Mergers & Acquisitions

Darren Finley, Managing Director for Commercial Products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) - a not-for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the non-domestic heating sector since 1933. Having worked in the heating industry for over 37 years and, as MD for Groupe Atlantic commercial brands Ideal Heating Commercial, Hamworthy Heating and ACV, Darren’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of this market sector made him an ideal candidate for the role of Chair at ICOM.  Latest Chair of ICOM Commenting on this prestigious accolade, Darren said: “I am honored to be appointed as Chair of ICOM. This long-standing trade association has contributed to the success of the commercial heating industry time and time again and, as it’s latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent work it has done."  "Now, more than ever, we need to come together as an industry and drive decarbonization forward and ensure we present with one united voice to protect and promote our industry.” Tangible benefits for members Each group holds quarterly meetings, participating in retail and technical talks and valuable networking ICOM works closely with governments, professional bodies, and associations at the national and European levels, generating tangible benefits for members, as well as being instrumental in the development of product and installation standards. It has an active and representative membership operating within one or more product-related groups. Each group holds quarterly meetings, participating in commercial and technical discussions as well as valuable networking. When specific issues arise, working groups are formed to produce suitable documents that are presented to the relevant Government department or standards body. Darren’s organization skills  “Darren is a well-known, highly regarded figure in the commercial heating industry,” states Steve McConnell, Director of ICOM, “and we are delighted to welcome him as Chair of ICOM." "Darren’s knowledge of this sector, along with his organization skills and forward-thinking attitude, will help ensure ICOM members are well represented at some of the most senior levels.” Darren officially started his role as Chair of ICOM on 1st October and will retain his post for two years.

Marcone, a renowned North American distributor of residential and commercial kitchen appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and pool/spa repair parts and equipment, recently sponsored the annual Guns 'N Hoses fundraising event. Held on November 27 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, the event is a fundraiser for Backstoppers, which supports the families of fallen or injured first responders. Guns 'N Hoses event Marcone is a longtime sponsor of the Guns 'N Hoses fundraising event The annual event raises about $1 million each year and features an evening of amateur boxing and mixed martial arts matchups between police and firemen/EMTs from the greater Saint Louis metropolitan area. Marcone is a longtime sponsor of the Guns 'N Hoses fundraising event.  “Caring for first responders is a top priority for Marcone as we give back to the communities we serve,” said Dan Burke, Marcone’s Vice President of National Accounts. He adds, “The work Backstoppers does to support the families left behind by these heroes, who died serving our neighborhoods, is something we are proud to get behind.” money raised The money raised at the event will contribute toward the $2.5 million that Backstoppers spends to support 95 families -- including 80 children -- in the St. Louis area each year. Since the first Guns 'N Hoses event in 1987, more than $11 million has been raised.

Siemens and Genea recently announced a second collaborative effort to provide security professionals and facility managers with improved security using the cloud. The security solution allows teams to leverage their existing technology, like security cameras, door readers, controllers and more, and manage it all from a modern dashboard, anytime, anywhere. Siemens’ security customers Through Genea’s customizable, cloud-based, open API platform, Siemens’ security customers can now integrate various current building systems or applications, such as visitor management, Apple Wallet, video management, or identity management. Genea makes it possible to assign and distribute NFC and Bluetooth mobile credentials directly to users’ smartphones. As an added convenience, credentials can also be stored in Apple and Google Wallet, for easier accessibility. Integrated systems   Customers can transition to the cloud without paying to replace their entire hardware system Since Genea runs on non-proprietary door readers and Mercury controllers, customers can transition to the cloud without paying to replace their entire hardware system. This commitment to open standards helps guarantee that the integrated systems will provide exceptional performance, while safeguarding customers' investments in security infrastructure. Genea's advanced platform "Teaming up with Genea underscores our dedication to expanding the Siemens Connect Ecosystem program by delivering top-tier security solutions using non-proprietary Mercury hardware," said Rich Reidy, US Security Segment Head of the Buildings business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA.  Rich Reidy adds, "As a trusted and proven pioneer in the industry, Genea's advanced platform and flexible technology align perfectly with our goal of offering cutting-edge, adaptable solutions for the future." Flexible security solution Genea and Siemens first collaborated five years ago with the goal of enhancing commercial real estate operations. With Genea On-Demand HVAC and Genea Submeter Billing, property teams were able to drive significant energy savings and operational efficiencies.  This latest joint effort gives Siemens’ customers a flexible security solution that remains adaptable to the evolving needs of enterprises, universities, schools, healthcare facilities, commercial real estate properties, and other markets. Transition to cloud-based security "We are excited to once again collaborate with Siemens, a company that shares our dedication to innovation and excellence," said Eric Moe, Senior Vice President of Sales, Security at Genea. Eric Moe adds, "This latest endeavor that targets the physical security market allows us to pair with an industry pioneer and help more organizations transition to cloud-based security."

Good Energy, the clean power company, will pay customers to automate the flexible use of their heat pumps or batteries through its new cutting-edge platform FlexiRewards. Customers could earn between £5 and £20 a month without needing to take any action – FlexiRewards does the work for them. Building on the success of Power Pause, Good Energy’s implementation of National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), FlexiRewards will take ‘demand side response’ a step further by automating customers’ flexibility. Unlike DFS, FlexiRewards does not require customers to respond to alerts to manually adjust their energy usage as adjustments are automated. Good Energy customers Launched as a pilot which will run for 12 months, the platform is available only to a select number of Good Energy customers who have had heat pumps or batteries installed by the company, but do not need to be supplied electricity by Good Energy. It not only offers direct financial rewards to participating households it also supports a more efficient and resilient national electricity grid, benefiting all electricity consumers across the UK. FlexiRewards platform FlexiRewards works seamlessly with Good Energy’s installed heat pumps and battery systems FlexiRewards works seamlessly with Good Energy’s installed heat pumps and battery systems to monitor and automatically adjust how each device uses or shares electricity during peak periods, requiring no active management by the customer. By doing so, it helps reduce strain on the electricity grid when demand is at its highest.  As the FlexiRewards platform communicates with the customer’s devices, it can automatically shift power usage or battery charging to less-demanding periods, optimizing both the customer’s energy efficiency and the grid’s performance. Resilient energy system James Rees, Director of Product and Propositions, said, "Our goal has always been to allow people to take control of their energy in a way that’s both beneficial to them and sustainable for the planet." He adds, "With FlexiRewards, we’re offering a way for our customers to save and earn money with little to no effort, while supporting a cleaner, more resilient energy system." Good Energy heat pump James Rees continues: "We hope it will provide new insights into a smart energy future where everyone can play a role in grid efficiency – and get rewarded for it." Research the University of Southampton has conducted with Good Energy heat pump customers has indicated that heat pumps can be paused for up to two-hour periods with limited impact on home heat and customer comfort.

Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electric, Florida’s foremost indoor comfort provider, continues its expansion across Florida with the acquisition of Colman Heating & Air. Del-Air serves Volusia and Flagler counties including Daytona, Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, New Smyrna, Ormond Beach, and Palm Coast. Colman Heating & Air Since opening in 1980, Colman Heating & Air has been a provider of home comfort along Florida’s Space Coast. Located in Titusville, the company committed itself to excellent customer service, while providing customers with top-quality services in air conditioning repair, installation, ductless HVAC, heat pumps, light commercial HVAC, and much more. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services “Through the acquisition of Colman Heating & Air, homeowners in Volusia and Flagler counties will have access to the services provided by our excellent team at Del-Air,” said Rick Rogers, CEO of Del-Air. Rick Rogers adds, “We remain dedicated to creating premier home comfort for homeowners and businesses in these two communities. Through our full suite of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services, we commit ourselves to being an asset in the community.” air conditioning and heating contractor For over 40 years, Del-Air has created a reputation as the air conditioning and heating contractor of choice for Florida homeowners, homebuilders, and commercial businesses. As part of their dedication to the community, customers in their service areas can save $100 on their A/C tune-up when they donate five cans of food.

Carrier and its partner, Strategic Thermal Labs (STL), are highlighting a number of products and services tailor-made for data centers at this year’s SC24 conference and exhibition in Atlanta. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. SC24, or SuperComputing24, is a conference and exhibition that draws over 10,000 attendees, hosted by the International Conference for High-Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis. Carrier Cooling Distribution Units Attendees include scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, programmers, system administrators and developers. This year, the event will take place the week of Nov. 17 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will be located in booth #3755. Products on display will include a demonstration product for a new family of Carrier Cooling Distribution Units being developed specifically for liquid cooling in high-performance computing applications.  New liquid cooling products Experts from Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will also be on hand to answer questions Strategic Thermal Labs will be introducing 10 new liquid cooling products developed to address the increase in processor power, while providing an increase in cooling efficiency and reduction in infrastructure costs. Experts from Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will also be on hand to answer questions and highlight the full breadth of solutions for data centers from each company. For Carrier, this includes chillers, air handlers, integrated management solutions, building automation systems, analytics and service solutions. Liquid cooling solutions “Carrier is at the forefront of heating and cooling solutions for customers around the world. We are focused on providing data center customers with best-in-class products and support to bolster their growth and provide them peace of mind,” said Christian Senu, Executive Director, Data Center and Mega-Projects, Carrier, adding “We’re excited to showcase our full set of offerings here at SC24.” Carrier Global Corporation’s venture group, Carrier Ventures, announced an investment and technology partnership with Strategic Thermal Labs earlier this year, allowing Carrier to leverage ground-breaking technology for liquid cooling solutions for data centers. Greenfield AI data center The liquid cooling market is expected to approach $3-5B by 2028, driven by greenfield AI data center builds that will bring significantly higher rack power densities. Liquid cooling accounts for roughly 2% of overall cooling solutions within the data center today and is expected to increase to almost ~30% by 2028. As part of the investment, Carrier’s Vice President for Commercial HVAC Product Management, Marketing and Strategy, Chris Opie, now sits on the Strategic Thermal Labs Board.

The HVAC market is forecasted to grow at a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%, with a prediction to reach $370 billion by 2030. But in reality, the HVAC and plumbing industry is changing rapidly, with operators facing new challenges like never before. Whether it’s rising costs, the uncertain economy, increasing competition, or the workforce shortage, there’s no doubt the HVAC and plumbing market is evolving. So how do you adapt? That’s the key question. My take is that we can’t predict the future, but we can adjust based on the facts on the field. That’s why now is the time for industry operators to focus on strategies that elevate growth, relationships, and longevity. Here are three ways to tackle today’s market. 1. Diversify Service Offerings With the rising costs of customer acquisition and market competitiveness, it is increasingly challenging to build a successful, resilient trade business by just offering one service — especially if it’s a seasonal specialty. While one-service shops were the norm historically, things have changed in the market. The contractor’s relationship with the customer has never been more valuable, and offering multiple trades allows operators to keep relationships within the four walls of the company – without referring valuable leads (or the potential to lose a customer entirely) to the competition. While one-service shops were the norm historically, things have changed in the market By adding more services to your HVAC and plumbing line-up, you become the one-stop, go-to source for essential home services in your market. For the long-term sustainability of the business, it is crucial to ultimately offer the essential three services: electrical, plumbing/sewer, and HVAC. Additionally, when you provide a variety of services your business will experience less seasonal or cyclical highs & lows because it’s well-rounded, diverse, and, ultimately, healthy. 2. Build Scale through Investment It’s a fact: The home services market is highly fragmented, with over 100,000 contracting businesses active in the United States. It also continues to churn out profits — making it a quality investment for home services investors and private equity sponsors. The fragmented market dynamic is an ideal opportunity for consolidation – and there is more investment capital flowing into the market than ever before. Owners with ambitions to grow can be aggressive with tuck-in acquisitions to offer differentiated services Nationally, scaled Platforms backed by investors or large franchisors service ~20% of the market in a metro area. The benefits of scale are significant: substantial purchasing power (especially on equipment), robust digital/traditional marketing capabilities, programmatic recruiting/training functions, breadth of service offerings, and robust balance sheet to fund growth and investment – just to name a few. However, not every investor is the same. Many employ business practices inconsistent with the culture of founder/owner-backed businesses, which smart entrepreneurs/operators can use to their advantage. Owners with ambitions to grow can be aggressive with tuck-in acquisitions to offer differentiated services and build breadth/new skills in their businesses. Alternatively, businesses struggling to make it on their own or with owners approaching retirement, can partner with larger service providers so they can keep practicing their trade without having to run the day-to-day business – just be careful with selecting the right investor to protect your people and legacy. 3. React in Real Time One thing the HVAC and plumbing industry has proven over the last few years is its resilience – especially for the best operators. No matter what the economic climate is, homeowners still need to protect and stay comfortable in their most valuable asset. That should provide a sense of job security to HVAC and plumbing professionals — but also motivate you to go the extra mile to attract and retain business. Just because the HVAC and plumbing industry has shown signs of being recession-resistant (for now) does not mean it can’t be impacted by the economy. That’s why it’s crucial to manage the business daily – especially pricing and the components of gross margin. The best operators review cost inputs with their teams weekly and adjust mid-month, which ultimately helps the business maintain its health and profitability. As we head into the back half of 2024, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out for the industry, and I continue to be optimistic about a bounce back after a tough 2023. We will have to wait and see-but with the strategies above, businesses can position for success no matter what happens in the future.

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.

Wren is a climate subscription service that helps individuals offset their carbon footprint through monthly contributions. Users can calculate their carbon emissions using Wren’s intuitive calculator and fund various climate projects, including refrigerant destruction. Wren emphasizes transparency by providing regular updates on the impact of contributions, including data, photos, and stories. The platform aims to make climate action simple and effective, ensuring that every dollar contributes to meaningful environmental change.  About A-Gas  A‑Gas is a world pioneer in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerants and associated products and services. Through the first-class recovery, reclamation, and repurposing processes, we capture refrigerants and fire protection gases for future re-use or safe destruction, preventing harmful release into the atmosphere. For over 30 years, A-Gas has supported clients and partners on their environmental journey by supplying lower global warming gases and actively increasing the circularity of the industries we serve, building a sustainable future.   Challenge  HCFC-22 is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) much higher than CO2 The widespread use of refrigerants like HCFC-22 (R22) presents a significant environmental challenge. HCFC-22 is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) much higher than CO2 (one molecule of R22 has a global warming impact 1,810 times that of one molecule of CO2). If not properly managed, its release would have a negative impact on the atmosphere. As these refrigerants reach the end of their lifecycle, there is an urgent need for effective solutions to prevent their emissions and minimize their environmental impact.   Solution  To address this challenge, A-Gas recovers refrigerants for reclamation or destruction at A-Gas facilities across the country. By leveraging Wren's platform to mobilize individual contributions and A-Gas' technical expertise in lifecycle refrigerant management, this partnership enabled an environmentally conscious solution for the used refrigerant. It underscores the potential for innovative partnerships that can help to further reduce emissions in the refrigerant industry through its on-site refrigerant recovery service (Rapid Recovery®), refrigerant buyback programs, and wholesale supplier reclaim program (Refri-Claim™). HCFC-22 destruction project The ACR methodology has included HCFC-22 as eligible for destruction-generated offsets since 2017 Wren and A-Gas formed a partnership to provide Wren subscribers with the opportunity to fund an HCFC-22 destruction project through the generation of A-Gas carbon credits to ensure the gas does not escape into the atmosphere. While the ACR (formerly American Carbon Registry) methodology has included HCFC-22 as eligible for destruction-generated offsets since 2017, few have completed such projects because the price of HCFC-22 is so high; it is more profitable for organizations to reclaim this product.  ACR’s methodology As such, this is one of the first HCFC-22 destruction projects utilizing ACR’s methodology. Approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to provide carbon credits in its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), ACR is highly regarded across the world.  Results  The partnership yielded multiple environmental benefits:   Emissions Avoided: The initiative successfully avoided the release of 16,000 tons of CO2-equivalent emissions by destroying HCFC-22. This substantial elimination of greenhouse gas emissions demonstrates the effectiveness of the program.   Subscriber Engagement: Wren provided its subscribers with detailed updates on the impact of their contributions. These updates included data on the quantities of HCFC-22 destroyed and the corresponding emissions reductions. This transparency helped build trust and encouraged ongoing participation in climate action.   Educational Impact: The collaboration raised awareness about the importance of proper lifecycle refrigerant management. Wren and A-Gas educated the public on lesser-known aspects of climate change mitigation by highlighting the environmental benefits of destroying high-GWP substances.   Conclusion  This partnership enabled an environmentally conscious solution for the used refrigerant By leveraging Wren's platform to mobilize individual contributions and A-Gas' technical expertise in lifecycle refrigerant management, this partnership enabled an environmentally conscious solution for the used refrigerant. It underscores the potential for innovative partnerships that can help to further reduce emissions in the refrigerant industry.  refrigerant destruction protocols and technology "We are excited to work with A-Gas to push forward the standard of refrigerant destruction protocols and technology," said Landon Brand, CEO, of Wren. Landon Brand adds, "This is one of the most reliable and impactful project types we have found in our years of funding climate solutions, and we hope our community can keep blazing a trail to eliminate these dangerous refrigerants."

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.”

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.