The HVACR regulatory landscape in the GCC region has evolved significantly over the past few years. These regulatory measures – though still developing, when compared to the EU and North America – have made substantial progress in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the hot and arid climates of the GCC region. Recent collaborations among manufacturers, regulatory bodies and industry associations have played a crucial role in shaping these regulations and ensuring their effectiveness.

MEPS and Seasonal Energy Efficiency

Recently, GCC region countries have been increasing their minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for HVACR systems. These updates mainly aim to align commercial system MEPS with ASHRAE 90.1 2022 and raise residential MEPS by around 20%. One of the most notable shifts has been the adoption of seasonal energy efficiency MEPS, replacing the previous fixed-temperature point method. This promotes advanced technologies, like inverters, allowing systems to deliver optimal performance year-round. The shift to seasonal energy efficiency improves long-term sustainability for HVACR systems and encourages manufacturers to develop technologies that better meet the region’s unique demands.

International standards and the dual-path approach

To address trade barriers and increase market competition, some GCC region governments have adopted a dual-path approach to regulations. This method allows manufacturers to comply with multiple international standards and performance certifications, such as those available from AHRI and Eurovent, under the “Path A” process, which is one way to prove compliance with local MEPS – especially for complex systems such as chillers and VRFs. This method simplifies the regulatory process by eliminating the need for separate testing, streamlining market access for a wider range of HVACR brands and technologies. In addition, this method allows certification bodies to conduct annual surveillance and random testing on their behalf to ensure ongoing compliance with MEPS.

Strengthening government-manufacturer collaboration

Collaboration between regulatory bodies and manufacturers has significantly improved in recent years. AHRI, through its MENA Regional Standards Technical Committee, has become a leading standards developer in the region. By working closely with regulatory authorities, AHRI ensures that manufacturers’ feedback is integrated into the development of new standards and regulations. This stronger dialogue allows for smoother regulatory transitions and minimises risks, such as product recalls, shipment delays and supply chain disruptions.

The various technical committees have been working on developing standards that are tailored to the GCC region, such as those accounting for high-ambient temperatures when calculating seasonal and integrated energy efficiency for commercial and residential air conditioning systems. Another significant milestone is the recent formation of a standards working group tasked with developing a new AHRI standard on “evaporative cooling”, at the request of local regulatory authorities. This reflects the growing demand for region-specific solutions and highlights the critical role of manufacturers in developing standards that meet the unique needs of the GCC region market. Governments are increasingly recognising that collaboration with industry experts, such as manufacturers, is essential to achieving their regulatory goals.

Moreover, AHRI is actively involved in committees responsible for updating building codes in the GCC region. This participation ensures that HVACR manufacturers stay informed about upcoming changes that allows them to contribute their expertise. Such collaboration is vital, as regulatory bodies work to update codes to meet modern efficiency and sustainability objectives.

Allowing more time for compliance

Manufacturers in the GCC region are now seeing more flexibility in complying with new MEPS. Thanks to improved communication among AHRI, its members and regulatory bodies, governments are offering longer lead times for compliance, particularly for local manufacturers. This development has eased the financial and logistical pressures previously faced by the industry, allowing for better planning and smoother product rollouts.

Advisory groups for policy and decarbonisation goals

In addition to its work on building codes, AHRI is playing a key role in local policy advisory workgroups. These groups bring together a wide range of stakeholders – governments, developers, green finance companies, ESCOs, NGOs, consulting engineers and others – to issue white papers advising on building efficiency, energy policies and local standards updates. The objective is to help GCC region countries achieve their decarbonisation and net-zero targets, in alignment with UN requirements and international treaties.

These advisory workgroups provide a platform for sharing knowledge and resources, driving the development of forward-thinking regulations that are critical for achieving sustainability goals in the HVACR sector.

Progress in standards harmonization

One of the ongoing challenges for manufacturers in the GCC region is the lack of harmonised standards across member countries. Although progress has been made, manufacturers still face varying requirements for energy labelling and testing conditions. AHRI’s collaboration with the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) is helping bridge this gap. Together, they are working on developing voluntary performance and labelling standards that all GCC region countries can adopt, which would significantly reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers.

Conclusion: A collaborative future for HVACR in the GCC region

The HVACR industry in the GCC region is entering a new era of collaboration among manufacturers, regulatory bodies and industry associations. Together, these stakeholders are driving regulatory changes that not only enhance energy efficiency but also support the region’s broader decarbonisation and sustainability goals. By working together, they are helping shape the future of HVACR in the GCC region, ensuring that new standards and regulations are specific, effective, and achievable.