‘Powering Global HVAC Supply Chain’, the exhibition reinforced the message that it is South Asia’s largest exhibition for air conditioning, heating, ventilation and intelligent buildings. 

Organised by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), in partnership with Informa Markets in India, ACREX India brought together over 30,000 visitors and 400 exhibitors from 40 countries, facilitating connections among manufacturers, government officials and industry leaders. 

The event served as a platform for discussions on urban construction, sustainability and advanced building techniques, featuring Indian and global HVACR glitterati: Sushil Chodhury, Yogesh Thakkar, Anoop Ballaney, Yogesh Mudras, Ginger Scoggins, Ravichandran Purushothaman, Sanjay Goyal, Vinod Saladi, Sundaresan Narayanan, and P Venkat Rao. 

The exhibition offered opportunities for national and international manufacturers to engage with government officials and industry leaders, facilitating their business objectives of market expansion of USD 30 billion by 2030. Featuring sessions and roundtable discussions spanning Day 2 and Day 3, ACREX India delved into vital subjects such as addressing skill gaps within the HVAC industry and the transformation of HVAC technologies for the infrastructure and building sectors. The three-day event focused on the rapid growth of the HVAC manufacturing sector in India, showcasing the latest technological advancements and displaying HVAC supply chain technologies. 

In recent years, the HVAC industry in India has experienced remarkable growth, with projections indicating an expansion of USD 3.98 billion, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.77% between 2023 and 2028. According to ISHRAE, the growth can be attributed to several factors, including the rising demand for inverter HVAC systems, the growing absorption of office space and the increasing preference for rental HVAC solutions. In his address, Thakkar highlighted the industry’s remarkable growth trajectory and emphasised on ACREX India’s role as a catalyst for progress. He discussed the substantial government investment in infrastructure projects and the potential for advancement in the sector. 

The event showcased diverse HVAC technologies, including variable refrigerant flow systems and predictive maintenance solutions using machine learning algorithms, with the potential of driving greater energy efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability in residential and commercial settings. 

‘Huge global recognition of what India is manufacturing’ 

In a candid interview, refrigeration expert and Co-convener of ACREX 2024, Ashish Gupta, speaking to Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East during the event, shed light on topics shaping the future of the HVACR sector… 

What is the thrust manufacturers of HVACR equipment in India are giving to export, in terms of R&D and in terms of collaboration? 

So, you must be observing that lot of Indian companies are going abroad. There’s a huge recognition in terms of what India is producing and manufacturing. And I can say from personal experience that up till six years ago, if I would go to any overseas country and would like to sell a product, they would mostly be European or American or Chinese products. But today, we go out and we sell our own Indian products. 

The government has brought a lot of schemes. There’s special easy credit and free collateral credit being given to all the manufacturing companies for R&D. They have been given for purchase of equipment; they have been given for purchase of land. And also, there is an investment that is made on export-linked incentives that are being given. And the result is for us to see that we had 500 applications coming in the last three years, and these have been almost to the tune of each individual application being between 200 crores (INR 2 billion) to 500 crores (INR 5 billion) of Indian rupee value investments. 

Daikin is one of the leading examples, Voltas has followed suit, Blue Star has followed suit, and I can name numerous companies. But what has resulted is that it has created an environment of  a chain reaction, where a large organisation is aiming to go 2x, 3x, and not just in terms of numbers but also in terms of quality. That also puts pressure on the vendors who are making components for them. It also gives an opportunity for people in sales to promote them to the next level of customers. And it also creates an environment where we are now looking to go abroad because of the unique cost advantage that we have locally here now, we have good skills set, we have good prices and we have expanded capacities. 

So, I think it’s all a good mix to go to the global market. And the result is… taking Indian manufacturing to the world. 

Europe has its Eurovent Certita Certification programme, and when it comes to North America, or the United States, in particular, you have AHRI, though both of them carry out work as international certification bodies. Is there something in the pipeline where we are going to see an Indian body that will not only certify Indian HVACR products but at one stage will also test and certify global HVACR products? 

I think that’s a very nice question. 

I see that standards anywhere are people who are academicians and educationists, and their ideas could never be taken as something that you can brush aside. 

So yes, we recognise global standards like AHRI, Eurovent. But there’s a very, very strong movement that started almost like three years from now ago. And we are converting most of the standards to Indian standards. So, there was a movement called the Indian standards which was there. Now we have to step up again, which is more above the Indian standard. So, every import that has to come to India needs to be QCO-qualified to be here. We are also imposing a lot of opportunities to people to come here and follow the Indian standards by way of compliance, whether it is of simple things like wires and sockets, but also in terms of the capacities and performance-related aspects. So, ISHRAE is working with the Indian Government’s Bureau of Indian Standards on many fronts, and with BEE, which is the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. In the cold chain, if you see, ISHRAE is working with the National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD). 

So, we are working to bring out Indian standards, which cater to Indian climatic conditions, which cater to Indian operational conditions, and which also cater to the highest. When we are doing the standards afresh, we are trying to go one step above what is already existing, in terms of efficiency, in terms of imported carbon and also the carbon by itself. And I think the whole idea is to bring a quality product. It’s not only [relating] to the product, it is also going into buildings, the spaces that we call as built spaces. So, we have the latest, if you were there yesterday, we had the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) launch, which is the code for building operations. And it is not only talking of the standards at inception, but we are talking of a continuous standard in lifetime processes. 

So, I think the process has already started. There is just one critical standard right now, but I think in another year or so, you will definitely see Indian standards very, very much applicable in terms of most of the products