Energy efficiency has gone from being good business to an essential mandate.
It is no exaggeration to say that the current energy crisis has elevated HVAC to the board room.
With HVAC systems typically accounting for up to 50 per cent of a commercial building’s energy use, the current fuel crisis has serious ramifications for HVACR.
Federal government research shows that in some office buildings HVAC can represent 70 per cent of base building energy.
Key components driving this use include fans (34%), cooling (27%), heating (17%), and pumps (16%).
There are very few industries like HVACR which has so many moving parts. From the plant room to the built environment it is unique.
It is the reason why HVACR has become critical infrastructure. This description was used by Daikin executive, Nathan Walker, at the recent JP Morgan Industrials Conference in Washington.
Walker talked about a new era of energy demand driven by AI, electrification, and economic expansion. “HVAC is no longer just a comfort category, it's critical infrastructure," he said.
Its relevance is even more applicable when we take into account the role of HVACR in the current data centre investment boom. We’re talking about as much as $130 billion of economic activity over the next decade.
The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) has warned that the Gulf supplies around a third of the world’s helium, an essential component in producing semiconductors.
Sustained disruptions could dampen activity for our nascent data centre rollout, CEDA warned.
It’s clear the impact of today’s energy crisis is far-reaching for our industry. This is why the upcoming ARBS Exhibition is so timely.
ARBS is an opportunity for the entire industry to come together and get a big picture view of where we are heading. That is the magic of ARBS its ability to bring everyone together and facilitate wide-reaching discussion.
The April/May issue of CCN (https://online.flipbuilder.com/YaffaMedia/rnqk/#p=1) provides an 85-page preview of the three day event. Be part of the magic that is ARBS and I will see you there!