RAC News & Trends

Vaisala’s Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer - Anne Jalkala has been appointed Member of the Vaisala Leadership Team, as of May 5, 2023. She reports to company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kai Öistämö. Anne Jalkala started in Vaisala in 2022. She joined the company from Fortum, where she held several leadership positions focusing on growth, innovation, strategy and digital business. She also has extensive experience from the academic world. Extensive...

Two of Finland’s major hydro power plants, located in the freezing Arctic Circle, are now SF6 ‘greenhouse gas’ free, thanks to a turn-key generator circuit breaker retrofit that gears them up for a more resource-efficient future. ABB customer, Kemijoki Oy, is one of the most important players in Finland’s renowned carbon neutral electricity system – responsible for balancing half of the country’s grid output – as well as being the leading provider of hy...

Danfoss Power Solutions, a renowned global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics, as well as electric powertrain systems, has launched a new family of universal quick disconnect couplings for data center liquid cooling applications. The Danfoss Hansen® UQD couplings help data center operators meet the thermal management challenges of more powerful chips, denser racks, and heavier workloads through reliable, leak-free, efficient operation. Danfoss Hansen® UQD couplings UQD coupl...

Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc. announces the release of AMCA Publication 511-21 (Rev. 12-22), Certified Ratings Program Product Rating Manual for Air Control Devices. Superseding AMCA Publication 511-21, AMCA Publication 511-21 (Rev. 12-22) outlines technical procedures and the proper presentation of data for the certification of air-control devices through the AMCA Certified Ratings Program (CRP). It is to be used in conjunction with AMCA Publication 11-22, Cert...

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions was pleased to receive a visit from Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP for Welwyn Hatfield and Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, to its Welwyn headquarters to see first-hand the new fully equipped training center for heating and cooling systems. This visit follows Mr. Shapps’ recent trip to Japan for the G7 Summit, during which time he also visited the Panasonic factory and R&D (research & development) facility in...

Aircuity, the globally renowned company in creating healthy and sustainable buildings, has announced that it has become a Diamond sponsor of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) Labs2Zero program. Labs2Zero program The Labs2Zero program recognizes that laboratories are an integral part of an organization’s net zero emissions strategy. It is comprised of a variety of options and information that address both the complexity of laboratories and the need to make th...

Building pressurization is the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of a building. There are three types of pressure that are typically talked about: positive pressure, negative pressure, or stack pressure, and each has an effect on indoor air quality (IAQ). Positive pressure Positive pressure occurs when there is more air coming into the building than going out. This is often used in hospitals, laboratories, and other buildings where it’s important to keep the air...

Danfoss is pleased to announce its participation in this year’s Euroheat and Power Congress, which is taking place in Torino, Italy, from May 22 to May 24, 2023. The Euroheat and Power Congress 2023 theme, ‘District Energy: The Local Solution to Global Challenges’, will focus on how district heating and cooling (DHC) networks can enable local energy transitions and help cities decarbonize. Theme highlights a key Danfoss focus area For Danfoss, the congress theme harmonizes w...

The well-known Italian brand, Big Mamma Restaurant Group, has recently transformed an old four story bank into a striking new restaurant, Jacuzzi, in the heart of High Street Kensington, West London, United Kingdom (UK). In keeping with the grand design of this new ‘pleasure palazzo’, the interior environment needed to offer ultimate comfort and to help create a memorable and luxurious dining experience. Summit Design specified, designed and installed the comprehensive new heating...

Mold in HVAC systems is a cause for concern in buildings. This is because the HVAC system distributes air within a building. But what is mold and how does it get there? Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic materials such as wood, paper, and fabrics, and can also grow on surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. Mold in HVAC Systems When mold grows in a building, it releases spores into the air, which then is circulated throughout the building by the HVAC system. Mold in HVAC systems ca...

For the 8th consecutive year, Johnson Controls (JCI), a globally renowned company for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has earned a place on the Clean200, a list of 200 companies that As You Sow and Corporate Knights say are leading the transition to a sustainable global economy by ‘putting sustainability at the heart of their products, services, business models and investments’. Out of 6,720 global companies, 200 were selected for the high proportion of their revenues ear...

A plan to support the net zero challenge and get young people into high-skilled, well-paid jobs has been launched on 20 April, 2023, by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). In its new Skills Plan, CLC highlights how much the construction and built environment industry has to offer society while providing solutions to short and long-term challenges in England. Construction Construction is a major engine of the UK economy, employing 2.7 million people and contributing 8% output to the e...

Legacy Service Partners, a group of residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services businesses in 16 states, has partnered with Buehler Air Conditioning to augment its growth and success in the Jacksonville, Florida market and beyond. “Jason Buehler, Chase Hudson and the entire team at Buehler Air Conditioning take immense pride in their brand, culture, customer satisfaction and quality workmanship, making them a perfect fit for our platform,” said Legacy CEO and Co-Founder, Rob...

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recently announced the recipients of its 2022 Safety Awards. As the world’s most respected authority on the inspection and cleaning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, NADCA presents its Safety Awards to contractors who have shown a verifiable commitment to employee, customer, and community safety throughout the year.  The awards were announced on March 28 at the association’s 34th Annual Meeting &...

The introduction of HVAC systems established the need for duct insulation. A forced air duct system is designed to be a conduit for the supply and return of fresh and conditioned air to and from occupied spaces of a building. Insulation is used to control duct-borne noise, reduce heat loss or heat gain through duct walls, and minimize water vapor condensation. An internally-lined duct system safely conveys fresh and conditioned air, quietly, throughout occupied spaces at the correct design temp...

On 18 and 19 April 2023, Eurovent will be at HVACR Live, the United Kingdom’s national event for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sectors. Exhibitors will be showcasing products, solutions and supplies from market leaders. Eurovent will be at HVACR Live The expo brings forth HVACR manufacturers’ latest innovations and challenges facing the industry and potential solutions across the sector. The Eurovent Deputy Secretary General - Stijn Renneboog will be at...

U.S. Senator - Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), alongside leaders from Henry Ford College (HFC), Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) and Garforth International, celebrated a US$ 3.1 million appropriation to support a sustainability initiative that demonstrates how schools, cities and organizations across the U.S.A. can reach their net zero targets, as well as train the next generation of energy leadership. Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) With an Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) as the corners...

WindowMaster, the Danish CleanTech company and one of the natural ventilation and façade automation specialists unveil the latest addition to its growing portfolio of innovative smoke and heat ventilation solutions.  WSC 104   Amid a heightened focus on combining optimum indoor air quality with stringent fire safety protocol, WindowMaster’s team of experts has developed a new compact smoke control panel, WSC 104, effectively combining smoke extraction with comfortable ve...

Parts Town, the technology innovator and market-renowned distributor of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) food service parts, residential appliance parts, and related products, has announced the launch of its HVAC parts category.  From air handler parts, condensing unit parts, packaged unit parts, and more, Parts Town will now supply an extensive range of parts and accessories from top manufacturers, such as Carrier, Fast OEM Parts, Trane, Lennox, York, and Heatcraft, among others.&nbs...

Honeywell Building Technologies (HBT) recently earned ISA/IEC 62443-4-1 Process Certification for its software development lifecycle. ISA/IEC 62443-4-1 certification underscores HBT’s commitment to following best practices and standards in developing secure, cyber-resilient products. The ISA/IEC 62443 standards define requirements and processes for implementing and maintaining electronically secure industrial automation and control systems. The certification standards set best practices...

Trane® – by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator – is celebrating its 110th anniversary as a globally renowned company in creating comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments for commercial buildings, industry and homes. The Trane Company was incorporated in 1913, 28 years after James Trane and his son - Reuben started a family plumbing business in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States of America (USA). It established its position as a pioneer in climate control in...

STULZ, specialists in the design and manufacture of standardized, customizable modular and micro data center solutions has launched the STULZ Micro DC – a single rack, all-in-one micro data center solution. Featuring a standardized and modular design, with preconfigured options that are fully tested for assured performance, the STULZ Micro DC combines power protection and distribution, cooling, monitoring, and management with fire protection and security.  Data center technology "W...

A-Gas, the pioneer in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerants and associated products, has expanded its operations into New Zealand.  LRM Capabilities  “Building on our leading market position in Australia and globally, we are excited to be bringing our Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) capabilities to New Zealand,” said Brett Ferguson, Managing Director, A-Gas (Aust...

Trane® - by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, and Parkway School District, one of the largest school districts in Missouri, USA, announced that the district has achieved a total energy savings of more than US$ 1.1 million in the four years following comprehensive energy and infrastructure upgrades. This is 10% higher than the initial savings guaranteed by Trane. Following the upgrades, the district is using less electricity and natural gas, resulting in a 26% reduction in ener...

Resideo Technologies, Inc. (Resideo), a major global provider of solutions for home comfort, security, and safety, has launched its Honeywell Home T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits. Resideo has enhanced its popular ENERGY STAR® certified Honeywell Home T10 Pro Smart Thermostat that was first released in 2019. Honeywell Home T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits The new Honeywell Home T10+ Smart Thermostat Kits with RedLINK® 3.0 offer additional control over three types of indoor air quality (IAQ) equip...

The home greatly relies on its HVAC system to ensure the family’s comfort and safety. A significant part of this system is the heater, which provides much-needed warmth to the living space during the colder seasons. This component, however, is no different from any other appliance, and repair needs will inevitably arise from time to time. When this does happen, it’s imperative to address the issue as soon as possible. At Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast, they associate prompt h...

Facilio, the New-York headquartered proptech company known for its suite of smart buildings software, has rolled out a cloud-based supervisory control platform that enables remote monitoring and optimization of refrigeration systems. The company’s Connected Refrigeration Solution delivers up to 20% savings in energy for multi-site food retailers including grocery, convenience store, and supermarket operators. real-time visibility Raj Subramanian, Co-Founder & CPO at Facilio, said, "...

In the context of regular assessments at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2023, Siemens AG announces an impairment reversal of its investment in Siemens Energy AG (SE), which will increase the investment book value. Siemens Energy AG's Xetra closing share price of €20.24 on March 31, 2023, is significantly higher than the closing share price of €13.99 on June 30, 2022, when Siemens reported an impairment of the Siemens Energy AG investment. This result in an impairment rever...

Tarkett’s vinyl flooring factory in Ronneby, Sweden, is using ABB data insights and service expertise to save 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy per year from their motor-driven systems. This is around 1 percent of the site’s total energy consumption in a year and is equivalent to the energy needed to charge 68 million smartphones for the same amount of time. ABB Ability™ Digital Powertrain Energy Appraisal solution With the current energy prices, the payback period would be...

Schneider Electric, the globally renowned company in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been selected as the sustainability partner for the Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences. The newly completed education center sets a new standard for sustainable, all electric buildings in Boston and is the city’s largest net-zero building. Boston University will heat and cool the 345,000 square-foot property with 31 geothermic wells and all of its...