Mergers & Acquisitions

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades, announced it has appointed industry sales and marketing expert and licensed HVAC contractor Amy O’Grady as its first executive director. O’Grady brings more than 13 years of experience as a licensed contractor, sales and marketing director, and events manager to the WHVACR family. She also served four years as the executive director for the North Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (NFACCA). Women in HVACR to new heights “Women in HVACR has always been a completely volunteer-only organization, but since we now offer such a long list of networking events, educational programs, and scholarship funds to our members, we needed someone on our permanent staff to manage all the good work that we do,” said 2024 WHVACR President Lori Tschohl. “With her background in the HVAC industry and executive director leadership, Amy brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to our organization. We are confident she will provide the necessary oversight to help our board achieve its goals and take Women in HVACR to new heights.” Prior roles of O’Grady O’Grady is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in textiles and consumer sciences O’Grady is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in textiles and consumer sciences. After starting her career as a product developer and assistant buyer in the fashion industry, O’Grady began honing her leadership skills in business development, marketing, and event planning as a marketing manager for a regional grocery chain and for Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Atlantic Beach, Florida. “It was during my tenure as marketing director for Charlie’s Tropic that I discovered my passion for the HVAC industry and entrepreneurship,” O’Grady said. “I was able to modernize the company’s identity by crafting unique content and developing data-driven marketing programs to stay on top of the ever-changing digital market.” Executive director for the NFACCA She also reached a significant milestone at the HVAC company by becoming a licensed contractor, which helped her master her craft and put her on her current career trajectory. Her next position was as the executive director for the NFACCA, where she demonstrated her adaptability and willingness to learn new skills. She spent more than four years in this role before accepting the position at WHVACR. “My role at NFACCA certainly helped prepare me for the job I’m taking on at Women in HVACR,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my industry knowledge to our team so that I can help this organization grow and create a dynamic environment that inspires more women to start careers in the skilled trades.” 

LG Electronics (LG) is establishing a global R&D triangle connecting North America, Europe and Asia to lead the global heat pump market and secure next-generation heat pumps specifically designed for cold climate zones. The company aims to develop regionally specialized core technologies optimized for the cold climate of Northern Europe through the establishment of the European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (ECAHR). Next-generation heat pumps The collaboration with European universities follows the foundation of the LG Advanced Cold Climate Heat Pump Laboratory in Alaska last year, and the company plans to expand efforts to enhance the performance of its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products in low-temperature climate conditions. This August, LG will also continue its research on cold climate heat pumps in Harbin in partnership with a prestigious Chinese university. LG held a signing ceremony on June 18 at the main auditorium of Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway to mark the commencement of the consortium. Members include Oslo Metropolitan University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet) and the University of Naples Federico II, an institute in Italy actively pursuing research in cold-climate HVAC. Expanding supplemental heating LG established a consortium to develop heat pumps that deliver top-tier heating performance During the winter of this year, Northern Europe experienced record-breaking cold weather, with temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius. In these regions, achieving high heating efficiency is challenging due to the difficulty of compressing refrigerants at lower pressures. To address this, LG established a consortium to develop heat pumps that deliver top-tier heating performance even in extreme cold conditions. Furthermore, the company is looking to enhance its core technologies to lead global electrification efforts and expand supplemental heating availability in Europe. Achieving carbon neutrality In 2022, the EU launched the REPowerEU plan, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and expand new and renewable energy sources by 2030. As a result, the demand for high-efficiency electric appliances and heat pump heating and cooling systems has surged across Europe, fueling efforts to lower energy consumption and achieve carbon neutrality. What’s more, LG is in the process of establishing a comprehensive local operation system for its HVAC business, which is expected to drive growth in its business-to-business (B2B) operations. The system covers all stages locally, from research and development to sales, maintenance and operations. Three major growth factors In the announcement of LG’s Future Vision 2030 last year, CEO William Cho highlighted B2B capability enhancement as one of three major growth factors. Aligning with this vision, the HVAC business has set an ambitious goal to more than double its sales by 2030 and become a top-tier global heating and cooling company. “We aim to expand our presence around the world by developing next-generation heat pump technology tailored to the diverse climate conditions of each region,” said James Lee, Head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company, adding “We will continue to expand our footprint in the global market, adding value to drive growth in our HVAC business.”

GF Building Flow Solutions Americas (formerly Uponor North America), a global provider of Uponor-branded products, announced that Hailey Mick, Business Development Manager of Engineering Services, was recently selected as the incoming President of the ASHRAE Tennessee Valley Chapter. Her two-year term will begin on July 1, 2024.  ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, advances the arts and sciences of HVACR and their allied fields while striving to achieve a healthy and sustainable built environment for all. As a long-standing member, Hailey was voted in as president by the ASHRAE Board and will draw on the theme of 'Building on Foundations, Empowering Today, and Shaping Tomorrow'. Necessary steps to improve As President, Hailey will represent the Tennessee Valley Chapter at both regional and national conferences, pioneering with education to bring value to the industry and inspiring others to take the necessary steps to improve the built environment.  "We couldn’t be more excited for Hailey as she steps into this role with an organization that’s highly committed to sustainability and innovation," says Matt Bahr, Vice President of Sales at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, adding "Hailey is uniquely suited for this role with a passion for protecting the environment, advancing the industry with a new way of thinking, and inspiring others along the way."

Contractor in Charge, the top provider of start-to-finish 24-7 customer engagement, appointment booking, full-service bookkeeping and controller services for home service contractors, announces a strategic partnership with SF&P Advisors, the pioneer in residential and commercial mechanical, HVAC and plumbing mergers and acquisitions. With the partnership, SF&P Advisors’ clients can leverage the Contractor in Charge’s expertise and proven solutions in addition to SF&P’s valuation, accounting, research, and financial analysis services. customer engagement services Contractor in Charge also provides SF&P clients with unique customer engagement services “We have worked with Contractor in Charge on several transactions that we have closed,” said Fred Silberstein, CEO and president of SF&P Advisors. “We have found they do an excellent job of not only preparing financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) but giving contractors additional tools to help them grow and scale their business.” Contractor in Charge empowers SF&P Advisors’ clients to clarify and strengthen their financials and establish strategies to increase efficiencies and grow top-line revenue. Contractor in Charge also provides SF&P clients with unique customer engagement services and clear insights into business performance. Same quality of service Contractor in Charge allows business owners to cut costs while maintaining the same quality “We’re proud to work with a trusted partner like SF&P Advisors to help contractors maximize the valuation of their business and get the highest rewards for their hard work,” said Lynn Wise, CEO of Contractor in Charge. “Our comprehensive custom services are designed to give professional plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors the tools they need to thrive and grow. One way we can do that is to connect them with SF&P, a company with a proven track record of helping contractors reap the benefits of their success.”  With trained industry-experienced employees and integration with a full range of cutting-edge technology platforms, Contractor in Charge allows business owners to cut costs while maintaining the same quality of service. Trusted partner to HVAC contractors Contractor in Charge offers live phone answering, custom greetings, call screening, dispatch, monthly P&Ls, budgets, cash flows and planning, service agreement maintenance, outbound appointment setting, and more. For more than 21 years, SF&P Advisors has served as a trusted partner to residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors, and other enterprises, with 403 closed transactions and $3.3 billion in closed transaction revenue.

Pioneering heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has bolstered its growing sales team with the addition of two new recruits. Tony Porter is the new Area Sales Manager while Liam Waller has been appointed Sales Executive. Tony, 35, has worked in the industry for eight years, including most recently two years at Georg Fischer. He will oversee sales in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Committed to service and availability “I had regular dealings with TG Lynes while at Georg Fischer and built up a rapport with some of the team, including Sales Director Joe Kane,” said Tony, who lives in Ickenham. “The job specification and location of the role were ideal for me and I was delighted to join the team. TG Lynes has everything under one roof with impressive levels of stock and a reputation for first-class customer service. That was a major pull for me. There is a lot of uncertainty in the industry at the moment and a battle over price, but TG Lynes remains steadfastly committed to service and availability.” Passion for TG Lynes The 34-year-old was impressed with the vision and drive of Sales Manager Jim Higgins and Joe Kane Liam, meanwhile, has been working in trade kitchen sales for 14 years, most recently as Assistant Manager at Howdens. The 34-year-old was impressed with the vision and drive of Sales Manager Jim Higgins and Joe Kane.  West Ham United fan Liam said: “I have worked in sales within the trade for a long time, so I am familiar with what customers expect. I met with Jim and Joe and was really impressed with their passion for TG Lynes and their plans for the future. I am expecting my first child later in the year and it felt like the right time to make the move. It’s amazing how many people have been at the business for 10 years or more. It speaks volumes for how they treat their people. It is also great to see how TG Lynes has invested in the future with electric vehicles and warehouse automation.” Tony and Liam to TG Lynes Joe Kane said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony and Liam to TG Lynes. They both have excellent experience in sales and they will offer industry-pioneering service to our customers. We are pleased to continue growth and investment in our team.” TG Lynes stocks industry-pioneering brands and supplies thousands of products, including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

The Wolseley Group has announced the acquisition of Renewable Equipment Solutions (RES), the Yeovil-based designer and supplier of bespoke domestic and commercial renewable equipment. The addition of Renewable Equipment Solutions (RES) to the Wolseley Group portfolio will enhance strategic growth, while enabling Wolseley to expand within the renewables space. Wolseley acquires Renewable Equipment Solutions (RES) RES is an MCS-accredited renewable equipment specialist. Working with the trade, they supply a complete range of renewable and energy-efficient technologies, including air-source, ground-source and air-to-air heat pumps, either as a standalone or fully integrated renewables package. “Adding RES to our group of brands is essential for us to be successful in supporting our customers moving towards environmentally friendly products,” said Simon Gray, Wolseley Group CEO, adding “Our recent launch of Renewables by Wolseley is pivotal to this acquisition.” RES to retain its brand identity RES will retain its brand identity with Managing Director (MD), Shane Oxberry remaining with the business.

I am writing this the day after the Autumn Spending Review, which among many measures, included a huge focus on how the Government wants to ‘level up the country’, creating a new post-pandemic economy, with higher wages and higher skills. Part of this is the £500 million ‘Multiply’ scheme, which aims to increase numeracy and basic mathematics for adults in the United Kingdom via in person tutoring, digital training and flexible courses. Lack of basic skills to access digital training It is laudable, but there is an elephant in the classroom here, a lot of people do not have the basic skills and confidence, to access digital training and these are the ones, who are in danger of being left further behind. What does this have to do with heating their homes? It comes down to access and confidence around tech and that begins in the home. Smart technology inaccessible to most people During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard from far too many people, who simply couldn’t get to grips with the tech We work at the sharp end of this, with many years of experience showing us that while smart tech and smart homes sound fantastic (and for the majority, they are indeed), however, for too many people, it remains inaccessible. They are the most vulnerable and they need help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard from far too many people, who simply couldn’t get to grips with the tech and they were suffering as a result. Widespread adoption of digital control systems In a welcome drive to improve the energy efficiency of electric heaters, more sophisticated digital control systems have seen widespread introduction. However, for people who are not digitally savvy, they are now presented with a product that they struggle to use as intended. Sadly, many are subsequently bypassing the very systems designed to improve efficiency and resorting to basic manual control of their appliances. For many users, the complicated programming and multiple overrides is even leading to them having no heat at all. manual settings of heaters lead to High Energy consumption In too many cases, these energy-saving thermostatic controls have caused more anxiety and the energy-efficient controls are not being correctly used. Additionally, due to the heaters being left on manual settings, there are many cases of higher energy consumption than needed. The gadgets are great, but if you can’t understand them or use them, they are redundant and can even be counterproductive. System diagnostics Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a home visit was not even an option for many customers Ordinarily, we would schedule a visit to diagnose these types of problems, but this can take too long, which causes frustration and affects the well-being of the customer. Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a home visit was not even an option for many customers, who were self-isolating. However, new computer modeling research from Harvard University warns that intermittent measures may need to be maintained well into 2022, therefore, social distancing will remain a key concern for our vulnerable community. Current solutions for the digital savvy Current solutions available are for the digital savvy, however, these still do not provide early fault finding and they are not accessible to a huge part of our society, approximately 5.3 million adults, who have never used the internet in the United Kingdom and 53% of these adults are aged 75 plus. We decided to do something about this, by devising a robust solution that will eliminate multiple site maintenance visits and provide immediate solutions, without customers needing to understand digital technologies. CAVE smart thermostat with intelligent remote communications As a result, this winter will see the launch of Trust Electric Heating’s CAVE product, a smart thermostat for the confined, adults, vulnerable and elderly people. CAVE builds on our existing digital thermostat technology, further developing it to include intelligent remote communications. This will allow remote access to program the system, monitor/manage energy use and to diagnose and solve a variety of faults that would traditionally require a visit from an engineer. Transforming CAVE into a stand-alone product There are over 8 million adults over 70 years old in the UK, who are classed as vulnerable The pace of development has been accelerated by a strategic Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Huddersfield and backed by Innovate UK, who awarded us with a further development grant, earlier in 2021, to transform CAVE into a stand-alone product that will work on all electric radiators. There are over 8 million adults over 70 years old in the UK, who are classed as vulnerable and around 1.5 million adults (some not over 70) have been asked to self-isolate due to their underlying health conditions as they are classed as our shielded society. For these individuals the present pandemic has changed their life significantly. Remote monitoring, diagnosis and control of electric heating systems CAVE is a web-based technology that enables remote monitoring, diagnosis and control of electric heating systems, providing help and support for this critically overlooked group. In an era, when the pace of change is already so fast, sometimes it pays to slow down a little and adjust the speed, as there are a lot of people who we must not leave behind in the digital economy.

California is moving to ban the sale of natural gas furnaces, heaters and water heaters by 2030. It is the first US state to make the move, in order to meet federal ozone standards. In addition to California’s previous efforts to eliminate installation of gas-fueled equipment in new buildings, the new regulation will address the use of gas space heaters and water heaters in existing residential buildings. When it comes time to replace them, building owners will be required to transition to electric heat pumps or other zero-emission appliances. Need for a strategy to tackle emissions in existing buildings Eliminating use of fossil fuels in new buildings will only go so far in reducing carbon emissions Eliminating use of fossil fuels in new buildings will only go so far in reducing carbon emissions. A strategy to tackle emissions in existing buildings is also needed. Detractors of the plan express concerns about the resulting need to add more capacity to California’s electrical grid, which was brought to the brink of collapse during last summer’s heat wave. New plants need to come online, and more battery systems are needed before gas-powered equipment can be phased out. Zero-emission advanced clean fleet regulations Low-income residents could feel the burden of higher electric bills, too, although the costs of electricity for heat pumps are less because of greater efficiency, when compared to stand-alone air conditioners. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will implement the plan along with additional emissions controls targeting medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Zero-emission advanced clean fleet regulations will take effect by the 2040s, and further emission reductions will impact light-duty vehicles, motorcycles, and other consumer products.  High carbon emissions from space and water heaters Some 90% of emissions from buildings come from space and water heaters, and the California Air Resources Board contends the ban will reduce pollution drastically in congested and low-income areas of the state. A draft rule will be created and a final vote on the new requirement will take place in 2025. California is seeking to achieve a carbon-free grid by 2045. The new requirement does not include natural gas stoves, although 50 or so cities and counties, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, have sought to ban or limit use of gas-fueled stoves in new buildings. In all, homes are responsible for about 10% of U.S. carbon emissions, including space and water heaters, clothes dryers, and cooking stoves. Advancing low- and zero-carbon energy technologies Any proposal that bans natural gas or natural gas appliances would be harmful to consumers" “Any proposal that bans natural gas or natural gas appliances would be harmful to consumers and to the environment,” says the American Gas Association, which represents more than 200 local energy companies, adding “America’s natural gas utilities invest millions of dollars every day to advance low- and zero-carbon energy technologies and reduce emissions, efforts that have led to a 69 percent decline in emissions since 1990.” In addition to the impact on climate change goals, emissions from gas-powered appliances are also a source of air pollution, including nitrogen oxide (NOx). NOx both contributes to smog and can exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Natural gas water headers also emit methane, which is vented outdoors. Funds to relieve the economic burden of decarbonization In California, funding is available to relieve the economic burden of decarbonizing buildings. Most of the US$ 1.4 billion in available funding is targeted to low-income families. The new proposal to ban natural gas heating includes rebates to those who make the transition. Also, the federal Inflation Reduction Act provides rebates to offset the cost of converting from natural gas or propane to electric.

HVAC systems account for around 46% of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption. As big users of electricity, air conditioning (AC) systems this summer face continuing concerns about an adequate supply of electricity and the reliability of the U.S. electrical grid. According to a report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), large parts of the country are at either ‘high’ or ‘elevated’ risk of electricity shortfalls this summer. Notably, a large swath down the middle of the country, including the Midwest US region, faces a potential for insufficient operating reserves of electricity in normal peak conditions. Electricity shortage in peak summer months Furthermore, most of the states west of the Mississippi have a potential for insufficient operating reserves in above-normal conditions. With the beginning of the 2022 summer cooling season marked by some of the highest daily temperatures on record, the ‘above-normal’ conditions are less a possibility than a probability. In affected areas, the power grid could be forced to impose rotating blackouts on some of the hottest days of the year. Most of the Eastern United States of America appears to have sufficient operating reserves to meet demand. Lagging transition to 100% clean energy The underlying causes of the electricity shortage include a lagging transition to 100% clean energy The underlying causes of the electricity shortage include a lagging transition to 100% clean energy. While efforts continue to stimulate the next generation of renewable technologies, the development is not keeping up with the growing demand for electricity. Some resources necessary to maintain sufficient electricity supplies, including natural gas and carbon-based fuels, have been targeted by activist interest groups. Beyond recent shutdown of coal and nuclear plants, factors in the shortage include planned maintenance and forced outages, as well as low wind conditions. Implementing new technologies Utility companies are caught in the middle, seeking to satisfy consumer demand, while implementing new technologies, such as next-generation nuclear, carbon and direct air capture, energy storage, hydrogen, geothermal, and other technologies. In the words of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who stated “However, the situation deals (not) in ideology, (but) in reality.” NERC’s Annual Reliability Assessment NERC’s Annual Reliability Assessment covers four months (June through September) and evaluates electricity generation resources, transmission system adequacy, and energy sufficiency, in order to meet projected summer peak demand and operating reserves. It identifies potential reliability issues of interest and regional topics of concern. In the U.S., the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) faces capacity shortfalls in its North and Central areas, resulting in high risk of energy emergencies during peak summer conditions. Across the MISO, peak demand projections have increased by 1.7% since last summer, as normal demand patterns resume after the COVID-19 pandemic. Another problem is 2.3% less generation capacity, when compared to the summer of 2021. In Canada, anticipated resource capacity in Saskatchewan will be strained to meet peak demand projections, which have increased 7.5% since 2021. Drought conditions contribute to electricity shortage Drought conditions also contribute to the problem, affecting wide areas of North America Drought conditions also contribute to the problem, affecting wide areas of North America and challenging electricity supplies and having potential impacts on demand. Energy output from hydro-generators throughout most of the Western United States of America is affected by widespread drought and below-normal snowpack, according to NERC. Suppliers of electricity from coal-fired generators are having difficulty obtaining fuel and non-fuel consumables, as supply chains are stressed. Electricity suppliers at the risk of cyber security threats Furthermore, electricity is among the critical infrastructure sectors at risk of cyber security threats from Russia and other potential actors, amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Energy efficiency goals, such as those undertaken by the HVAC industry’s transition to electric heat pumps, can contribute to minimizing the need for electricity, especially helpful during a shortage.

Demand for HVAC services spiked during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Low interest rates, government stimulus checks and a greater emphasis on home improvement (because more people were spending time at home) drove new business for HVAC companies. However, labor shortages limited companies’ ability to meet the demand. In some cases, money was left on the table. There was another impact of the pandemic on industry labor trends: HVAC contractors kept working, even when much of the economy was shut down. Pandemic highlighted the importance of HVAC As a whole, the COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the importance of a career in HVAC As a whole, the COVID-19 pandemic both accentuated the importance of a career in HVAC and highlighted the shortage of employees to fill those careers. In the aftermath of the pandemic, the labor shortage in the HVAC industry seems worse than ever. One factor working against employment growth in the HVAC sector is the misconception among high school students that a college degree is required to achieve economic prosperity in any future career. Sadly, the ‘value’ of a college education in the marketplace can sometimes be elusive or even illusory for graduates. It is not uncommon to hear of a recent liberal arts graduate working at minimum wage to pay off exorbitant student loans. Need for more high school programs in HVAC High school counselors push college as the default route for high school students, even among students whose aptitude may point in other directions. Trade school has, for too long, been seen as a fallback position rather than as a worthy pursuit for the future. Fortunately, there are exceptions, including some high school programs that are preparing students for HVAC careers. In short, neglecting the need to direct new members of the workforce toward skilled trades, such as HVAC is at the root of the current (and future) labor shortage. Adapting to the needs of the demographic Attracting younger employees – the Gen Zs and eventually the Gen Alphas – requires adapting to the needs of this demographic. Younger folks want to work for a company that is environmentally friendly, diverse and inclusive, and is sensitive to the needs of employees. They also tend to get bored easily, are more willing to change jobs, and are looking for Meaning (with a capital M) in the career they choose. They are also looking for a well-defined career ladder, through which they can build their future. Careers in HVAC evolving with technological progress Some new technologies can reduce or simplify the labor involved in the installation Careers in HVAC are evolving with the progress of technology. Although HVAC installation still involves a lot of hands-on work, the trend is toward technical tools that require a higher level of skill, more thought, and expertise in addition to the grunt work. Here is another factor useful in addressing labor shortages: Some new technologies can reduce or simplify the labor involved in the installation. Experience is a factor when seeking out the best HVAC candidates. However, experience is a sword that cuts both ways. Sometimes ‘experience’ includes ingrained bad habits that an employer can avoid with proper training of a neophyte. On the other hand, a company can save training costs with a seasoned master who can be productive on their first day. Offering internship opportunities and mentoring programs Recent trade school or even high school graduates are a source of HVAC candidates. Companies can leverage this source of employees, by keeping in touch with nearby training institutions and by offering internship opportunities and mentoring programs. Online job boards and websites point to potential HVAC candidates, but the choices are limited to candidates that are actively seeking employment or to change jobs. That’s only about 15% of the workforce. Many of the best candidates currently have other jobs and would need to be recruited to change positions. Employing recruiters can be expensive, although they only get paid if they provide a successful candidate. Social media can provide a source of candidates Social media can provide a source of candidates. Employers should build their social media strategy to portray their company as a solid business and a great place to work. Focusing on building customer relationships in social media has the side effect of introducing potential job candidates to the company’s spirit and character. Another source for job candidates is employee referrals from current employees. A bonus program for employees who refer a new team member can drive the process.

Johnston County Public Schools, located in Smithfield, North Carolina, chose Carrier to improve energy efficiency and comfort at five schools. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. AquaSnap® 30RB Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, is the seventh-largest school district in the state. JCPS used money from the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to replace a dozen chillers. The school district selected Carrier’s AquaSnap® 30RB, an air-cooled liquid chiller offering an effective all-in-one package that is easy to install and maintain. New Equipment Replaced Old Chillers The schools are in North Carolina’s fastest-growing county with 5,000 students enrolled at the five schools The new equipment replaced chillers that were between 20 and 25 years old at Cleveland Elementary, West Clayton Elementary, and Clayton High in Clayton; McGee’s Crossroads Elementary in Angier; and Glendale-Kenly Elementary in Kenly. According to the latest census data, the schools are in North Carolina’s fastest-growing county with 5,000 students enrolled at the five schools and are part of a larger school system with more than 37,000 students in 48 schools. On-Site Training For Staff In addition to the startup of the chillers, Carrier also provided on-site training for the school system’s maintenance staff ahead of the new school year. “Johnston County Public Schools appreciates that Carrier’s AquaSnap Greenspeed intelligence technology provides best-in-class part-load efficiency with quiet part-load operation,” said Philip Samartino, Sales Specialist, Carrier. Shell And Tube Evaporator Philip Samartino adds, “The school district needed the reliability of the aluminum fin copper tube condenser coils and simplicity of the scroll compressor technology to handle compressor repairs in-house. Many schools also have older piping infrastructure so they preferred the shell and tube evaporator as it is less susceptible to fouling and clogging up from dirty piping systems.” AquaSnap 30RB features In addition to Greenspeed® intelligence, the AquaSnap 30RB features a rotary scroll compressor, Puron® refrigerant, a quiet AeroAcoustic™ fan system, easy to use ComfortLink™ controls, microchannel condenser coil technology, and high-efficiency variable condenser fans. “Carrier is working with school districts nationwide to implement layered HVAC replacement and retrofit solutions that improve learning environments,” said Meredith Emmerich, Vice President, of North America Commercial HVAC, Carrier. Meredith Emmerich adds, “With solutions tailored to each school’s needs, Carrier is committed to helping foster the long-term well-being of students and staff and encourage the use of ESSER funds to make critical improvements that will impact generations of students.”

CIT Group Ltd, a facility management service provider headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi, has chosen Facilio’s Connected CaFM software platform to digitally transform the facilities at the Al Jadidah site.  The company successfully digitized end-to-end O&M processes, and achieved QHSE audit and compliance readiness in a record three weeks, making this the fastest and most seamless Computer-aided Facility Management (CaFM) deployment in the region to date. streamlined and platform-centric Monitored by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the Al Jadidah site is a cultural hub and home to restaurants, shops, art exhibitions, and many entertainment options. CIT Group Ltd envisioned a more streamlined and platform-centric approach to O&M CIT Group Ltd, which manages the site’s operations & facilities, envisioned a more streamlined and platform-centric approach to O&M. challenges Speaking on the occasion, Naser Gulaid, Executive Chairman at CIT Group Ltd said, "Our primary objective for the Al Jadidah project was to enhance the visitor experience and ensure smooth operations without disrupting tenants' businesses." He adds, "Typically, CaFM deployments of this scale take months due to evolving requirements and the lack of adaptable tools to support dynamic operations." solution: Facilio's platform Naser Gulaid continues, "We chose Facilio for its exceptional flexibility, user-friendliness, and seamless integration with third-party systems. Facilio's platform offered us a simplified approach to digitizing end-to-end operations, consolidating data from diverse sources, and providing centralized operational visibility all in one place." He further stated, "It effortlessly handles KPI reporting and audit-readiness, which was tedious with legacy systems. We're pleased with the results of the implementation and are in the process of rolling out Facilio’s platform in five other sites as well." cloud-based solutions Facilio's CEO, Prabhu Ramachandran, said, "Real estate in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant boom driven by massive infrastructure & cultural projects." He adds, "There is a critical need for real estate operators & FM service providers in the Kingdom to upend their current operations & maintenance tech stack and embrace cloud-based solutions to accelerate the business potential of the region and deliver best-in-class experiences. The answer to this is a unified platform approach to operations that meaningfully connects systems, people, and processes." Connected CaFM approach Prabhu Ramachandran continues, "We are happy to see CIT Group Ltd leading the way in Saudi and front-ending the transition to a Connected CaFM approach." Together, CIT Group Ltd. and Facilio have demonstrated the power of innovation and collaboration, revolutionizing facility management and setting new industry standards.

The well-known Italian brand, Big Mamma Restaurant Group, has recently transformed an old four story bank into a striking new restaurant, Jacuzzi, in the heart of High Street Kensington, West London, United Kingdom (UK). In keeping with the grand design of this new ‘pleasure palazzo’, the interior environment needed to offer ultimate comfort and to help create a memorable and luxurious dining experience. Summit Design specified, designed and installed the comprehensive new heating and cooling system, utilizing two 45kW Panasonic 3-pipe ECOi EX MF3 units with nanoe X technology. Panasonic 3-pipe ECOi EX MF3 units installed The Big Mamma Group selected the abandoned old bank building on Kensington High Street The Big Mamma Group selected the abandoned old bank building on Kensington High Street, for its fourth restaurant in London – Jacuzzi, a luxurious 170-seat Italian dining experience. Be-decked with high end Italian treasures and decadent interior design, the site covers four floors, including a Sicilian mezzanine floor with a retractable roof opening out to the bustle of High Street Kensington. Transforming the old historic bank building to a fully functional and fit for purpose restaurant required extensive renovations, including an entirely new heating, cooling and hot water system. To service the 4,000 sq. ft building, Jacuzzi needed a high-capacity performance and energy efficient solution, providing heating and cooling with accurate climate control and ultimate comfort.  Panasonic 45kW 3-pipe ECOi EX MF3 series With Summit Design’s in-depth understanding and knowledge of heating and cooling, the company specified two Panasonic 45kW 3-pipe ECOi EX MF3 series with nanoe X and with a range of indoor units including adaptive ducted, 4-way cassettes, ceiling suspended, floor mounted, wall mounted and slim ducted units. “The Panasonic ECOi EX series is one of the most advanced VRF systems currently on the market, offering not only high performance for simultaneous heating and cooling but also sophisticated installation,” says Dan Sparling of Summit Designs, adding “The solution is ideal for commercial applications having enough capacity to run the energy efficient system for the entire building.” Dan Sparling adds, “Furthermore, the wide selection of indoor units that the Panasonic range offers meant that we could adapt the system design to select the best and most appropriate indoor units, ensuring best choice for each space. It was very important for the heating, cooling and ventilation system to blend seamlessly into the interior design, so as to not distract in any away from the impressive diner experience and general ambience of this high-end restaurant.” Powerful performance for both heating and cooling The Panasonic ECOi EX MF3 offers powerful performance for both heating and cooling The Panasonic ECOi EX MF3 offers powerful performance for both heating and cooling. Designed with a twin rotary inverter compressor, the system is highly energy efficient even in extreme ambient temperatures of say 43 degree C and continue to cool, even when the outside temperature reaches a maximum of 52 degree C, with a high SEER of 3.49 and SCOP of 4.17. The optimized energy consumption was enhanced by the addition of the heat recovery box, which was able to connect multiple indoor units with a single box. The heat exchanger captures the waste heat from the cooling operation and is able to redirect it using the 3-pipe system to areas requiring heating. This capability allows the system to heat and cool multiple areas simultaneously, allowing for greater independent climate control across the four floors and flexibility in meeting a comfortable climate for all. Panasonic system offers flexibility The installation at the large Jacuzzi property was made easier by the flexibility of the Panasonic system. The units provide up to 1000 m of piping and up to 30 m height difference between the indoor units, meaning the system was able to extend its reach across all four floors with ease. The ECOi EX MF3 system provides easy to use and effective temperature and humidity controls, has a newly designed fan for optimized airflow, and customizable settings that can be tailored to suit the needs of the building. Panasonic ECOi units come as standard with nanoe X The Panasonic ECOi units now all come as standard with nanoe X technology" “The Panasonic ECOi units now all come as standard with nanoe X technology, a great benefit that really adds value, especially to a luxury dining experience like the new Jacuzzi restaurant,” said Rachel Wales, Regional Sales Manager for Panasonic. Rachel Wales adds, “The nanoe X technology inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pollutants. With nanoe X, the system can reduce unpleasant odors, tackle mold and allergens and even help keep hard and soft surfaces clean, all of which culminate in creating a better indoor air quality and enhancing the experience for staff and guests alike.” Quick and convenient installation The Panasonic system was able to be installed quickly without any problems, helping deliver the opening of the new restaurant on time. Dan Sparling stated, “We are so pleased with the operation of the system so far and are assured that staff and guests of the restaurant are kept comfortable throughout their experience.”

High-performance Toshiba heating and cooling equipment has been used in combination with a solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system as part of a project to help future-proof a five-bedroom home in Cheshire. Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd (TCUK) is part of Carrier Global Corporation, the global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Toshiba ESTIA air-to-water heat pumps Two 11kW Toshiba ESTIA air-to-water heat pumps operating on lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant R-32 were installed at the 5,500ft2 property, alongside two Toshiba MiNi VRF systems. The Toshiba solution replaced an inefficient heating system and is supported by a 16kW solar PV installation plus 11kW of battery storage and measures including triple-glazing. Energy-neutral outdoor and indoor units  Homeowner and renewables consultant - Dave Meseck says the property is “energy-neutral” during the summer months, with generated and stored energy offsetting electricity consumed from the grid.  One of the ESTIA systems serves around 90m2 of underfloor heating in the open-plan kitchen and dining area, while the other provides hot water and heats the upstairs radiators and towel rails from a supplied 300-liter cylinder. The ESTIA indoor units include a 3kW backup heater to ensure continuity of operation at extremely low ambient air temperatures. Toshiba Mini SMMSe VRF The 5hp system provides heating and cooling for the room above a triple garage via a 5.6kW four-way cassette A 6hp (15.5kW) Toshiba Mini SMMSe VRF is connected to ducted units in the bedrooms and two of the newly designed compact 3.6kW one-way cassettes downstairs, which have been designed to fit between the joists on a traditional home. The second 5hp (14kW) system provides heating and cooling for the room above a triple garage via a 5.6kW Toshiba four-way cassette, while the garage space below, where a spa area is planned, is served by two wall-mounted units. Efficiency “The whole system has been running since December last year and the way it has transformed the house is fantastic,’’ said David Meseck, a Specialist in renewables, sustainability, and the circular economy. He adds, “It was important to get everything right; the project was sized correctly and the equipment installed properly." Cost-effective all-electric heating system As well as helping to future-proof our home and reducing energy costs, the changes have added value to the property" David Meseck continues, "Together with the other measures, we now have an efficient, all-electric heating system with the added benefit of cooling in summer, and the annual servicing cost is comparable to boiler cover. As well as helping to future-proof our home and reducing energy costs, the changes have added value to the property." He adds, "I would urge anyone looking to invest in their home to look at the bigger picture and make it an environmentally-responsible investment.’’ Four models are available in the ESTIA range, spanning capacities from 4-11kW, all with reversible operation to provide cooling as well as heating if required. twin rotary compressor At the heart of ESTIA is Toshiba's award-winning twin rotary compressor, which contributes to the system's outstanding energy efficiency rating of A+++. The compressor enables the heat pump to continue supplying hot water even during exceptionally cold weather, delivering water at 62 degrees C when outdoor temperatures fall to -25 degrees C. ESTIA can also continue producing DHW at exceptionally high outdoor temperatures (43 degrees C) to deliver maximum running cost savings. all-in-one floor-standing hydro-module Toshiba offers a space-saving wall-mounted hydro-module for boiler replacement projects such as this, with a choice of 150l, 200l, or 300l capacity external cylinders. For new-build projects, an all-in-one floor-standing hydro-module with an integrated 210l tank provides a compact solution for both heating and DHW storage. Easy-to-install ESTIA provides a superb solution for homeowners or small businesses looking to replace less efficient systems" “ESTIA provides a superb solution for homeowners or small businesses looking to replace less efficient systems," said David McSherry, David McSherry, Head of Sales for Toshiba Air Conditioning UK, Carrier Global Comfort Solutions Europe. “It is quick and easy to install on-site, and Toshiba’s renowned reliability means a long working life, backed by our excellent warranty.” Performance, warranty, and reliability Installer - Peter Franks, Managing Director of Mansfield-based Woburn Mechanical Services Ltd, added, “This is by some distance the biggest domestic project we have undertaken. The customer knew exactly what he wanted and now has a comprehensive heating and cooling system." Peter Franks concludes, "The Toshiba equipment is excellent in terms of performance and reliability and comes with a seven-year warranty. We wouldn’t be fitting it if we didn’t have complete confidence in it.’’

Trane® - by Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, and Parkway School District, one of the largest school districts in Missouri, USA, announced that the district has achieved a total energy savings of more than US$ 1.1 million in the four years following comprehensive energy and infrastructure upgrades. This is 10% higher than the initial savings guaranteed by Trane. Following the upgrades, the district is using less electricity and natural gas, resulting in a 26% reduction in energy usage annually. The project also reduced the district’s carbon emissions by more than 9,000 metric tons, the equivalent of nearly 23 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. Trane and Parkway School District partnership Over the past 18 years, they have collaborated on many energy efficiency projects These gains are the result of a long-standing relationship between Trane and Parkway School District. Over the past 18 years, they have collaborated on many energy efficiency projects across the district including LED lighting, roofing insulation, and heating and cooling plant infrastructure upgrades in support of the school district's long-held commitment to sustainable technologies. District motto – ‘Higher Expectations, Brighter Futures’ “Our district motto is ‘Higher Expectations. Brighter Futures,’ and what we have achieved working with Trane is an excellent example of what that can mean,” said Patty Bedborough, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Parkway School District. Patty Bedborough adds, “Through our collaboration, we have surpassed our already-high expectations for energy efficiency. Not only does this support our ongoing commitment to sustainability, it allows us to prioritize more dollars toward student education.” Trane installs on-campus geothermal energy plant Most recently, the district worked with Trane to install an on-campus geothermal energy plant at Parkway South High School, the district’s largest school and most significant energy consumer, when one of two chillers in its aging chiller plant became non-functional. The energy upgrade, completed in 2021, was the first of its kind in the Greater St. Louis area and reduced the school’s carbon footprint, while increasing energy efficiency, preserving campus aesthetics and minimizing architectural and acoustical impacts. Trane deploys highly-efficient solutions We are proud to support the district’s measures to implement highly-efficient solutions" “It is a privilege to work with Parkway School District, a recognized sustainability leader in the education space,” said Jennifer Geen, Senior Account Manager - Complex Solutions at Trane. Jennifer Geen adds, “We are proud to support the district’s measures to implement highly-efficient solutions that help create a better indoor environment for students and staff alike while reducing the district’s energy use, carbon emissions and costs, all of which will benefit the community for years to come.” Trane’s work with Parkway School District supports Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including its Gigaton Challenge, which aims to reduce one gigaton – or, a billion metric tons – of customers’ carbon emissions by 2030. Parkway School District The Parkway School District is one of the premier school districts in the Midwest and St. Louis region, in the United States of America (USA). Parkway’s 29 schools and Early Childhood Center are renowned for their achievements, with 17 Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Education from the U.S. Department of Education and 19 Gold Star Awards from the US State of Missouri. All four traditional Parkway high schools are consistently named among the country’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. While each school is unique, collectively they make up one of the highest-performing school districts in the country.

ECO Steam and Heating ordered a 10MW Electrode Steam Boiler for their Dutch customer - MARS WRIGLEY in Veghel. This is the largest chocolate bar factory in the world that produces brands, such as Twix, Mars, and Bounty. PARAT Halvorsen AS will deliver the 10MW High Voltage Electrode Steam Boiler that will reduce emissions and bring flexibility to their boiler house.  Power to Heat system The Power to Heat system will be delivered with a 10kV Connection, Design Temperature of 204°C, Operating Pressure of 13.5 barg, Circulation Pumps, and Feedwater Pumps. ECO Steam and Heating will take care of the Project Management, including lift-in and installation of the complete boiler system, while PARAT will do the start-up and training of personnel.