DUBAI, UAE, 11 December 2024: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) announced its diamond sponsorship of the International District Energy Association’s (IDEA) conferences and exhibitions in 2025 for the second consecutive year. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Empower said the sponsorship comes under its Sustainable Sponsorship Program and includes major IDEA events, such as IDEA Campus Energy 2025 and IDEA 2025.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “Our continued partnership with the International District Energy Association reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in the District Cooling sector. By supporting these events, we aim to showcase our expertise and innovative solutions that contribute to greater resilience in urban, campus, and community energy and District Cooling systems, worldwide. This sponsorship underscores Empower’s role as a strategic partner in advancing a sustainable future for the energy industry.”

Rob Thornton, President, IDEA, said: “Empower has been, and continues to be, a trusted partner and strong supporter of IDEA’s events. Their ongoing commitment reflects a strategic vision and dedication to advancing more efficient and sustainable cooling systems. We are grateful for their support and look forward to their prominent contributions at the 2025 events.”

Empower said the sponsorship offers it the opportunity to highlight its best practices and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of energy and District Cooling systems. It also serves as a platform to showcase the UAE’s efforts and visionary leadership in addressing energy and climate challenges, while advancing sustainability on international platforms.

DUBAI, UAE, 4 December 2024: GCC Lab announced plans of establishing a 1,500-square-foot HVAC lab in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to testing HVAC equipment. Khalaf Masaeed, Chief Business Development Officer, GCC Lab, said the lab, a collaborative initiative with AHRI, will serve the needs of manufacturers, installers and building owners. The lab is expected to have a positive impact on costs and time efficiency, significantly enhancing research and development capabilities in the region, Masaeed said.

GCC Lab made the announcement during the annual “Convening HVACR Leaders: Shaping the Future of the Industry” event that AHRI organised on December 4 in Dubai. The lab is scheduled for commissioning in May 2025.

Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, AHRI MENA, said the lab would not just undertake testing and certification but also surveillance. “If we don’t do surveillance and certification,” he said, “products that fail to meet quality and minimum energy performance standards will enter the market.”

DUBAI, UAE, 25 November 2024: Sobha Realty said it has achieved a score of 91 in the 2024 Annual GRESB Assessment, marking a significant improvement from its 2023 score of 72. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Sobha said the achievement highlights its steadfast commitment to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars, strengthened by its second consecutive year of voluntary participation in the GRESB ESG benchmarking. The company said the advancement positions it among the top four per cent of global entities striving for excellence in ESG performance and sustainability leadership.

GRESB, Sobha said, is an independent organisation providing validated ESG performance data and peer benchmarks, enhancing industry-wide engagement, decision-making and business intelligence.

Sobha said that in the 2024 GRESB Development Benchmarking Assessment, it outperformed global and peer averages, attaining an exceptional development score of 65 out of 70. Sobha said that it ranked ninth among its peer group of 23 participants from over 14 countries, including Australia, Europe (as a collective), United Kingdom and the United States.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director, Sobha Realty, said: “Our significant progress in the GRESB Assessment exemplifies Sobha Realty’s dedication to sustainability and climate leadership. By centring our ESG goals on sustainable developments, we create meaningful and positive impact, especially in environmental sustainability. Our ambition is to set new standards for sustainable development that benefits our communities, stakeholders and the planet.”

Sobha said the success it encountered with the GRESB Assessment success exemplifies its leadership in sustainability and further reinforces its commitment to UAE’s vision for a sustainable future, such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, UAE circular economy policy and UAE’s Green Agenda. Over the past years, Sobha said, it has continuously pioneered high-quality climate reporting with its three comprehensive ESG reports and two Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessments, which form the basis of its systematic emissions reduction strategy, further supporting the UAE’s climate goals.

Moreover, the company said, its Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report provides valuable insights into climate change impacts outlining robust governance and risk management strategies for a sustainable future.

MILAN, Italy, 2 December 2024: Frascold said it has joined the European InterHeat project, an initiative led by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) that demonstrates high-temperature heat pumps at different integration levels. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Frascold said the initiative aims to showcase the effectiveness of ultra-high-temperature heat pumps in cutting-edge industrial applications, advancing energy efficiency and decarbonising production processes.

Frascold said it has supplied two compact CX ATEX screw semi-hermetic compressors, capable of operating at over 100 degrees C. Designed to meet the most advanced requirements, the compressors are ideal for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, where high temperatures are essential for generating steam and enabling sterilisation or drying processes.

Marco Perri, R&D Manager, Frascold, said: “Frascold sees the InterHeat project as an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable and efficient technologies in the industrial sector. Our strong commitment to innovation is evident in our development of high-performance compressors and experimentation with low-impact refrigerants. Our goal is to offer solutions that address every challenge while improving the overall efficiency of processes, as demonstrated by this project, which aims to establish industrial heat pumps as a viable alternative in energy-intensive applications.”

According to Frascold, the high-temperature heat pump is currently undergoing testing at DTI’s laboratory to assess its capability to deliver pressurised water at production temperatures between 150 degrees C and 160 degrees C. Upon successful testing, the heat pump will be integrated into a drying process at a factory producing powdered proteins, Frascold said. The system, the company said, features a dual-stage cascade setup, with each stage equipped with its semi-hermetic compressors, specifically designed for high-temperature applications – up to 170 degrees C – using hydrocarbons such as isobutane and isopentane.

CORK, IRELAND, 5 December 2024: The board of directors of Johnson Controls International (JCI) has approved a regular quarterly dividend of USD 0.37 per share of common stock, payable on January 17, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 23, 2024. Johnson Controls said it has paid a consecutive dividend since 1887.

MILAN, Italy, 3 December 2024: Epta said it is celebrating the positive results achieved at the Auchan Korzó hypermarket, in Maglód, Hungary, in the months following the installation of its XTE (Extra Transcritical Efficiency) refrigeration system, in collaboration with Energy Recovery Inc. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Epta said the XTE, which is patented with IT granted application IT202200020811, is set to revolutionise the cold chain in the large-scale retail sector.

According to Epta, the store features a customised transcritical CO2 system, consisting of two modular ECO2Large units for large spaces, one of which is integrated with the XTE system, thus featuring enhanced refrigeration capacity, and reaching a total of 285 kW.

Stefano Trabucchi, Epta System Engineering Group Manager, said: “The data collected and analysed over a significant range of operating conditions, accounting for various seasonal outdoor temperatures, showed performance beyond expectations, with an average measured savings of 15% with the XTE system in operation, up to ambient temperatures of 42 degrees C. This achievement is the result of continuous Research and Development efforts aimed at making the technology increasingly cutting-edge, beginning with the optimisation and standardisation of the refrigeration circuit.”

According to Epta, the installation in Maglód represents one of the first applied studies of XTE, carried out as part of the European project, ENOUGH, of which Epta is one of the supporters participating to the demonstration of new technologies. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by SINTEF Ocean in Norway, the plan aims to decarbonise technologies for large-scale distribution and make the cold chain climate-neutral and more efficient, Epta said.

Specifically, the Hungarian site demonstrates the feasibility and field performance of XTE, with an assessment of the system in operation, Epta said, adding that the integration of the Energy Recovery’s PX G1300 pressure exchanger, suitable for use with CO2, proves to be effective, even at an operational level, for recovering expansion work and reducing the energy consumption of the system.

DUBAI, UAE, 4 December 2024: Rheem MEA said it has received the ‘Sustainable HVAC Product of the Year’ award at the Sustainability Innovation Awards 2024 for its range of ducted inverter air conditioning units. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Rheem MEA said the Sustainability Innovation Awards exercise shines a spotlight on outstanding achievements in sustainability across the Middle East. The event recognises pioneering projects that are driving the region toward a greener future, Rheem MEA said.

Rheem MEA said the units use advanced inverter compressors, which offer significantly higher efficiency than traditional on/off air conditioners. This results in a reduced operational carbon footprint, Rheem MEA added.

Additionally, Rheem MEA said, multiple protective sensors across the refrigeration system continuously monitor key parameters, ensuring reliable and efficient performance under various conditions. Designed to withstand high-ambient temperatures in the region, the units comply fully with all GCC region standards, Rheem MEA added.

The units are also equipped with smart Wi-Fi controls, which allow the user to easily manage and schedule the unit’s operation remotely while tracking its energy usage, Rheem MEA said.

Brian Hempenstall, VP and GM, Rheem MEA, said: “We are honoured to receive the ‘Sustainable HVAC Product of the Year’ for our ducted inverter air conditioning units at the Sustainability Innovation Awards 2024. Innovation has always been integral to what we do as a company, particularly when it comes to improving our environmental impact. From our stringent sustainability assurance processes to our ambitious green targets, we remain committed to designing, developing, and delivering premium HVAC products that are built with both efficiency and reliability in mind.”

DUBAI, UAE, 4 December 2024: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) said it has commenced operations of the first phase of its new District Cooling plant in Jumeirah Beach Hills (JBH). Making the announcement through a Press Release, Empower said the plant’s total production capacity will reach 48,000 refrigeration tons (RT) upon the completion of all phases, which will enable it to serve the wider Jumeirah area.

According to Empower, among the most prominent hospitality projects the plant will serve are the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Marsa Al Arab, Madinat Jumeirah Living and Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel. In the future, the plant will serve other projects such as Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel and Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Hotel, Empower said.

Empower pointed out that the construction of the Jumeirah Beach Hills plant adheres to the highest international standards, aligning with sustainable green building practices and the latest urban development trends in Dubai. The architectural design of the plant has been tailored to blend seamlessly with the area’s overall aesthetics and the architectural identity of its buildings, Empower highlighted.

Commenting on the launch, H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, affirmed the company’s commitment to fulfilling its promises. “Empower continues to advance its expansion strategy, delivering District Cooling services to major and mixed-use projects across Dubai, and strengthening Empower’s leadership in the industry while offering environmentally friendly and high-quality services to its customers

“Jumeirah is one of the most luxurious and sought-after residential and tourist areas in the UAE and worldwide. Empower has never hesitated to provide these iconic projects with world-class cooling services. This new plant aligns with the ongoing growth of the Jumeirah area, which hosts the globally renowned Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s global icon of international luxurious hospitality. The recently launched plant will provide unparalleled cooling solutions to its hotels, resorts, and residential buildings, reinforcing Jumeirah’s status as a beacon of refinement and hospitality.”

QINGDAO, China, 4 December 2024: Hisense said the World Economic Forum (WEF) on October 8 officially announced that the Hisense Qingdao Factory has been selected for the global ‘Lighthouse Factory’ list. Making the announcement through a December 4 Press Release, Hisense said it is the first time ever that a VRF industry representative has received the global honour pertaining to the manufacturing sector.

According to Hisense, by introducing advanced 4IR (the 4th Industrial Revolution) technologies and concepts, the Hisense Qingdao Factory has realised the leap upgrade on agile R&D, flexible production and agile delivery. Over 40 advanced manufacturing scenarios have been created here, with more than 20 technologies being industry firsts, increasing product development speed by 37%, improved labour productivity by 49%, and reduced production costs by 35%, Hisense said.

Based on machine vision guidance, AI algorithms and equipment interconnection, Hisense said, it has overcome 20+ automation challenges in the industry, establishing the industry’s first dark production workshop for heat exchangers, introduced adaptive welding automation and multi-stage integrated automation, and implemented unmanned packaging. In the automated welding process, Hisense said, it has pioneered multi-spot welding, non-uniform heating, high-precision visual guidance and parameter compensation solutions, achieving a 63% increase in labour efficiency and a 57% reduction in welding defects. And in the logistics segment, Hisense said, it has creatively introduced the overhead crane into the VRF industry to enhance logistics quality and efficiency.

The advancement of Hisense factory lies not only in manufacturing, the company said. With the goal of intelligence and efficiency, its supply chain built an AI-driven end-to-end intelligent decision-making and agile delivery operation system, it said. Using AR and VR technology, Hisense has made employees’ learning more intuitive, greatly improved the training efficiency and enhanced employee skill levels, the company

claimed. In order to enhance the operational efficiency, Hisense said, it has established a KPI-driven digital twin operation platform, achieving real-time transparent management of KPIs, developing comprehensive alert perception and automated tracking capabilities. And through IoT technology, Hisense said, it has successfully achieved digital energy management and accurate control of energy consumption. Moreover, by implementing energy-saving technology for high energy consumption equipment, the factory achieved AI intelligent control for production and testing equipment, reduced the unit energy consumption by 38%, Hisense said.

Kiva Allgood, the head of the WEF Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, said, “The lighthouse factories are improving the standards of the digital transformation. These advanced technologies are not only to improve the production efficiency of the company but also to create an inclusive and sustainable future for employees and society.”

Hisense said winning the honour of the world’s first VRF lighthouse factory is not only an indication of the successful practice of Hisense’s digital transformation strategy, but is also a reflection of the firm commitment to technology and quality. In the future, Hisense said, it will continuously improve its manufacturing level, establishing a digital model for the development of the HVAC industry, and contributing Hisense’s strength to promote the prosperity of the global manufacturing industry.

Dharmesh Sawant, GM of Hisense HVAC, UAE Branch, said: “At Hisense HVAC, our team always strives to add value in the design of HVAC system of our customers’ homes with not only product innovations but also with design and aftersales process innovation. With this, we are aligned to make Hisense HVAC as the most reliable brand, globally. In design, we always find ways to add redundancy factor, reduce the operating power consumption and lower life cycle cost. Through product innovations, we address some challenges of customers with features like humidity control/setting, demand control, self-cleaning function, high EER and IOT-based controllers. With aftersales process, we are always carefully monitoring the installation process, commissioning and start up with the help of our distributors, authorised service providers and authorised installers.”

ARLINGTON, Virginia, UAE, 26 November 2024: AHRI at its 2024 Leadership Forum in Palm Springs, California, recognised several HVACR industry leaders for their contributions to the HVACR and water heating industry, and also named its 2025 leadership.

AHRI presented awards in three categories: The Richard C Schulze Award, which recognises the industry-wide achievements of individuals also pursuing AHRI goals; the AHRI Public Service Award, for deserving individuals or organisations making a significant contribution to the HVACR industry and in furthering AHRI goals; and the AHRI Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honour, recognising industry leaders who have made considerable contributions throughout their careers.

AHRI said the Richard C Schulze Award winners include Robert Glass, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America; Josh Greene, A.O. Smith Corporation; Darcy Lee, Trane Technologies; and Eric Truskoski, Bradford White Corporation.

The Public Service Award went to Joel Owen, who recently retired from Alabama Power after spending more than 50 years actively involved in the HVACR industry, AHRI said.

The Distinguished Service Awards, AHRI said, went to Morrison Carter, Beckett Thermal Solutions and William Rafferty, Mestek, who are well-known industry leaders for their contributions.

AHRI said its Nominating Committee also named the association’s Officer and Board of Directors for 2025. The Officers are Megan Fellinger, Chairperson, Morrison Products; Mike Branson, Vice Chairperson, Rheem Manufacturing Company; R Bruce Carnevale, Vice Chairperson, Bradford White Corporation; Kevin Beckett, Treasurer, R.W. Beckett; and Gary Bedard, Immediate Past Chairman, Lennox International.

The Board of Directors are Dennis Appel, Danfoss, David Budzinski, Johnson Controls, Inc.; Tim Figge, Hussman Corporation; John Kramer, Cambridge Air Solutions; Gaurang Pandya, Carrier Corporation; Holly Paeper, Trane Technologies; John Schneider, Copeland; Steve

Shafer, A.O. Smith Corporation; John Thomas, WaterFurnace International; and Yogi Uemura, Daikin U.S. Corporation