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List of stories by 'Fatima de la Cerna'

Should going green be incentivised?

Saying that it should be, Marcos Bish of Summertown Interiors talks about what can entice private companies to adopt sustainable measures.

Added: Mar 2, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Green growth needs incentives, better enforcement of building codes

On the sidelines of AMWAJ 2016*, Ruba Al-Zu'bi, the CEO of EDAMA Association, an NGO based in Jordan, spoke with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East about her experience as a founding member of the Jordan Green Building Council and shared details about the country’s efforts in promoting green growth and sustainable development. Excerpts from the interview…

Added: Mar 1, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Complacency: The scourge of sustainability

Led by HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan, a host of decision makers, budding entrepreneurs and private sector representatives convened in Amman for AMWAJ 2016, an international forum that sought to draw attention to the water crisis in the MENA region, which they said has worrying implications for a variety of sectors and industries, including energy and cooling.

Added: Feb 27, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Sectoral perspectives on IEQ

Representatives from the healthcare, hospitality and education sectors explored in detail the link between indoor environmental quality and the health of building occupants at the 4th edition of the World IEQ Forum.

Added: Feb 6, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Going public with IEQ

The 4th edition of the World IEQ Forum underscored the critical role the public sector plays in achieving indoor environmental quality targets, through presentations and addresses delivered by leaders and representatives from various government agencies, as well as a discussion on IEQ-related standards and regulations. We bring you the first of our two-part coverage of the Forum.

Added: Jan 26, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘To maintain public confidence, third-party testing is absolutely necessary’

Hamid Syed, Vice President and General Manager of UL Middle East, speaks with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East about the new testing facility that the company opened in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as well as the different measures the company is undertaking to not only increase its presence in the Gulf market but also further its relationship with policymakers in the region.

Added: Jan 25, 2017 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Are you ready for VAT?

As part of a region-wide drive to diversify income sources for public services, all six GCC states are poised to introduce VAT on goods and services as early as January 2018. Considering that the region has long held the tax-free tag, what impact would the new tax regime have on the private sector? What measures must HVACR companies undertake to prepare for compliance? And, perhaps more importantly, how soon should they start preparing?

Added: Dec 28, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘The plan is to have all MoH hospitals JCI-certified by 2020’

Imran Ahmed, Senior Mechanical Engineer of the Engineering and Maintenance Department at Al Qassimi Hospital, talks about the different projects in progress at the Sharjah-based facility run by the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention, as it prepares to apply for JCI accreditation.

Added: Nov 27, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Off the roof

Many in the industry may doubt the feasibility of using VRF systems in high-rise buildings, but Dharmesh Sawant of LG Electronics contends that they are not only a viable option but also a practical choice, especially for building owners looking to reduce their piping and energy costs.

Added: Oct 3, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

AURAK hosts workshop to produce a zero-energy villa

University says partners, including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), have committed the 'Perfect House’ project.

Added: Sep 8, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Controlling the controllables

Though BMS has been available in the market for many years, end-users continue to face obstacles that prevent them from fully reaping its benefits. One such obstacle, various stakeholders believe, is the industry-wide shortage of knowledgeable and skilled BMS operators. RMS has been proposed as a solution to overcome the problem, but is the region ready to deploy the technology?

Added: Aug 17, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

The Kingdom enters a new era

With its recently launched Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is planning to introduce social, political and economic reforms, aimed at reducing its dependence on oil, diversifying its economy and establishing the country as a global investment powerhouse. In light of one of the Middle East's biggest markets announcing such sweeping and ambitious reforms, what could the future hold for the region's construction and HVACR industries?

Added: Jul 19, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Clearing the mist over outdoor cooling

While rough economic conditions may have slowed down some sectors in the region, the outdoor cooling industry looks to new markets, like affordable housing, and innovations in evaporative cooling and misting technologies to keep demand strong and achieve growth.

Added: Jul 11, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘Top management wants to apply the Turkey blueprint to the whole region’

Levent Taşkın, former General Manager of Danfoss Turkey and the company’s new Regional President for Turkey, Middle East and Africa, in conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East to discuss his plans for the region, including replicating the company’s performance in the Turkey market through an improved customer service system and unified business units.

Added: Jun 29, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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The world’s first robot-staffed hotel makes a cool choice

Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S. Co and CEO of HUIS TEN BOSCH Co, shares with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, the reason behind the decision to open a hotel run almost entirely by robots. He also talks about radiant panel air conditioning system and how using it helps Japan’s Henn-na Hotel achieve what he calls the “ultimate in efficiency” while offering its guests “comfort that lies beyond the ordinary”.

Added: Jun 21, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Should you trust the mark?

With standards on performance, energy efficiency and safety regulations growing more stringent, HVAC industry insiders are reporting an increase in market interest in third-party testing. There are, however, allegations that some manufacturers and suppliers are either faking or misrepresenting certifications. In light of such claims, we ask: How reliable are third-party certification marks? How can the issue of spurious certification be tackled? And what can be done to stop their misuse?

Added: Jun 20, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘I think we’re on the cusp of a golden age – a new renaissance’

ASHRAE President-Elect*, Timothy Wentz, in conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, reveals his plans for the Society, and shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics, including the Internet of Things, the Paris Agreement, the future of refrigerants and Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, which is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its release.

Added: May 24, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Defining affordability – an exercise in semantics?

With market demand for affordable housing projects reportedly on the rise, there is a perceived need for reasonably priced cooling solutions. But what exactly makes an HVAC system affordable? Is equipment selection a simple matter of looking at the initial cost, or should other considerations, like OPEX and energy efficiency be factored in?

Added: May 17, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Banking on retrofitting

To encourage investments in retrofit projects, ESCOs must highlight the business angle of energy efficiency, and not get bogged down by technicalities of energy saving, says expert. 

Added: May 12, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘Buildings and cities have a pivotal role in tackling climate change’

Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), shares with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East details of his experience at COP 21, as a member of the UAE delegation, as well as his thoughts on the country’s efforts to reduce emissions and fight climate change.

Added: May 2, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Putting IEQ to the test

With the goal of raising awareness on the importance of good IEQ, while getting the real picture on hotel conditions, Qatar Green Building Council’s Healthy Buildings Interest Group carried out an IEQ survey in Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha, last year. The members of the Group looked into, among other elements, maintenance, acoustics and Indoor Air Quality. We bring you the details and results of the survey.

Added: May 2, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Oiling the wheels of sustainability

In conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, Dr Waddah Ghanem, Executive Director for EHSSQ & Corporate Affairs at Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), discusses the company’s adoption of an Efficiency & Resource Management policy and the initiatives it has undertaken to become a sustainable organisation. He also comments on the UAE’s introduction of fuel subsidy reforms, as well as its commitment to diversifying its energy mix.

Added: Apr 21, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Never a better time

Forces like IoT and climate change are coming together, making the present the ideal time to move the energy efficiency agenda forward, says experts at the inaugural edition of the Emirates Energy Efficiency Summit. We bring you the report.

Added: Mar 20, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

A winning approach

Can the hospitality industry achieve energy savings without compromising on guest experience? Saying that it’s doable, Denis Sorin and Aamir Riaz of Dur Hospitality share details of how their Saudi Arabia-based company has taken initiatives to meet the twin targets.

Added: Mar 17, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘Variable speed is the future of air conditioning’

Ryouji Sanou, President of Daikin Middle East and Africa, sits down with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East to discuss his company’s performance in 2015 and the growing interest in VRF technology in the region. He also shares his insights on the climate action plan the UAE has submitted to the United Nations for COP21 and the continued search for alternative refrigerants for high-ambient countries.

Added: Mar 14, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘VRF will be incorporated into the entire Expo 2020 infrastructure’

Suneel M Advani and Vir S Advani, respectively Chairman & Managing Director and Executive Director of Blue Star, in a conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, share their outlook for the GCC region’s HVAC industry, and reveal their company’s plans for the Middle East, including launch of innovation in VRF technology

Added: Feb 15, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Canned solutions

With more regulations being introduced in the region to address energy-efficiency needs, as well as health concerns related to Indoor Air Quality, the paints industry is reporting a growing demand from the market for products that offer more than mere aesthetic appeal.

Added: Feb 14, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Marrying aesthetics with IEQ principles – a challenge for interior designers

Noura A Aziz, a design expert for Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal), talks with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East about the role interior design plays in achieving good IEQ in healthcare facilities. She identifies common pitfalls interior designers face and suggests ways to address them.

Added: Feb 14, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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‘Green Buildings may not interest everyone but healthy buildings will’

In a conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, Meshal Al Shamari, Director of Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), explains why he believes healthy buildings are the next generation Green Buildings. He also shares his views on the country’s sustainability efforts and what the Council is doing to support the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Added: Feb 14, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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The real cost of downtime in hospitals – human lives

Syed Mahmood Akhter, Manager of MEP & Communication Engineering and Construction Services for the New Jeddah International Airport at M/S Builders and Contracting, talks about the challenges facing the healthcare industry from an MEP perspective. He also offers suggestions on how facility owners can ensure that they get true value for their money.

Added: Jan 18, 2016 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘Management and operations are the true life of a building’

Nasser B Abulhasan, a Principal at AGi architects, speaks with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, about his firm’s work on a cardiac research and rehabilitation centre in Kuwait, and explains why passive design elements are just as critical as active systems in achieving good IEQ and energy efficiency.

Added: Dec 14, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

Designing for children in isolation units

Joshua Theodore is a Principal at Page Southerland Page, a full-service design organisation headquartered in Washington, DC. In conversation with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East, he talks about the special isolation unit project his firm worked on for Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.

Added: Nov 15, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Is it 2009 all over again?

With the price of oil showing signs of declining further, the IMF foresees the UAE as posting its first fiscal deficit in six years. Considering the havoc the economic woes of 2009 caused, do the HVAC and construction industries have reason to worry? Experts say the outlook is dim but not dark.

Added: Sep 6, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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‘Possible is the language here in the UAE’

Eng Anwaar Al Shimmari, the Director of the Projects Planning Department at the UAE Ministry of Public Works, speaks about the UAE National Vision 2021 and the Ministry’s retrofitting programme, among other topics. Excerpts...

Added: Sep 6, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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Branding healthcare and hospital renovation projects

Jeffrey Brand, Principal and Executive Director at Perkins Eastman, discusses the challenges involved in hospital renovations and the steps that can be taken to prevent a dip in IEQ. 

Added: Sep 6, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

‘Ventilation and HVAC, especially, are significant considerations’

Mohammed R Alyemeni, Senior Advisor at TVM | Capital Healthcare Partners for Saudi Arabia & the GCC countries, and former Deputy Health Minister of Saudi Arabia for Planning & Health Economics, speaks with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East about the projects the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom has lined up for the next few years and the challenges involved. Excerpts...

Added: Aug 12, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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‘Ventilation and HVAC, especially, are significant considerations’

Mohammed R Alyemeni, Senior Advisor at TVM | Capital Healthcare Partners for Saudi Arabia & the GCC Countries, and former Deputy Minister of Health in Saudi Arabia for Planning & Health Economics, speaks with Fatima de la Cerna of Climate Control Middle East about the projects the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom has lined up for the next few years and the challenges involved. Excerpts...

Added: Aug 2, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

The school as an educational tool

Hong Kong’s Sing Yin Secondary School ranks among the most-awarded green schools in the world. what makes his school a model of indoor air quality (IAQ) and Green Building best practices.

Added: Jun 3, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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How Green are we?

While industry stakeholders admit there’s been considerable transformation in the region, the path to sustainability, they say, though paved with the right intentions, is not without obstacles.

Added: May 10, 2015 | By Fatima de la Cerna

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