Issue link: https://te.mouser.com/i/1478952
SUSTAINABILITY, RELIABILITY & EFFICIENCY: A LOOK INTO TODAY'S TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HVAC Sustainability, Reliability & Efficiency A Look into Today's Trends and Opportunities for HVAC 4 Beyond government programs and regulatory pressures to construct net zero buildings, the private sector – whether in response to consumer demands or shareholder activism – has also embraced the need for net zero commitments. Companies are pledging net zero emission targets and taking a harder look at their overall operations, including the energy efficiency of the buildings in which they work. Together, these forces are steering construction companies to look towards HVAC companies for energy-efficient or low CO 2 emitting systems that meet net zero thresholds. Covid-19 Since its emergence in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way in which the world operates. Among the fragilities it has exposed is the direct correlation between HVAC systems and the spread of germs, dramatically changing the landscape for indoor environment control. Reports have claimed that HVAC systems are a probable point of contact to spread the virus by recirculating contaminated air. This has led to a heightened increase in the inspection, testing, surface and air sampling, cleaning, and disinfecting of HVAC air conveyance systems and associated ductwork. Infrastructure Needs, Population Growth and Changing Lifestyles In addition to being driven by net zero goals and Covid-19, demand for HVAC systems is increasing due to infrastructure needs that support residential and commercial growth and changing personal lifestyle preferences. • In the emerging Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, commercial construction projects that require infrastructure commitments are the major drivers for the global commercial HVAC market – particularly in developing countries such as China and India. On the residential development front, a growing population is also leading to new HVAC installations across the region, with high demand for energy-efficient air conditioners that can offset hot and extreme weather conditions. • Conversely, in both Europe and North America, HVAC growth is mainly being driven by the maintenance and replacement of services. However, in places like the U.S, a rising average of construction spending, rapid urbanization, growth in disposable income, and an increased focus on smart homes have all accelerated the installation of HVAC systems. With 60-70% of the global production of heating and cooling equipment coming from companies that have announced net zero emissions targets, 6 the HVAC industry is well-positioned to drive energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality. Increased awareness on indoor air quality has also led to new standards that require better air filtering and ventilation, as well as air quality monitoring. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has set new guidelines for filtration rates to maintain good indoor air quality, while the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has put forth recommendations on how to make HVAC units safer.