Lennox EMEA Organizes Learning Month For HVAC-R Sector

9 Apr 2021

Download PDF version

LENNOX EMEA, a company in the design and manufacture of heating, air conditioning, air treatment, and refrigeration equipment, through its three brands Lennox, Friga-Bohn, and HK Refrigeration, is hosting a content-rich ‘Learning Month’, which will run from April 15th to May 15th.

Learning Month will comprise a series of free online webinars (in local languages) that provide professionals in the HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry with targeted insight and strategy to take their skills to the next level.

Regulatory changes

Among the primary ambition of these enlightening webinars is to provide information and guidance on new industry developments and trends. There will be a particular focus on different European regulatory changes, such as F-Gas and EcoDesign 2021, giving customers the essential keys to prepare for the high season and maximize potential gains.

A comprehensive understanding of regulatory changes is vital for all professionals in the HVAC-R sector, from consultants and design engineers to installers, facility managers, and maintenance personnel. Delivered by the renowned Lennox University, each webinar focuses on a specific topic identified as an ‘area of concern/interest’ through discussion with customers.

Use of A2L in refrigeration

For example, the first webinar will center on the use of A2L in refrigeration applications. Taking place on April 15th and available in English, Spanish, and French, refrigeration installers and wholesalers will learn more about A2L refrigerants, their composition, and their use in line with current regulations.

Relevant regulation studies will reveal the main benefits of A2L refrigerants, while participants will also discover more about the calculation for permissible refrigeration charge/load limits and the principles of risk analysis.

Refrigerant transition

Staying abreast of regulatory changes is paramount from the perspective of sector professionals, so this webinar presents a great opportunity to build knowledge and learn more about the refrigerant transition.

HVAC Applications

Installers, engineers, and end-users learn more about R32 as an A2L refrigerant, its suitability, and its applicable regulations in the webinars Subsequent webinars focus specifically on HVAC applications. For instance, on April 22nd, Lennox, through refrigerant comparison, will explain why R32 is a wise choice for rooftop units and how to achieve a smooth transition from R410A.

Installers, engineers, and end-users will learn more about R32 as an A2L refrigerant, its suitability for different projects, and its applicable regulations in the webinars. Six language options are available: German, Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

Refrigerant specifications

On April 28th attention turns to understanding more about the specifics of the refrigerant changeover in HVAC applications. This webinar will set out how the F-Gas regulation is shaping the HVAC industry, and highlight the emergence of several lower-GWP refrigerants.

Installers and engineers will hear about the impact of this trend and how to ensure a pain-free transition. The language options for this webinar are German, Dutch, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

Energy consumption

These same language options apply to the next webinar, on May 4th, which will pinpoint the key facilitators that deliver optimized energy efficiency. Both end-users and maintenance professionals will benefit from registering for this presentation, the focus points of which include selecting the right IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) solution while managing energy consumption, upgrading fan technology, cloud-based monitoring, and EcoDesign 2021.

Rooftop v/s chiller/AHU solution

Rounding off Learning Month will be the webinar on May 11th: choosing between a rooftop or chiller/AHU solution. The differences between the two solutions, along with best-practice selection criteria, 1/2 will help installers, engineers, and end-users grasp the fundamentals required to reach the optimum decision. This webinar is available in German and Dutch.

Ultimately, knowledge provides many opportunities, not least the chance to make astute selection decisions, optimize refrigeration and HVAC units for performance and efficiency, and become a source of advice and expertise. All those participating in any of the webinars at Learning Month will also get the opportunity to ask questions of the respective Lennox HVAC-R specialist.

Download PDF version Download PDF version

Related companies
Lennox

Related links
Lennox Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems (VRF or VRV)
Lennox Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV)

View all news from
Lennox

In case you missed it

End Of Gas Boilers? New Research Casts Doubt On Hydrogen Heating

Over the past few years, hydrogen has been dubbed the savior of residential heating and a major part of the plan to achieve carbon neutrality, yet new research suggests hydrogen should be reserved for the likes of aircraft and industry. As part of the 2016 Paris Climate Change Accord, the economies agreed to keep global warming under 2°C. A key part of achieving that has been an agreement to become net zero on greenhouses gases by the year 2050. Renewable heating method With heating currently accounting for one-third of UK carbon emissions, it is no surprise that it’s been a key focus as the government looks for new ways to reduce the country's overall carbon emissions. A ban on natural gas boilers and all new build properties was announced back in 2019 by Chancellor Philip Hammond and since then proposed gas boiler replacements have been the subject of intense research and debate. Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method, along with heat pumps and solar, yet hydrogen has remained the strongest due to its ability to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. However, new findings have delivered a big blow to the proposed plans for heating millions of UK homes with hydrogen boilers. Existing gas network Currently, there are various projects underway to test the feasibility of rolling out hydrogen via the existing gas network, funded by both energy companies and the government. This includes the so-called ‘hydrogen village’ in Fife, Scotland, set to become the first location in the UK where hydrogen appliances will be trialed in over 300 homes and fed with hydrogen gas directly from the grid. Yet the new research, conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany had harsh words for such plans, noting that hydrogen fuel remains inefficient and expensive to produce. Hydrogen is one of the most common elements on Earth, yet the major issue is that it’s typically bound to another element and so needs to be separated. The production of hydrogen from water molecules, referred to as ‘green hydrogen’ is both expensive and demands a significant amount of electricity. Achieving carbon neutrality Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power The research suggests that it may be more cost-effective and greener to rely on electricity directly to power both home heating and vehicles. The major reason for this is simply due to the fact that currently hydrogen production requires more electricity than is required to power either an electric car or an air source heat pump. Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power to achieve carbon neutrality. Yet the stark reality is that a reliable supply of green hydrogen power is unlikely to be available for many years. Relying on it to power residential heating and vehicles is simply not attainable at the current speed of development. High carbon heating The major risk of this is that it simply results in countries being reliant on high carbon heating for even longer. For instance, if consumers are advised that having a gas boiler installed is fine because the fuel supply will eventually transition to hydrogen, yet it ends up being too expensive or difficult to supply these homes could eventually be emitting carbon for many more years ahead. Hydrogen is still seen as the ideal solution due to it being able to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. It’s also seen as the most affordable, for instance Energy Guide, has estimated that it would cost an average of £26,000 to switch each UK home to a low-carbon heating system such as heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen Many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed But this new research is making it clear that ‘green hydrogen’ may not be here for some time and as a result, the plan for hydrogen boilers being the solution is untenable. As a result of these observations, many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed and replaced with low carbon alternatives, including heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen to supply major industries such as freight and metal production will be a significant challenge on its own and expecting there to be enough to supply homes too is a huge feat that many are doubtful of. There are three major types of hydrogen production, including: Grey hydrogen - This is the dirtiest type of hydrogen production made through the natural gas being burned with steam, which also produces large amounts of carbon. Blue hydrogen - The hydrogen is still produced via the burning of natural gas but is greener as the carbon is captured and stored underground. Green hydrogen - This is the most environmentally friendly method of hydrogen production. It uses electricity to cause a reaction known as electrolysis, resulting in water molecules being split into their hydrogen and oxygen counterparts. Yet this process is much more expensive than the other methods and requires significant amounts of electricity to achieve. Decarbonize residential heating It’s clear that the government is taking whatever steps necessary to achieve carbon neutral status by 2050 and that home heating needs to be reformed but there are a number of barriers to get there and in the case of hydrogen the production process is the major area of contention. Many point to heat pumps as a suitable alternative, but is it really viable to expect most homes to pay for a brand new heating system with significant upfront costs? While strides have been made in the development of hydrogen-ready appliances and boilers, hydrogen production has not and it’s a considerable problem if it’s going to be relied upon to decarbonize residential heating.

Preparing Your Workplace Building Systems for Reopening

As shared spaces reopen, organizations are making some important decisions about their corporate real estate. Unlike other premises, such as shops and schools, offices can manage their returns slowly and carefully. Staff that can work from home may not return to the office full-time for months, or at all. This places office managers in a unique position. While they are able to learn from the actions and advice of other organizations, they must also recognise that a poorly managed re-opening will likely lead to employees remaining at home or feeling isolated when at the office. As a result, employers will miss out on any benefit of having a central workplace. Creating safe and inspiring places A number of surveys carried out over the past 12 months have found that the majority of workers would prefer to continue working from home several days each week. Rather than taking for granted that a central office is an expensive necessity, employers have taken time to consider exactly what the workplace offers. The focus of the workplace after the pandemic will be to offer what remote working cannot: quiet, focus spaces with ergonomic setups, and spaces from collaborative teamwork. The latter, particularly, has been lost during the pandemic and is a major reason that employers want to encourage staff to return. However, poorly designed space will not make this work any more possible than video calls have. Using the right precautions The precautions against Covid that many of us have become used to when grocery shopping, are designed to keep individuals at a distance and minimize interaction. Social distancing, face masks, and plastic screens all serve a purpose, but they are not realistic long-term solutions in the workplace. Certainly, social distancing and mask-wearing will have a part to play in the return to the office but building managers should be finding ways to keep their sites safe indefinitely, particularly as this may not be the last pandemic to hit. Improving building systems Those in the workplace sector are looking for ways to heighten safety precautions while also promoting other important factors such as wellbeing and comfort, efficiency, and the environment. Disposable face masks promote safety but come at a cost of comfort, cost, and sustainability. However, we are increasingly seeing developments that do not come at such a compromize. Improving building systems are playing a central role in this process. Scientific advisors are recommending that schools improve ventilation in classrooms. Work in this area is highly relevant to those in the workplace. HVAC systems in schools Schools are busy places that rely upon collaborative work and interaction. Over the course of a day, students will come into contact with many others and may interact with shared touchpoints such as light switches, desks, and door handles. Office work holds a lot in common with schools but has more control over the way space is used and what capacity is safe to work at. Social distancing, face masks, and plastic screens all serve a purpose, but they are not realistic long-term solutions in the workplace. An advantage that many workplaces have over public schools is the resources to invest in more sophisticated technology such as sensor-responsive HVAC systems. The Internet of Things (IoT) model for connected technological systems was increasing in popularity before the pandemic. Its growth will undoubtedly accelerate. Many organizations have already invested in occupancy sensors and digital thermometers to aid safety precautions. Connecting this tech to wider systems via the IoT can streamline workplace efficiency. Ventilation systems that are responsive to site occupancy can be used to improve workplace comfort and safety as efficiently as possible. While such systems may come at an initial cost, they can provide significant savings in the long term. They also offer opportunities to create greener workplaces. New investment in carbon-capture technology can remove 10m/t of CO2 from the UK environment every year up to 2030. Based on data produced by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, every 1,000 sq ft of office space used is the equivalent to a carbon footprint of 91t C02 a year. Therefore, if workplace sensor technology was applied across all workplaces in the UK, more than 2.4m tonnes of C02 could be saved annually by making office use more efficient. While offices are still fully or partially closed, organizations should take the opportunity to review their systems and invest in options that can improve the workplace experience. The pandemic has been an opportunity for employers and staff alike to reprioritize. Workplaces are no longer taken for granted as a ‘necessary evil’. Rather, both their strengths and weaknesses have been clearly highlighted. The work that building owners and managers put into creating safe and inspiring workplaces will reflect their investment in their workforce.

George Oliver, CEO Of Johnson Controls Invited By President Biden To Speak At Leaders Summit On Climate

Johnson Controls, a global company for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announced that its chairman and CEO George Oliver has been invited by U.S. President Joe Biden to participate in the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate. Addressing Climate crisis The summit will bring together leaders of the world’s major economies and other vital partners for an urgent and open dialogue on ways to strengthen collective efforts to address the climate crisis. President Biden has made tackling climate change a top national priority since taking office and is urging other world leaders to attend the summit to discuss how their governments will help drive the goal of limiting global temperature rise. Roadmap to a low-carbon economy Transitioning to a lower-carbon economy is an opportunity to build back better, as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic “I am honored to accept President Biden's invitation to join him and other world leaders calling for urgent climate action. It is especially important to establish a roadmap to limiting the rise of global temperatures as we get closer to the COP26 climate conference scheduled for November in Glasgow,” said George Oliver, chairman, and CEO, Johnson Controls. “Transitioning to a lower-carbon economy is an opportunity to build back better, as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions creates jobs while building strong, resilient, global economies.” clean energy economy According to the White House, a major theme of the summit will be the broad economic benefits of climate action, with a strong focus on job creation. This will explore both the economic benefits of green recovery and long-term decarbonization and the importance of ensuring that all communities and workers benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. Representing Business Roundtable and Johnson Controls, Oliver will address these topics in a session on April 23 as well as the role buildings can play to slash both emissions and costs. Promoting eco-friendly future Business Roundtable is an association of chief executive officers of America’s leading companies. Oliver was named chair of the Business Roundtable Energy & Environment Committee in January 2021. The Committee is dedicated to advancing policies that encourage innovation and support an environmentally and economically sustainable future. reducing carbon emissions The vast majority of Business Roundtable’s 223 member CEOs have made public commitments to reduce their companies’ greenhouse gas emissions/carbon footprints, are making serious progress, and reporting on it publicly. Nearly half of those commitments are for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, if not sooner. Business Roundtable members are playing a significant role in driving ambitious climate action and the policy needed to spur low-carbon economic growth. Last September, the organization endorsed the goals of the Paris Agreement and proposed aggressive policies to achieve those goals. Commitment to cut emissions Johnson Controls believes its OpenBlue platform for optimizing building sustainability will be central to fulfilling its goals Johnson Controls' own ambitious emissions reduction targets were recently approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative – an independent organization that assesses corporate sustainability claims. As part of its environmental sustainability commitments, Johnson Controls aims to cut operational emissions by 55 percent and reduce customers’ emissions by 16 percent before 2030. Johnson Controls believes its OpenBlue platform for optimizing building sustainability will be central to fulfilling these goals and ultimately creating an environment for healthy people, healthy places, and a healthy planet. The Climate Pledge The company also recently joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign and is a signatory to The Climate Pledge, an initiative of business leaders co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism. Signatories to the pledge commit to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 – ten years ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement goal.