In an exclusive interview with Climate Control Middle East, Edwin Young, Programme Manager for Estidama, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), speaks about which rating systems are applicable to VRF systems and about how the huge government investment in housing in Abu Dhabi impacts the industry. Jerome Sanchez in conversation with Young …

In terms of Estidama, which rating systems are most relevant for VRF systems?

Both the building and villa rating systems are equally relevant to the use of VRF, and we would actively promote the use of the technology where applicable. Recent statistics gathered within the programme shows that villa typologies are gathering pace in relation to VRF, whilst design teams seem to prefer chillers as a source of cooling in buildings, even when VRF could potentially be an alternative, more energy-efficient solution.

How has the large government housing programme in Abu Dhabi impacted the VRF industry? Would you be able to provide us with some statistics to show the housing project’s effect on the VRF marketplace?

Government housing has changed significantly with the introduction of Estidama, and it is something we are very proud of in the programme. The UPC has offered support to design teams in all aspects of the design, but this is particularly relevant to energy resource efficiency. Currently, in the programme, it is estimated that over 6,500 villas are planned to be constructed with VRF over the coming two years. This paradigm shift proves that collaborative working between the designers, the marketplace and the authority can prove beneficial in energy reduction, which is a fundamental requirement in Estidama.

What does Estidama expect from the VRF manufacturers? What are your recommendations?

VRF is not a new technology globally, but the marketplace can’t always see that. Going forward, the supply chain has to change this perception, and to this Estidama would like the following:

• Better marketplace training for design and system selection
• Better marketplace training for installation personnel
• Better marketplace training for maintenance personnel
• Work with design team and developers to achieve a correct solution matrix
• More competitive marketplace versus traditionally installed systems
• The institution of a VRF Manufacturers’ Forum