Dubai, 12 September 2019. Eurovent Middle East has published a Position Paper outlining the socio-economic benefits of introducing a mandatory building inspection regime in the UAE. In light of numerous efforts by government, industries and professional organisations to increase energy efficiency and the countries dependency on cooling and refrigeration, the association suggests giving HVACR installations in the current building stock particular attention.
Inadequacies and neglect of HVACR installations are a problem all around the world, with a number of countries implementing measures to achieve improvements and energy savings across existing building stock, either through higher energy prices, or certification requirements for installation and operation personnel, buildings or other regulatory frameworks.
A feasible approach for the UAE could be to introduce mandatory and recurrent building inspections, assessing HVACR installations, maintenance protocols and operational procedures and encouraging faster retrofits, preventive maintenance and overall better operational processes, while building up comprehensive knowledge and data to be used in further regulatory adjustments.
Mr Brian Suggitt, Chairman of Eurovent Middle East underlines the important impact such a monitoring regime would have on the market: “A better understanding of the real situation HVACR installations are in will immediately lead to more awareness of the importance of proper maintenance procedures, of the quality of suitably trained personnel as well as of the quality of products used. On average, around 30% of the energy consumption could be saved simply through adequate maintenance procedures. Add to that, improved installations, operations and faster replacement with energy efficient products, the potential for the UAE as a whole is vast.”
Mr Markus Lattner, Managing Director of Eurovent Middle East adds: “Inspections would increase pressure on building owners and operators to prioritise attention on their HVACR equipment. We would see immediate effects in many areas: stringent operational safety, refined Indoor Air Quality and improved food safety. It would strengthen the Supply Chain and Service Industries, creating a significant number of jobs, stimulating the economy and providing engaging job opportunities to Emiratis without higher education.”
Eurovent Middle East is the region's only industry association representing leading manufacturers of Indoor Climate (HVAC), Process Cooling, Food Cold Chain, Industrial Ventilation, and Building Automation Technologies, as well as sector associations and industry initiatives active in these fields. By thinking ‘Beyond HVAC', contributing manufacturers fulfil the highest requirements in terms of product quality and sustainability. For more information, visit www.eurovent.me.
The Position Paper can be downloaded in the right sidebar or via this link.
