Energy Star

Alfa Laval, globally renowned company in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling technology, has signed two frame agreements, running over the coming three years, for ballast water treatment systems. Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 The agreements comprise firm orders to deliver Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 to about 40 vessels, with options covering another 40 systems. Even as the shipping industry has been heavily hit by the current pandemic, Alfa Laval has continued working closely with its marine customers to secure their daily operations and keep them prepared for tomorrow. We are proud to have secured these orders - especially in these challenging times" "We are proud to have secured these orders - especially in these challenging times," said Sameer Kalra, President of the Marine Division at Alfa Laval, adding "This confirms PureBallast 3's status as a market-renowned solution, while also proving that our focus on business continuity has been successful. We have worked hard to ensure that we remain close to our customers and can support them when they need us, despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic." The value of the firm orders is approximately SEK 100 million, including Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 systems and in some cases, also deck houses and booster pump units. The orders will be booked in the Marine Separation & Heat Transfer unit. Energy efficient and heat recovery solutions expert Ships sailing in international waters are obliged to carry a ballast water cleaning system on board, to prevent invasive species potentially wiping out local ecosystems. Alfa Laval's innovative technologies are dedicated to purifying, refining, and reusing materials, promoting more responsible use of natural resources. They contribute to improved energy efficiency and heat recovery, better water treatment, and reduced emissions. The company is not only accelerating success for its customers, but also for the global population and the planet.

Building technology industries veteran Mike Fischer has joined Armstrong Fluid Technology as Commercial Director and Country Leader, USA. In this role he will be responsible for all sales and sales support functions for the United States and will report directly to Joachim Schulz, Global Commercial Director, Building Business. Executive management positions Fischer brings more than 30 years of experience working with the organizations focused on building technology. In his 29 years with Honeywell he held several executive management positions with the company’s Building Technologies, Building Products and Life Safety divisions. Most recently, he served as Global HBS Service Sales Leader with Honeywell Building Solutions. Fischer has an MBA from Texas Christian University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University.

Honeywell and Dimer LLC announced a partnership to bring an ultraviolet cleaning (UVC) system to airlines that, when properly applied, significantly reduces certain viruses and bacteria on airplane cabin surfaces. The Honeywell UV Cabin System can treat an aircraft cabin in less than 10 minutes for just a few dollars per flight for midsize to large airline fleets. "This offering is a big win for our airline customers, which are seeking affordable ways to clean their cabins effectively and quickly between flights," said Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace President and CEO. "Honeywell is working on a range of solutions to help make passengers more comfortable about flying." hospital-grade technology Honeywell is accepting orders for the UV Cabin System now with the first shipments coming in July. Pricing will vary based on quantity, but for midsize to large airlines with hundreds or more aircraft, Honeywell's system could be applied to their aircraft for less than $10 per use. "Working with Honeywell puts this technology in the hands of a worldwide aerospace leader that can quickly deliver to airlines and other aircraft operators," said Elliot M. Kreitenberg, Co-Founder and President of Dimer LLC. "As the travel industry begins to recover, we know hospital-grade technology will ease passenger concerns, and that's what we're providing with this system." protection against COVID-19 Honeywell is currently in discussions with multiple airlines and service providers for the UV Cabin System The Honeywell UV Cabin System is roughly the size of an aircraft beverage cart and has UVC light arms that extend over the top of seats and sweep the cabin to treat aircraft surfaces. Properly applied, UVC lights deliver doses that medical studies find reduce various viruses and bacteria, including SARS CoV and MERS CoV. Results vary based on UV dosage and application, and no testing has been done specifically on protection against COVID-19. Dimer and Honeywell have entered into a worldwide, exclusive license as part of a strategic partnership for Honeywell to produce, advertise and sell portable UV technology devices for use within the aerospace industry. UV Cabin System Honeywell is currently in discussions with multiple airlines and service providers for the UV Cabin System. UVC has been used in hospitals, air and water filters, microbiology labs, and other applications. Most household lamps have between 500 and 700 nanometers (nm) of ultraviolet light. In comparison, UVC refers to ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 200 and 280 nm.

NearU HVAC Services, announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Carolina Heating Services in Greenville, SC. With this acquisition, NearU has established a multi-state footprint and tripled its employee base within the first four months of its inaugural acquisition. "Carolina Heating Services has established itself as the market leader in Greenville since the late 1980's and has built a strong local brand. The company's dedicated focus on customer experience and employee training is culturally aligned with NearU's steadfast vision to be the preferred service provider and the preferred employer in the markets in which it operates." strong local brand I look forward to helping implement NearU's transformational vision for Carolina Heating Services" "We look forward to implementing our value creation plans for Carolina Heating Services with the help of their incredibly talented team and we welcome the customers and employees of Carolina Heating Services to the rapidly growing NearU family," said Ashish Achlerkar, NearU's Founder and CEO. "After nearly four decades of building a strong local brand, providing career paths to hundreds of employees, and serving thousands of customers, we wanted to transition the company to a growth-oriented, culturally-aligned partner for the next chapter of Carolina Heating Services' growth. I am highly confident that the NearU team will take excellent care of our customers, invest in career opportunities for our employees and take our legacy to greater heights." deliver efficient transaction "The NearU team fulfilled their promise to deliver a highly confidential and efficient transaction at a fair value for our shareholders. Their approach is honest and straightforward, and they remained steadfast in their commitment to the agreed-upon deal terms despite the global pandemic and uncertain macroeconomic circumstances," said Scott Kelly, the Founder and President of Carolina Heating Services. Under NearU's ownership, the Carolina Heating Services NearU team will be led by Connie Caldwell, a 16-year veteran of the Company, who added "I look forward to helping implement NearU's transformational vision for Carolina Heating Services and for the growth opportunities for all of our team members. I am greatly confident that the NearU team will significantly raise the bar for customer and employee experience in the HVAC industry."

Creative Realities, Inc., a renowned provider of digital marketing solutions, announced a reseller program to support broader distribution of its Thermal Mirror solution. CRI moved quickly to anticipate and meet the growing need for thermal screening solutions as businesses resume normal operations following the COVID-19 shutdown. Since introducing its Thermal Mirror solution several weeks ago, CRI has expanded its partner program to make its thermal screening solution more broadly available. The reseller program unveiled is the latest addition to its Thermal Mirror partner program. thermal screening solution "At Aspire, we are committed to providing our customers with reliable and proven technology solutions that enable business continuity in the face of challenges brought on by COVID-19," said Lorraine Azzinaro, Chief Operating Officer, Aspire Technology Partners, a charter member of CRI's new reseller program. "CRI's Thermal Mirror is a best-of-breed, Cloud-connected thermal screening solution that is the perfect addition to our portfolio, and precisely the sort of solution our customers are asking for." The market for thermal screening products is becoming more crowded by the day, and it often falls on resellers to make sense of the market for customers and to lead them to smart purchasing decisions. CRI's new reseller program provides its reseller partners with key assets such as training, support, and sales & marketing collateral – all the necessary tools to help them explain to their customers how and why it is essential to include thermal screening in their return-to-work plans. Cisco Destination Partner Aspire is well-connected across a wide swath of industries, particularly within the education market" Following a thorough vetting process, CRI-authorized resellers are extended special channel pricing and retain the ability to bill customers directly.   "Establishing our new reseller program is an important step forward to make Thermal Mirror more broadly available, and we're thrilled to welcome Aspire as a charter member," said Rick Mills, CRI's CEO. "Aspire is well-connected across a wide swath of industries, particularly within the education market. As a Cisco Destination Partner for K-12 and Higher Education, the company will be instrumental in helping educational institutions navigate the complicated process of returning students and faculty to campus in the safest way possible." AI-enabled software platform CRI's Thermal Mirror does far more than simply provide an accurate, hands-free temperature screening for people as they enter a place of business. The solution's advanced reporting capabilities are highly customizable to suit specific needs of each business customer, thanks to its centralized, AI-enabled software platform that supports virtually all workflows and requirements, and scales easily for enterprise deployment. CRI hosts webinars at 3pm Eastern each Tuesday and Thursday to educate businesses about the importance of thermal monitoring in the workplace. Register for an upcoming webinar, or download archived webinars, video tutorials and additional assets to learn how Thermal Mirror helps maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

The Eurovent Product Groups ‘Air Conditioners’ (PG-AC) and ‘Liquid Chilling Packages and Heat Pumps’ (PG-LCP-HP) elected new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, with a clear scope and timeline of activities. Mr. Henk Kranenberg was separately elected Chairman of both Products Groups. He is joined by Vice Chairman, Mr. Stefano Vit (De'Longhi Group) in the Air Conditioners Group and Vice Chairman, Mr. Mariano Covolo (Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.) in the Chillers Group. PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP Product Groups PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP met in quick succession, on 9 and 10 June, 2020 respectively, with a focus on defining the scope and timeline of future activities in light of important European and international developments in the area of legislation and standardization. Both Product Groups elected Mr. Henk Kranenberg, Eurovent Vice-President and Senior Manager at Daikin Environment Research Center, as Chairman. Eurovent Product Groups ‘Air Conditioners’ (PG-AC elected Mr. Stefano Vit, Patents and Technical Compliance Leader at De’Longhi Group as Vice Chairman, whereas PG-LCP-HP elected Mr. Mariano Covolo, Technology & Engineering Management Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A. as Vice Chairman. The Product Groups will focus on the upcoming revisions of important pieces of EU legislation in the HVACR sector, including the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for air conditioners (206/2012 and 626/2011), chillers (2016/2281), and space heaters (811/2013 and 813/2013), as well as the F-Gas Regulation (517/2014). Developments in standardization and testing The Product Groups will also follow developments in the area of standardization and testing The Product Groups will also follow developments in the area of standardization and testing, including EN14511, EN14825, the BAM testing method, VRF testing method, polyvalent heat pump testing method, EN378, and IEC EN 60335-2-40, and other important topics, including flammable refrigerants and the circular economy. Mr. Henk Kranenberg, newly elected Chairman of both Product Groups stated, “The European Green Deal is of great relevance for the HVACR industry, and sustainable heating and cooling have a major role to play in decarbonising the economy.” Developing sound European policies and standards Henk adds, “The reactivated Eurovent PG-AC and PG-LCP-HP will accompany the development of sound European policies and standards in support of the EU’s climate-neutrality vision. I urge all our industry colleagues to join us in this important work.” The next meetings are scheduled for 22 September, 2020 (PG-AC) and 23 September, 2020 (PG-LCP-HP).

Today’s homes are built with more insulation than ever and are known for being airtight. While this practice lowers energy bills, harmful contaminants are also kept in, which reduces the overall indoor air quality (IAQ). The effects of poor IAQ are most acute in areas of high humidity or uncontrolled moisture, such as the bathroom. Accumulation of these substances can result in health problems and mold growth as well as the deterioration of furniture and paint. Contractors make great efforts to prevent these dangerous conditions through proper ventilation. In fact, state and local governments also mandate ventilation – instilling it into the building code. For decades, ventilation was achieved through the ubiquitous AC, or alternating current ventilation, fans. The last decade has given rise to DC, or direct current, fans that offer contractors and homeowners more efficient and feature-rich options. In summary, DC motor technology provides reliability, functionality, quietness and energy efficiency. Unparalleled Reliability DC motors are engineered to outlast typical AC motor models by as much as 70 percent. Testing often involves running fans continuously under harsh conditions. These assessments have shown that DC brushless fans can run a minimum of 70,000 hours – the equivalent of eight years straight – without any disruption to performance. DC motors are smarter than traditional AC options Cutting-Edge Functionality DC motors are smarter than traditional AC options because they incorporate a PCB or printed circuit board. PCBs allow software to be written into the fan for greater functionality. They enable valuable features, like humidity sensors and motion sensors. PCBs also enable safety precautions like lock protection, which stop power to the motor when it becomes jammed. In addition, a PCB can preserve the life of the motor by powering it on gradually through what is known as a “soft-start” function. Much like a car’s engine, aggressive stops and starts can decrease the life of a motor. Unlike AC fans, DC fans can come pre-programed with this start and stop functionality. DC motors are engineered to outlast typical AC motor models Virtually Silent Operation  Ventilation fans are infamous for creating loud noise and disrupting peace in the bathroom. Not operating the fan can lead to mold and mildew, however. Rental properties are often an unwitting victim, since tenants are less inclined to run a loud bath fan since they don’t have a stake in the property. A virtually silent fan will encourage regular use, saving building owners substantial repair costs. DC motor fans are known for their quiet operation, with many fans rated at less than 0.3 sones – the lowest possible sound rating in the industry. This can be quieter than many kitchen refrigerators. An Energy-Efficient Marvel A state-of-the-art DC motor fan uses up to 85 percent less electricity than an AC model A state-of-the-art DC motor fan uses up to 85 percent less electricity than an AC model. This can save homeowners, businesses and landlords on their energy bills. Due to their many benefits, DC fans are among the most efficient ventilation fans available. Many exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements for efficiency – the industry benchmark set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – by as much as 350 percent. Homeowners and tenants want the bathroom to feel serene, comfortable and appear aesthetically pleasing. Ventilation fans can easily be overlooked in a large construction project, but are the unsung hero of IAQ. DC fan solutions can safeguard long-term health, preserve structural integrity and maintain a bathroom’s tranquility for years to come. As sustainability and efficiency come into focus in new construction and remodeling projects, the adoption of DC fans will only continue to gain pace.

Residential HVAC is a fulfilling business to be in. Whether be it servicing a furnace or installing an air conditioning unit, the individual is doing important work to help keep families in the community safe and comfortable. The work also comes with perks such as good margins, some great customers, and the ability to set varying pricing and schedule. If an individual is in a growing business in this space, chances are that they have seen more than a few hectic days. Days where it becomes difficult to juggle crews, instruct technicians on necessary job details, and answer client calls, all at the same time. In theory, this chaotic day-to-day is a good problem to have. In practice, it can get really tiring, pretty fast. Robust system to streamline operations The work can be extremely overwhelming and if the right systems aren’t in place, the business could suffer. Lines of communication can get crossed and if time is being spent working on the wrong things, the individual could miss out on opportunities to grow. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing a high growth HVAC business, by applying the right operational strategies, businesses can flourish. Coordinating requests while dispatching techs out to do work is where many administrators and operations managers hit a roadblock in business growth. This is precisely why businesses need to implement software that lets them track jobs, view technician schedules, and flag new jobs to crew members all in one place. This will eliminate the need to play ‘phone tag’ across the organization, which in turn will keep operations running smoothly and reduce manual errors. What’s more, if the software allows techs to automatically trigger an invoice that customers can pay on the spot, businesses can avoid hours of chasing down past-due payments and create a better cash flow. mobile apps: Picking The right software Businesses are encouraged to choose software with a mobile app where customers can enter the payment type Businesses are encouraged to choose software with a mobile app where customers can enter the payment type, such as cash, check, credit, debit and a receipt can be automatically emailed to customers. This will also cut out out-of-date operations, while giving businesses access to what they need (schedules, work orders, customer information and more) at anytime from anywhere. Having a central hub for keeping everything organized also creates the operational flexibility needed to take on work. To ensure businesses don’t have to turn new jobs down due to delayed responses or scheduling issues, a crew member can be kept flexible for this task. In order to do this right, businesses need to calculate how much emergency work they’re losing due to unavailability and adjust accordingly, by creating a schedule with allotted time. Spacing out work won’t impact the number of scheduled installs and replacements retained, while giving businesses added time and revenue to take on emergency repairs. This strategy is only doable if businesses have the requisite software that can provide an accurate and full look into employees’ workloads. pricing services Research Is Important A business in high-growth mode needs to ensure their pricing reflects the services being offered. This can be done with researching of other companies in the area that are charging for the same services offered, so that the business can have a number to compare to when setting prices and also prepare to justify higher price to customers. Setting prices higher can be advantageous for a business, if they can show customers the differentiators. Most people want work done right, and an added premium that ensures top service often won’t turn them away. Additionally, it’s important to make sure all expenses are covered, down to the credit card fees. When pricing services, businesses need to build a file of overhead expenses, then determine the percentage profit want to charge clients. Different jobs require unique services, so prices should reflect that Varied pricing per customer Different jobs require unique services, so prices should reflect that. A business might charge more for commercial clients than homeowners. These minor adjustments will ensure that a business makes the profit that the work deserves. Feedback is also very important for repeat orders. If a business is not getting repeat clients due to pricing, they should keep that in mind when building profit margins. Pricing shouldn’t be static, continuous adjustments has to be made where it makes sense and extra time invested to do the research. Ensuring exceptional customer service It’s important to set up systems and expectations for teams to follow right out of the gate With business growth also comes customer growth, and for residential HVAC companies that physically go into a customer’s home, it’s crucial that their services reflect the highest quality. It’s important to set up systems and expectations for teams to follow right out of the gate. Helping crews do their best work from a technical and customer service perspective by establishing guidelines for what the business wants every homeowner to experience is the key. Open lines of communication Aside from ensuring that the crew keeps a clean workplace, keeping open lines of communication with customers should be a top priority for businesses. This can be as simple as answering the phone and getting a technician to a job site as soon as possible. Often, customers come from positions of stress due to broken equipment, so having quick response time is a key differentiator between good and bad service. A good solution for this is to evolve into automating key communications that allow techs to send ‘on my way’ text messages. How a business interacts with customers is a key signifier into how the company operates, so businesses need to ensure that have the best customer service practices in place. Never take valuable employees for granted While it sounds simple, a high-growth business needs reliable employees to scale, so that their competition does not swoop in and scoop up an employee who doesn’t feel valued. As business ramps up, it’s easy to miss that technicians are not being dispatched to jobs that they enjoy. If employees are constantly doing a job because they’re good at it and they don’t feel fulfilled doing that specific job, at the end of the day, they are not going to be happy. To avoid losing employees, businesses should take the time to ask what jobs they like to do and see if they can accommodate schedules to reflect their preferences. employee retention And loyalty A crucial factor in building a top performing team is employee retention and loyalty A crucial factor in building a top performing team is employee retention and loyalty. Businesses should focus on creating a great atmosphere to work in. This includes keeping a pulse on what’s happening in the team’s personal lives and use that to show appreciation in meaningful ways. One way to do this is by investing in the team’s education. For example, paying tuition fees for techs so they can get new certifications and licensing. These types of gestures show that the business cares about the success of their employees, while also helping them retain the most qualified crew members. Incorporating software solutions and automating tedious tasks Developing a high-growth residential HVAC company doesn’t have to be stressful if businesses know what systems and processes to implement to better manage operations. By adopting strategies that incorporate software solutions, like Jobber, to streamline operations, automate tedious tasks and improve customer communications, the opportunity for growth is more accessible for businesses. Organizations should focus on creating a solid operational system by doing research before pricing services, keeping customer service a top priority and not letting great employees slip away. All these strategies will work together to help maximize business growth.

The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HVAC industry is being felt by all of us in the HVAC industry. The current challenges and threats have been well documented and, unfortunately, will continue to evolve over the coming days, weeks and months.  However, as with many tragic events, there can be positive changes that come from this tragedy. One of these positive changes will be the more rapid development and deployment of smart HVAC systems and remote asset management solutions. Data and solutions to building owners Although the development of technologies for smarter, more connected buildings has been underway for some time, it is now being accelerated by the need for social distancing and remote working conditions. It’s now more critical than ever that HVAC systems learn, predict and optimize so they can provide critical data and solutions to building owners and other HVAC professionals remotely before problems occur.  And, once potential problems or challenges are identified, experts must be able to communicate digitally with technicians onsite in real time to provide virtual assistance and troubleshooting.  The technology can detect dead-heading, excessive heating, broken coupling, cavitation, excessive vibration How can we accomplish this task under such difficult conditions? Different manufacturers offer a variety of solutions. At Armstrong Fluid Technology we call it Active Performance Management. Active Performance Management At its heart, Active Performance Management is a new approach to maximizing performance in building systems through a combination of actively seeking system insights and applying those to improved performance. The technology aspect consists of connecting intelligent pumps with other critical HVAC components via cloud-computing to provide critical diagnostic analytics to building owners and managers through a neuro network. This allows the system to learn, predict and optimize in real time so it can alert building managers to potential issues and predictive maintenance needs well before they become a pressing problem. The technology can detect dead-heading, excessive heating, broken coupling, cavitation, excessive vibration and many other potential issues before they become costly problems.  Digitization, digitalization via cloud computing, HVAC and building systems will exchange data, leading to smart building Equally important, it tracks such important operating efficiency data as energy savings, CO2 savings and much more.Over time, HVAC systems experience ‘operational drift’ as various components begin to operate less efficiently.This ‘drift’ can result in 30-40% wasted energy. By detecting and even predicting when this drift may begin to occur we can maintain peak performance and achieve significant energy and cost savings.  Fifth Wave of Technology  We believe the HVAC industry is experiencing a Fifth Wave of Technology that is being fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Fifth Wave is the decentralization of decision making which consists of adding ‘brains’ to equipment at all levels (pumps, heat exchangers, valves, etc.) to enable cross communications and create the neuro network mentioned previously. By providing a higher authority to lower level equipment, the analytics and decision making process is distributed throughout the larger group. This augments a building’s BAS system and provides combined brain power with more accurate data. When enabled by digitization and digitalization and connected via cloud computing, all HVAC and building systems will exchange data, leading to smart buildings – i.e. lighting systems talking to HVAC systems. Smart buildings will lead to smart cities that consist of similar buildings, all connected and learning from one another to further optimize performance and save energy. It’s now more critical than ever that HVAC systems learn, predict and optimize Remote Asset Management  It is no longer necessary for technicians to go to the jobsite to check the system’s operation But what has all of this to do with the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated change we are now seeing?  The data and analytics provided by Active Performance Management services are available to building managers remotely any time, anywhere, via cell phones, laptops and other connected devices.  Now that many people are working remotely it is more important than ever that they have all the data and analytics they need at their fingertips.It is no longer necessary for technicians to go to the jobsite to check the system’s operation and/or switch control modes between manual, automatic, BAS or IO.  And although this Remote Asset Management capability has been available for a while, it seems many building managers are hesitant to fully trust these systems and/or have the need for hands-on operation. Possible to cost-effectively upgrade existing pumps and system components into intelligent systems Switching Manual and Automatic modes In some instances, systems are put into manual mode for servicing but are never switched back to automatic mode. When this happens managers and building owners don’t realize all of the benefits and energy savings possible There are also instances where building managers don’t have intelligent pumps and components installed and think they don’t have the budgets to upgrade. However, it is now possible to cost-effectively upgrade existing pumps and system components into intelligent systems.  Whatever the case, we are seeing more and more building managers and maintenance professionals feeling much more confident and accepting of these intelligent systems now that they must observe social distancing. Augmented reality app that even allows both parties to draw on their screens and highlight various system parts Digital Trouble-Shooting Tools  But what happens when a potential problem or an emergency situation develops and it is necessary for the technician to speak with a system expert? Thanks to new technology, mobile apps now exist that allow both parties to video chat so the technician can show the expert exactly what is happening with the system.  They can collaborate in real-time and even see what button they need to push or valve they need to turn. There is a brand new augmented reality app that even allows both parties to draw on their screens and highlight various system parts.  Here again, we are seeing more and more customers that are feeling increasingly comfortable with remote service calls and probably will prefer this method moving forward. What Does The Future Hold?  Although no one knows what the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the HVAC industry, we believe the positive outcomes will be customers more willing and accepting of intelligent systems, a greater comfort level with remote analytics and an embracement of remote diagnostic troubleshooting.  And of course, this will result in greater energy savings, greater cost savings and reduction in CO2 emissions worldwide. So, there is some good news that will come from this unfortunate pandemic afterall.

When a visionary industrial designer turns his attention to the HVAC industry, it’s probably wise to take note. Recently, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, Elon Musk expressed his vision for residential HVAC, based in part on a new heat pump his engineers designed for the Tesla Model Y electric compact sport utility vehicle. Efficient, quiet home HVAC system According to several reports, Musk seeks to build an efficient and quiet HVAC system for the home, piggybacking on the technology used to make heaters for the newest Tesla Model Y. It’s the first of Tesla’s electric cars to use a heat pump, which is more efficient than previous electric heating systems. Tesla’s previous vehicle models used resistance heating, which is a battery hog Tesla’s previous vehicle models used resistance heating, which is a battery hog. The new heat pump component, including a compressor/chiller and liquid cooled condenser, is designed to be more energy-efficient and provides a more reliable vehicle operation range in cold weather conditions. Model Y heat pump “The model Y heat pump is some of the best engineering I’ve seen in a while,” said Musk on Twitter, adding “[The] team did next-level work.” Musk would ‘love to do HVAC that’s quiet and efficient with humidity control and HEPA filter’ for the home. Tesla car-inspired temperature controls Musk stated that he imagines a full-home HVAC system that is inspired by and maybe linked with the temperature controls inside someone’s Tesla vehicle. The proposal is in line with Musk’s mission to accelerate the advent of sustainable energy. He said, “Reducing a home’s energy usage while deploying solar power capacity are complementary goals”. High-efficiency particulate air filters Tesla HEPA filters are about 10 times larger than a normal automotive cabin air filter Tesla already has experience with HVAC systems and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters used to clean the cabin air in their Model 5 and Model X vehicles. The Tesla HEPA filters are about 10 times larger than a normal automotive cabin air filter and about “100 times more effective,” according to the company. Tesla HEPA filters The filters remove at least 99.97% of the fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, as well as bacteria, viruses, pollen and mold spores. Tesla refers to the extreme level of air cleaning as ‘Bioweapon Defense Mode’. Among other benefits, the filtering system protected California drivers from smoke and kept the vehicles’ cabin air clean during the recent wildfires. Musk first mentioned home air conditioning systems about two years ago, alluding to a home HVAC system that is quiet and efficient with humidity control and a HEPA filter. HEPA filter in a home system “The use of a HEPA filter in a home system would be a ‘life changer’ for people with allergies”, says Musk. The growing popularity of home air purifier products supports the conclusion. Communication between a Tesla vehicle and a Tesla home climate system would allow an intelligent air conditioning system to ‘know’ exactly when a resident will get home and only cool the home as appropriate to save energy. Energy-efficient, high performance HVAC systems Musk has also questioned the wisdom of home air conditioner systems that make pure, fresh water Musk has also questioned the wisdom of home air conditioner systems that make pure, fresh water and then dump it on the ground. The HVAC market has had its share of innovation in recent years, as today’s more energy-efficient, quieter and better-performing systems can attest. Smart thermostats, climate control systems There has also been lots of development in the area of smart thermostats and climate control systems, with the results approximating what Musk envisions achieving with communications between his smart vehicles and smart home systems. But is it time to rethink the technologies again? There is certainly opportunity in the market for any systems that provide better, more sustainable performance, no matter where the ideas originate. Given Musk’s success envisioning a future of electric cars and lower-cost space travel (among other ideas), his thoughts on the future of the HVAC market are at least worth considering.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the ultraviolet irradiation industry has seen an unprecedented surge in demand for germicidal solutions. UV-C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that kills germs by inactivating a microorganism’s DNA. Germicidal UV-C energy is just one of three proven methods identified by ASHRAE of controlling airborne infection. The other two are ventilation and particle filtration. However, although UV-C is effective in killing other varieties of coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, scientists do not yet know about the impact of UV-C on COVID-19. The ultraviolet germicidal waveform (253.7 nm) kills every known microorganism including bacteria, viruses, molds and other pathogens – even antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Proven, Mainstream Technology We have redoubled our educational focus and hired a communications manager to oversee these efforts" Therefore, it's incumbent on facility engineers to use multilayer preventative infection-control measures such as germicidal UV-C to help ensure that whatever pathogen is not “killed” by one method (say filtering or cleaning) is inactivated by another (UV-C). UV Resources, Santa Clarita, Calif., helped establish ultraviolet air and surface treatment as a mainstream technology. However, there is still a surprising amount of doubt and misinformation surrounding the application of UV-C technology, says Daniel Jones, President, UV Resources. “We have redoubled our educational focus and hired a communications manager to oversee these efforts,” he said. air distribution systems “While some bacteria and viruses are more susceptible to UV disinfection than others, all microorganisms tested do respond at the appropriate doses,” says Jones. “And, unlike antibiotics and vaccines, there is no way for microbes to develop a resistance to the germicidal energy of UV-C.” In-duct germicidal UV-C systems are installed in air-handling units or air distribution systems to inactivate microorganisms that propagate allergens and to disinfect moving airstreams “on-the-fly,” translating into better indoor air quality (IAQ), improved occupant productivity, and lower incidences of sick days. emergency waiting rooms Operating 24/7/365, upper-room germicidal fixtures can inactivate microbes in under a second A UV-C lamp system is a complete solution that includes a UV-C lamp, wiring harness or some means of connecting the lamp to an electronically-matched ballast, and can include accessories such as lamp/ballast monitors, safety switches, viewport/access doors and lamp timers. Upper-room germicidal UV-C fixtures — ideal for infection control — work by interrupting the transmission of airborne infectious diseases in high traffic communal areas. Immunocompromised and contagious individuals in emergency waiting rooms, urgent care facilities, doctor offices or senior living centers increase the potential for community spread by positioning potentially undiagnosed/untreated patients near others. upper-room germicidal fixtures The upper-room UV-C fixtures utilize the natural rise-and-fall of convection or mechanical air currents to lift airborne infectious agents above seven feet, where they are exposed to UV-C irradiation and killed. Operating 24/7/365, upper-room germicidal fixtures can inactivate microbes in under a second, including measles, mumps, TB, and cold viruses. These fixtures are wall-mounted and use baffles to direct the UV-C energy upward and outward ensuring that no UV-C energy enters the occupied portion of the room. Kill ratios of up to 99.9% on a first-pass basis have been modeled, and concentrations are further reduced by each subsequent pass of recirculated air (“multiple dosing”). The powerful GLO Upper-Room Germicidal Fixture from UV Resources delivers up to 350% more irradiance than conventional upper air UV systems elevate infection control “Healthcare and commercial office buildings have traditionally represented the early adopters of UV-C technology to disinfect airstreams, HVAC surfaces and the upper air,” says Jones. “The healthcare industry has once again led the surge in use of UV-C during this current pandemic. However, the unprecedented global impact of this pandemic will elevate infection control and life-safety issues to the forefront of vulnerabilities that can lead to business-crippling crises in every business across every industry.” Just as no one would operate an HVAC system without air filters, the time is near when no one will operate HVAC/R systems without UV-C installed, says Jones. However, UV-C technology has long been misunderstood and therefore under-utilized in the HVAC market. Air-stream disinfection systems Upper-room UV-C fixtures cost as little as $2.50 - $3.10 per square foot of treated space UV Resources has been a key driver in advancing this technology; collaborating on UV-C research, authoring white papers and technical articles aimed at educating, and leading the industry’s expansion through science and education. “Indeed, our industry educational roots can be traced to our late founder and respected industry leader, Forrest Fencl, who pioneered the modern application of UV-C in HVAC/R equipment and contributed countless hours serving ASHRAE as a Distinguished Lecturer on UV-C,” says Jones. Upper-room UV-C fixtures cost as little as $2.50 - $3.10 per square foot of treated space. Air-stream disinfection systems range from $0.60 - $0.80 per cfm (cubic feet per minute), and HVAC Surface Disinfection systems are approximately $0.15 - $0.20 per cfm, literally bargains when compared to human lives, lost productivity, healthcare costs and healthcare resources. air conditioning system It’s easy to think of UV-C as high-tech and therefore expensive, but this simply isn’t true. A UV-C coil irradiation system has an average installed cost of $0.20 per cfm, and many users report that their cost for an installed UV-C system featuring high output lamps was even less. Using a 10,000-cfm system as an example, the installed UV-C fixtures would cost $2,000, with an annual operating cost of $188 at $0.10/kW – operating 24/7/365. That is less than 1% of the average power savings gained through a more efficient (better heat transfer and lower pressure drop) air conditioning system. reduce energy consumption Virtually all commercial HVAC/R systems are potential candidates for UV-C because of the universal benefits it brings, including: destruction of surface and airborne microorganisms; the restoration and preservation of heat transfer and airflow capacities to "as-built" condition; improved indoor air quality; and reduced maintenance. On the human side, providing ‘clean air’ has taken on a whole new meaning of providing a safe environment" Adding UV-C to existing HVAC/R systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%, while improving IAQ, airflow volume and comfort levels. Users report that UV-C installations are very cost-effective, with many customers achieving paybacks in less than six months on energy use alone. They also report that UV installations cost no more, and sometimes less, than a professionally executed coil cleaning. efficiency-enhancing technology The focus at this moment for engineers and facility managers is infection control and improved IAQ. By using UV-C, in both upper-room and in HVAC systems, they can have the dual benefit of providing a healthier environment for occupants and reducing the performance-robbing impact of bacterial buildup on AHU cooling coils. “On the human side, providing ‘clean air’ has taken on a whole new meaning of providing a safe environment,” says Jones. Cost-concerned managers should understand that UV-C fixtures can be installed for an average of <$0.20 per cfm – a fraction of the 10-25% potential energy and maintenance savings yielded by the efficiency-enhancing technology, he comments.

The need to achieve energy efficiency and improve performance propels a lot of business in the HVAC industry. When installing systems, building owners often strive to comply with the latest voluntary standards. However, some cities are taking the lead to make building performance standards mandatory, thus providing additional incentive for customers to invest in new, more efficient and climate-friendly HVAC technologies. Building Energy Performance Standard NYC has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of CO2 annually by 2020 Washington D.C. adopted the first Building Energy Performance Standard, which will reduce energy use in buildings by more than 20%, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions by a million tons annually. The first compliance cycle in 2021 will cover buildings of 50,000 square feet, and the threshold will drop over the next few years to include smaller buildings. New York has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2020, thus preventing 43 premature deaths and 107 emergency room visits every year, and creating at least 26,700 green jobs, according to New York City officials. Clean Buildings Act Washington State projects that its 2019 legislative package, the Clean Buildings Act, will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million tons by 2035. “Jurisdictions are looking to Building Performance Standards because they are the most powerful and direct tool for driving improved performance in existing buildings,” said Cliff Majersik, Executive Director of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency, green building and environmental protection. Fighting climate change IMT is promoting the use of Building Performance Standards (BPS) and working with cities to explore, develop and execute the policies. Fighting climate change at the local level means taking serious steps to reduce carbon emissions generated by buildings, which include shifting to mandatory policies. A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard, which requires building owners to meet performance targets by actively improving the energy performance of their buildings over time. By setting long-term targets, a BPS provides the commercial real estate market with the certainty it needs to make confident investments in properties over time. Energy-efficient HVAC systems in buildings A BPS also provides flexibility for building owners to use whatever technologies, including HVAC products and systems, along with whatever operational strategies they decide are most effective and economical to meet the target. Leveraging technology advancements in the HVAC industry can contribute positively to a building owner’s ability to meet the target. According to IMT, benefits of Building Performance Standards include: Carbon reductions, especially in existing buildings. Job creation, including large opportunities for the expansion of private firms offering architectural, engineering, construction, equipment sales, and installation services (including HVAC). Economic and social benefits, including healthier air quality for occupants, lower carbon emissions, and lower utility bills that benefit the bottom line of local companies. American Cities Climate Challenge IMT is driving the BPS initiative in partnership with the American Cities Climate Challenge, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is an opportunity for 25 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents. Originally open to 20 American cities, the program was expanded to 25 cities due to the strength of the applications received. The goal of the American Cities Climate Challenge is to enable mayors and their partners to scale and implement proven climate solutions and innovations that will help grow the economy, protect public health and improve the quality of life for citizens.

In practice, incumbent building services can help architects and designers overcome planning and structural constraints. Building typology comes in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique design criteria. Frequently building services, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in particular can be challenging to integrate into a building design but experience shows that this does not necessarily have to be the case. Working with underfloor air conditioning over the past 30 years,) AET Flexible Space can demonstrate that such systems have a number of benefits in design application that ultimately make it the ‘system of first choice’ when compared with alternative overhead and perimeter air conditioning systems and their practical application. ease of reconfiguration Principally there are two different types of underfloor air conditioning (UfAC) system, the first being a full underfloor solution, with zone units supplying conditioned air, and receiving spent air via the plenum beneath the raised access floor. As it effectively becomes the ventilation zone, the plenum is divided into supply and return air paths using fire-resistant, air-tight silicone cloth. As there is no need to divide the floor plenum, this option permits freedom to maximize the floor plate This first system is undoubtedly the best option if the brief is to expose ceilings and maximize headroom in refurbishments as it allows total elimination of any ceiling void. Another option is a system with a zone unit which supplies conditioned air via the floor plenum, but receives spent air at high level or via ceiling extract grilles. As there is no need to divide the floor plenum, this option permits freedom to maximize the floor plate as well as future flexibility due to the ease of reconfiguration. ceiling based air conditioning Refurbishment projects in the UK often have specific design criteria, dictated either by the client, or frequently by planning conditions. 8 Waterloo Place in the St James’ area of London is a classic example. The fabulous building constructed in the early 1900’s is Grade II listed and features ornate vaulted ceilings and decorative plasterwork cornices. Both the client and the architect specifically requested no services at high level in order to preserve and highlight these features using bi-directional up and down lighting. This immediately eliminated ceiling based air conditioning as an option. The seven story building also has differing floor to ceiling heights on each floor, proving to be an additional challenge for investor Barings, whose aim was to create the highest quality, modern office space at the prestigious Mayfair property. high profile tenancy A full underfloor air conditioning system was subsequently specified for floors 1-4 of the building, which all had an existing 300mm floor plenum. The height restriction of the dormer fifth floor only permitted a very shallow floor plenum, so a perimeter system was adopted for this space. The end result of the refurbishment was 70% occupancy in a very short period of time, the building attracting high profile tenancy and achieving high levels of rent, “a truly special building”, comments the MD at Barings Real Estate. Another key building characteristic is the small windows and low natural light levels Another refurbishment project to reference is 33 Glasshouse Street, London, prominently located on the corner with Regent Street, a fusion of three buildings and with a Grade II listed façade, varying slab heights and low floor to ceiling heights, developer Hermes set about a full “Cut and Carve” structural reconfiguration to form larger, deeper, open plan floor plates and increase the floor to ceiling height to 3.3m on floors 3-7. raised floor system Another key building characteristic is the small windows and low natural light levels. Underfloor air conditioning was specified to help maximize the floor to ceiling heights and permit the greatest level of natural light through the deep floor plates. Perimeter heating and cooling would not have been effective given the deep floor plates and ceiling based air conditioning would have required a ceiling void that would virtually cover the low level windows, severely restricting light penetration. Even with the introduction of a raised floor system and underfloor services, the down stand beams are clearly visible underneath the window line, but this only serves to highlight the unusual building characteristics in an effective way. The end result, another achievement by the project team with a successful outcome. Prime, modern office space attracting the highest caliber occupants, commanding premium rates. overhead services At Cathedral Hill in Guildford, UfAC was used to cool the atrium area where overhead services could not be used September 2018 saw the completion of the tenant fit-out on three floors of the building for one of the world’s biggest tech giants. Design freedom with underfloor air conditioning is not only apparent in refurbishment projects, over the last three decades, the company's systems have also helped new builds achieve their design objectives, whether by using a full underfloor system, or simply integrating floor recessed Fantiles with Displacement Ventilation or other HVAC systems. At Cathedral Hill in Guildford, UfAC was used to cool the atrium area where overhead services could not be used. At First Point, Gatwick, adopting UfAC saved 2m in height compared with an identical building at Heathrow with ceiling services. cellular meeting pods At the expansive Sky Central Campus, UfAC Fantiles are used to enhance the Displacement Ventilation system by boosting cooling in the cellular meeting pods, and at the award winning Here East Innovation Centre, UfAC has been innovatively integrated with overhead services offering fully flexible and functional workspace for the start-up community. The above are just a few examples of how innovative thinking and design application has encouraged the uptake of underfloor air conditioning and promoting it as a viable solution to wide ranging design challenges in new build and refurbishment projects, helping property owners and agents to differentiate their offering and create world class workspace.

AET Flexible Space recently completed the supply and commissioning of underfloor air conditioning equipment for the new ninth floor at 55 Gresham Street. Situated near the Guildhall in the heart of the City, the 84,038 sq. ft., eight story building was acquired in 2014 by Angelo Gordon and Beltane, extended and fully redeveloped to provide 11 floors of Grade-A office space over 121,569 sq. ft. underfloor air conditioning The redevelopment included the creation of a new level access corner entrance and reception at Wood Street and Gresham Street, with remodeled cores, extensions of the floorplates at ground to sixth floors and replacement seventh and new eighth and ninth floors created through the removal of the existing ninth floor plant. New services are supplied throughout and new composite stone facades to the south, west and north are well in keeping with the urban locality. The design is characterized by its imaginative use of materials and historical references The design is characterized by its imaginative use of materials and historical references. Designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, with mechanical, and other design services provided by consultant, Waterman Group, underfloor air conditioning was specified for the new ninth floor terrace in order to maintain the architectural vision. Direct Expansion coils By placing services within the floor void, the remaining available space and floor to ceiling heights were maximized by eliminating the need for ceiling based pipe and ductwork. The two zone system on the ninth floor terrace is served by two CAM-C25 downflow units with Direct Expansion coils and a total of thirty standard TU4 Fantiles with EC fans for enhanced energy performance. This considered redevelopment is a building designed with the occupier in mind and testament to this approach, the entire building was pre-let prior to practical completion to global giant, Investec Asset Management. Main contractor ISG handed over the £34 million project at the end of 2018 and has a BREEAM target of Excellent.

One Benjamin Street, situated directly opposite Farringdon Station on the corner of Turnmill Street, is a fabulous new build with mixed use accommodation comprising retail and commercial space as well as residential penthouse apartments. The prominent site, owned by The Girdler’s Company for some 400 years, formerly featured three individual buildings of different style and character, which were considered unfit for purpose and replaced by one high quality single building. Designed by world renowned architect AHMM, and inspired by the character of local Victorian warehouses, and craftsmanship at the core of The Girdler’s Company, the new build offers 1692 m2 of high quality, sustainable office space with highly flexible, column free floor plates and BCO recommended floor to ceiling height of 1.8m on the 1st to 3rd floors. air conditioning system Underfloor air conditioning was recommended by Main Contractor who had experience of floor level air conditioning The overall design brief was to provide optimum flexibility when adding or re-arranging fittings for incoming tenant requirements, and the AET Flexible Space underfloor air conditioning system specified fits this brief perfectly. Underfloor air conditioning was recommended by Main Contractor, Knight Harwood who had experience of floor level air conditioning from another London refurbishment in Soho Square. M&E Consultant, Scotch & Partners were satisfied that the system could cater to demand, whilst offering greater flexibility for future change of use than the originally proposed perimeter heating and cooling systems. The system specified is a CAM-V system with underfloor supply air and return air received back to the zone unit at high level. The CAM-V system is the best solution for future flexibility as there is no underfloor air baffle to reconfigure should a layout change be considered. supply conditioned air Each of the office floors is split into two zones, with a CAM-V33 downflow unit serving each zone. A total of 105 recessed Fantiles, which supply conditioned air into the space, are evenly distributed across the six zones. The completed new build with its reinforced concrete frame, flat slab construction and exposed concrete soffits, columns and walls offers contemporary interior styling, and the exterior detailing combining feature brickwork, exposed polished concrete medallions and signature façade cladding incorporating the client’s crest is a quality improvement to the local streetscape and a testament to the client and project team.

Komax Systems, Inc., is recognized as a global provider of advanced mixing solutions for the municipal and wastewater treatment industries. Municipal and wastewater treatment plants with large open channels face enormous challenges and need solutions to effectively treat and use the water flows. Energy efficient and cost-effective solutions are needed for treatment systems to run properly. Large open channels need treatment for both influent raw water streams coming into a water treatment plant and wastewater and effluent water from wastewater treatment plants. Chemical injection and accurate dispersions are needed before the water can be released or consumed. Mixing Technology Solution Komax recognized that these problems need solutions and that in many cases custom modifications to the solution to fit within the plant's specific needs. The standard mechanical mixers and blades are not adequate for larger capacities along with the continual repairs and maintenance. The Komax channel static mixer utilizes non-clogging mixing technology for water treatment chemicals into water flowing through rectangular channels. The channel static mixer is used in water treatment for both influent raw water and effluent water treatment New pollution problems have placed additional burdens on wastewater treatment systems. Today's pollutants such as heavy metals, chemical compounds, and toxic substances are more difficult to remove from the water. Rising demands on the water supply only aggravate the problem. The increasing demands call on better wastewater treatment solutions. The channel static mixer is used in water treatment for both influent raw water and effluent water treatment. high efficiency mixing Influent water streams use the channel mixer to injection and mixing of coagulants and flocculants before the water goes to the clarifier. Effluent water from wastewater treatment plants also utilize the channel mixer to inject and mix chlorine and sodium bisulfite to disinfect the wastewater for safe discharge into large bodies, such as rivers, streams, or lakes. Komax has a proven reputation for product design and manufacturing quality that ensures outstanding performance.  The static mixers manufactured by Komax provide cost-effective, high efficiency mixing. As the needs evolve so will Komax's solutions.

AgraFlora Organics International Inc. announces that Propagation Services Canada Inc. the Company’s flagship cultivation asset located in Delta British Columbia has secured a Standard Cultivation License from Health Canada. “Obtaining the License at the Delta Facility marks the end of a journey commenced in Q4 2018 and is the key milestone in beginning cannabis sales from what is the 2nd largest and one of the most advanced greenhouses in Canada” stated Brandon Boddy AgraFlora Executive Chairman and CEO. environmentally friendly greenhouse We’re commencing the cultivation of a curated portfolio of elite live plant genetics" "With license in hand, we’re commencing the cultivation of a curated portfolio of elite live plant genetics that will enable us to execute on a focused strategy of high-potency low-cost cannabis to drive high-volume value brands from coast to coast.” The Delta Facility’s first phase represents 422828 sq. ft. of cultivation space utilizing a state-of-the-art pressurized semi-open Venlo greenhouse design considered to be one of the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly greenhouse platforms in North America and is uniquely located in an agricultural micro-climate on the shores of the Pacific. humidity control management The Delta Greenhouse is scalable up to 2200000 sq. ft. Key features of the Delta Greenhouse include: Fully integrated on-site natural-gas-powered power plant Advanced climate and humidity control management infrastructure Proprietary energy-efficient air exchange to maintain stable climate conditions at a fraction of the cost of traditional HVAC systems Ebb-and-flow watering systems to enhance complete irrigation recapture and water treatment Multistage supplemental lighting augmented by natural sunlight to foster optimized illumination equilibrium A proprietary ERP system to allow for efficient resource management and cost tracking agricultural micro-climate Our company brings 40 years of agricultural expertise to PSC as well as decades of experience within this greenhouse" Ruben Houweling, General Manager of Houweling Nurseries Stated “Our company brings 40 years of agricultural expertise to PSC as well as decades of experience within this greenhouse. We have a well-integrated organization with more than 200 employees. Our facility is located in a unique agricultural micro-climate on the shores of the Pacific Ocean that will help the company produce high-potency low cost cannabis.” PSC will now commence the cultivation of its curated portfolio of elite live plant genetics which were specially curated by an award winning Canadian cultivator with a focus on combining high potency with above-average yields and favorable agricultural traits such as disease and pest resistance. high potency THC genetics Combined with the agricultural experience and expertise of the PSC management team these genetics will support the Company’s strategy of producing high-potency low cost cannabis to support national value brands. With current granting of the standard cultivation license the company’s consultants in conjunction with the PSC team indicate that the inaugural harvest of high potency THC genetics at its Delta greenhouse complex will occur within the fourth quarter of 2020.

With the rise of veganism showing no signs of slowing down, plant-based meal provider, allplants decided to consolidate its seven sites into a single, central facility. When the contracting company, Forma London was presented with the challenge of sustainably fitting out the new building, it turned to Elta Fans to deliver an efficient ventilation solution. Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of different reasons, including health, climate change, and animal welfare. As plant-based diets become mainstream, there is a growing need for convenient, meat-free meals, and offering greater choice for consumers. Sustainable building solutions allplants set out to meet this demand, making delicious frozen meals and delivering them straight to customers’ doors. Its success derives from the passion of its two founders, JP and Alex, and has necessitated the consolidation of its multiple sites into one central facility. The new premises provided allplants the opportunity to fit out the building with sustainability at its core Moving to new premises provided allplants with the opportunity to fit out the building with sustainability at its core. All the desks, for example, are made from locally sourced, sustainable wood, but it was in the kitchen that the greatest challenge was posed. Forma London, a principal contractor based in the capital, was tasked with delivering the project. Combining construction expertise with eco and ethical credentials, the contractors began working on providing ventilation for the meal provider’s centerpiece, the development kitchen. Enhanced ventilation The kitchen is where the magic happens, allowing allplants to ensure the meals it produces are as tasty as possible. As specialists in microwavable food, the traditional ventilation set-up of a commercial kitchen was far greater than what the site needed. Anthony Afram, Building Services Manager at Forma London, said “Balancing energy efficiency with performance output is a priority in any project, but given the nature of the client, this took on a whole new level of importance.” He adds, “The challenge of equipping the kitchen with the right ventilation was highlighted by the two bifurcated axial fans that we were originally quoted. These would have been perfect for a busy commercial kitchen, but for this application they were overkill. In terms of expense and performance, they would have been much more than required, and ultimately incurred far higher running costs than necessary.” Energy-efficient ventilation systems It isn’t just for the purposes of corporate social responsibility or an altruistic mindset that businesses must pay close attention to the energy credentials of their ventilation systems. Building Regulations and Ecodesign Directives obligate everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturer through to contractor, to select and supply ventilation with maximum levels of efficiency. This means that most commercial and industrial fans need to be provided with functionality that allows control over fan speed and power. Skyflow SSRL EC axial roof fans For allplant’s kitchen, this meant specifying a fan that was appropriate for a busy, but pollutant-low kitchen In the context of allplant’s kitchen, this meant specifying a fan that was appropriate for a busy, but pollutant-low kitchen. Owing to its position as the first ErP compliant low silhouette axial roof fan on the market, the decision was made to turn to Elta Fans’ Skyflow SSRL EC. Equipped with an EC motor with an integral potentiometer commissioning device as standard, the fan is ideal for environments such as a light commercial kitchen. Intuitive controls Anthony continues, “For applications such as this, where ventilation requirements may be variable, the ability to control fan speed through intuitive controls is vital. “It also highlights the importance of not over-specifying, as it can be all too easy to opt for the highest performance available, without consideration of the energy expenditure. “Elta Fans’ Skyflow SSRL is a great example of the energy saving possibilities associated with the latest ventilation technology. Opting for the most efficient products can make a significant contribution to the overall energy credentials of a building, and projects such as this illustrate what is possible.” Energy savings and sustainable HVAC system allplants is understandably concerned with sustainability, and the fitting out of its premises necessarily reflects this. However, it is important to be aware that its growth as a company shows the overall trend towards an environmentally-conscious society. As legislation is introduced to reflect this, those tasked with providing ventilation must ensure they opt for solutions that balance performance with optimum energy efficiency.