OnAire – Episode 3 | Fortress Data Centres | Cold Chain | IEQ & IVF Outcomes

In This Episode

1. NEWS

▪ ASHRAE launches a Center of Excellence focused on Indoor Environmental Quality
▪ Carrier explores turning air conditioners into grid assets
▪ A European report highlights the role of multi-level governance in climate action
▪ Frascold marks 90 years in the HVACR sector
▪ India’s data centre capacity grows fourfold
▪ Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2026 concludes in Milan
▪ Saudi Arabia unveils a USD 100 billion AI initiative, with massive cooling implications
▪ Princeton University says it is deploying a large-scale system combining heat pumps and geo-exchange technology
▪ New research highlights the growing role of heat pumps and refrigerants in the global energy transition

2. VIEWPOINT

This fortnight, we examine two critical areas that sit at the intersection of engineering, logistics and economic wellbeing:

▪ Food safety and food security in the context of cold chain infrastructure
▪ Data centres and the threat from drone attacks

We speak to Bobby Krishna, Senior Specialist at the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality (UAE), and Brent Melvin, General Manager of RSA Cold Chain, on today’s global landscape, where food systems are under pressure from geopolitical disruptions, supply chain constraints and rising demand. The conversation explores how countries across the GCC region are working to ensure food availability remains stable and resilient during times of conflict. Stability is being achieved through strategic cold chain logistics, diversified sourcing, and strong, flexible regulatory frameworks.

We also speak to George Berbari, CEO of DC PRO Engineering and author of The Energy Budget, who explains how traditional data centres can be vulnerable to emerging threats, including low-cost aerial attacks. In response, he highlights the concept of “Fortress Data Centres” — facilities designed with reinforced structures, advanced cooling, and protected infrastructure to ensure operational continuity.

3. COMMENTARY

This fortnight, the spotlight is on how Indoor Environmental Quality plays a critical role in achieving successful IVF outcomes. In an IVF laboratory, embryos are developed outside the human body, meaning their survival depends entirely on the surrounding environment, particularly air quality.

Embryos are among the most sensitive cellular structures in medicine and are highly vulnerable to airborne contaminants. Studies show that exposure to such contaminants can trigger oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, DNA fragmentation, and impaired embryo development.

In this context, multi-stage filtration systems with advanced filter media in IVF facilities can significantly improve embryo survival rates and overall treatment outcomes.