In what is a tradition, the first issue of the year is an occasion for introspection on where we are headed as a global HVACR community. Given the numerous touchpoints we have on modern living, and the vastness of impact, it perhaps makes sense to understand and analyse our actions and inactions and make vital course-corrections along the way.

The below are a few questions (for want of space) that reflect the issues and aspirations that are of interest to me as a chronicler and curator of HVACR-related information for nearly two decades…

1) Broadly speaking, just why are we cancelling out advances in technology through what amounts to a steadfast refusal to work in an integrated, collaborative and coordinated manner on projects, when we very well understand the impact of indiscretions?

2) Or, do we not very well understand or fully comprehend the impact, because our consciousness is muddied by short-term concerns, corporate misgovernance and systemic faults, to name three possible factors?

3) Why are we allowing ourselves to be caught in technological groupism and factionalism instead of arriving at the most optimum building performance or cold chain solution? Where is the intellectual honesty that is so essential for evaluating the specific needs of a plethora of project profiles?

4) Why are we failing to protect the interests of specialised stakeholders through fair payment structures and timelines, when it is obvious that discouraging, dissuading and distracting them from offering their niche services would severely affect the desired outcomes relating to energy efficiency (indirect greenhouse gas emissions and Total Cost of Ownership); occupant health and wellbeing; and food, pharma and broad process cold chain? After all, it is all well for policymakers, legislators and multilateral meetings to draft and define macro-roadmaps, but would they not fall short of expectations, if key contributors suffer from neglect and apathy?

5) Broadly speaking, what can be done to strengthen trust between public sector entities and private commercial organisations? What confidence-building measures should the two introduce to bring down barriers that impede progress?