< PreviousNEWS UPDATE 10 MEP Middle East | February 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com RETROFITTING Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES), which is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – the fi rst university established in the UAE – to explore retrofi tting the university’s buildings with energy effi cient solutions. The agreement aims to reduce power and water consumption, while enhancing energy effi ciency and sustainability throughout the UAEU’s premises in Al Ain. ADES will work closely with UAEU to assess its current power and water consumption trends, and develop a comprehensive plan to improve energy effi ciency across UAEU’s facilities. The MoU plays an important role in Abu Dhabi’s Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030, which targets a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 22% and water consumption by more than 32%. Commenting on the agreement, the executive director of Transmission and Distribution at TAQA Group, Omar Abdulla Alhashmi, said: “The United Arab Emirates University is a natural fi t for ADES. As an institution that puts sustainability and environmental responsibility at centre stage, UAEU plays a critical role in encouraging more sustainable-conscious global citizens. “TAQA is excited to partner with UAEU to extend that approach to sustainability to their buildings and infrastructure through ADES.” Sharing his thoughts on the announcement, the acting vice chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Prof Ghaleb Alhadrami Albreiki, said: “The cooperation between Abu Dhabi’s ADES, UAEU ink MoU on energy effi ciency ADES will work closely with UAEU to assess its current power and water consumption trends, and develop a comprehensive plan to improve energy efficiency across UAEU’s facilities the UAEU and Abu Dhabi Energy Services comes in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050 to help preserve the nation’s vital resources for future generations. “We, at UAEU, seek through research, to be constantly proactive in creating contemporary methods and devices to enhance the effi ciency of the energy sector, rationalise the consumption of natural resources, and discover alternative solutions that develop sustainable development in the country.” The chief operating offi cer and acting chief executive offi cer at ADES, Stephane le Gentil, said: “We are delighted to work with UAEU and, through this MoU, enable them to operate more sustainably through identifying opportunities to reduce their power and water consumption at their sizable campus in Al Ain. “In addition to this, ADES will engage students and academic staff in the programme and share our data and insights, showcasing our work and efforts as a real-life case study in sustainability.” ADES was established in January 2020 to accelerate the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s power and water sector. ADES is focused on identifying, sourcing, and funding solutions that can deliver tangible reductions in both energy and water usage.NEWS UPDATE February 2021 | MEP Middle East 11 www.mepmiddleeast.com APPOINTMENTS Jubaili Bros – which is one of the top generator suppliers in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia – has appointed Dr Marcus Schumacher as its Group CEO in line with its growth plans for the coming decades. Schumacher has more than 25 years of global experience across multiple industries. At Johnson Controls, he was the global vice-president for Product Management and Engineering, as well as the general manager of EMEA for industrial refrigeration products. He also led Johnson Controls’ Building Technology Group in the Middle East for more than three years. Prior to Johnson Controls, Schumacher was the general manager for Middle East, North Africa, and India for Eaton’s Oil & Gas Electrical and Process Instrumentation business. Schumacher holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Material Science, both from RWTH Aachen, a leading University in Germany. He has attended executive leadership programmes at the Wharton Business School and at Rice University in the US. The co-founder and chairman of the board, Ramzi Jubaili, said: “We are excited to bring new talents into our organisation to help us continue with our successful journey in supporting our customers by further enhancing our portfolio towards services and solutions in the energy sector whilst expanding our geographical footprint across the region.” Dr Marcus Schumacher said: “I am truly excited to join a team of highly talented professionals in power generation, and emerging solar sector having a history of more than 40 years in this diverse region.” Jubaili Bros appoints Dr Marcus Schumacher as its Group CEO PROJECTS MEP works on Saudi Arabia’s new King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz airport in Jazan, which is being constructed on an area of 50,134,155m2, are progressing on schedule. The airport – which has been designed to serve 240 million passengers per year through domestic and international fl ights – will include a cooling plant, a sewage treatment plant, a water tank, as well as an energy building. Rubble work has already begun, along with implementation works such as diverting torrential rainwater from the valleys of Sabya, Besh, and Shahdan into sea water. In addition, ongoing work also include soil improvement, rainwater drainage, electrical networks, mechanical works, construction of passenger halls, runways and parallel fl ight corridors, aircraft parking lots, road networks, bridges, ramps, and more. The 10-gate airport will comprise a total of 10 bridges for passenger movement from the plane to the airport, as well as a passenger terminal, service buildings, car parks, service and investment facilities, and more. The governor of the Jazan region, HRH Prince Muhammad bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, reviewed the ongoing implementation works during an inspection visit to the site. The assistant president of Saudi’s General Authority of Civil Aviation’s projects, Eng Khaled bin Ibrahim Al-Rumaih, the undersecretary of the region, Dr Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Saqr; the general director of the Offi ce of His Highness the Governor of the Region, Dr Tereheeb bin Ammash bin Hafeez; the director-general of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan, Mubarak bin Muhammad Al-Shahrani, and a number of other offi cials, were also present on the inspection tour MEP works on Jazan’s King Abdullah airport remain on schedule Dr Marcus Schumacher, Group CEO, Jubaili Bros The 50,134,155m2 airport has been designed to serve 240 million passengers per year12 MEP Middle East | February 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com TALKING POINT In an unprecedented year of socio- economic disruption, much of the sentiment surrounding global and regional construction has been bleak. As an industry which has historically relied on thin margins, often in high competition markets, few would disagree that the industry was already primed for an overhaul long before the 2020 pandemic; particularly where fi nding new ways to reduce ineffi ciencies were concerned, and while there are several challenges that ought to be addressed as a matter of urgency, we stand at a unique crossroad to implement positive change that stands to benefi t stakeholders throughout the industry. Here are three clear categories that offer the ‘low hanging fruit’ of where to begin and how to make the most signifi cant progress by making the most elementary changes. Client and design-related issues While it is an old carpentry cliché, the adage of ‘measure twice, cut once’ permeates through almost all aspects of the construction industry and for good reason. As a metaphor for double checking plans before following through on resource- intensive costs, the adherence to this rule often means the reduction of needless waste of both raw materials and manpower. A lot of time and money could be saved by encouraging the following changes. Firstly, by ensuring the client takes full ownership of the design before approaching a contractor – this includes Converting industry CHALLENGES into OPPORTUNITIES ALEMCO’s General Manager, Nathan Hanns, shares his thoughts on some of the prevailing challenges within the region’s construction sector and why 2021 is an ideal opportunity for the UAE to reposition itself as a role model for other rapidly developing economiesFebruary 2021 | MEP Middle East 13 www.mepmiddleeast.com TALKING POINT accountable communication between project stakeholders, particularly when dealing with fast-track projects or when attempting to problem solve, and fi nally, by ensuring the timely payment of contractors, subcontractors, and design consultants on a successful delivery basis – particularly when it comes to covering changes or revisions. Contractors and MEPD subcontractors When it comes to the relationship between contractors and MEPD subcontractors, there are four key points, starting with fully understanding the fi nancial and commercial implications of a project. Too often, both contractors and subcontractors have tendered without having a complete grasp of the specifi cs, leading to under-priced works and a slew of problems that almost always lead to excessive delays. While it is clearly important to remain competitive, cutting corners with poor quality and substandard materials always ends up being more costly than anticipated, while severely disrupting the overall progress of the project itself. Secondly, while it may seem obvious, there is need for an improvement in communication when it comes to project schedules between stakeholders. By keeping other parties blind to your own programme, the coordination between contractor and subcontractor becomes highly ineffective, subsequently leading to massive disruption and trade stacking, particularly with the fi nishing trades such as MEP. By keeping other parties blind to your own programme, the coordination between contractor and subcontractor becomes highly ineffective, subsequently leading to massive disruption and trade stacking, particularly with the fi nishing trades such as MEP ... the output of project-assigned, design consultants. By clearly understanding the desired outcome, as well as preparing all the necessary fee coverage for the complete and coordinated designs, duplication of work is avoided at later stages, meaning a far more effi cient workfl ow that positively impacts all stakeholders throughout the supply chain. Secondly, by ensuring that all designs are accompanied by accurate quantities – this allows greater precision in assigning value to the work required, as opposed to issuing fi xed lump sum contracts, which effectively pass on the risk to the contractor. Also “catch all” phrases in the specifi cation to protect an incomplete design, need to be removed. Thirdly, by abandoning the idea of ‘every man for himself’ and adopting a collaborative approach towards project delivery – this includes faster and more Nathan Hanns General Manager, ALEMCO Ensuring that all designs are accompanied by accurate quantities will allow greater precision in assigning value to the work required14 MEP Middle East | February 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com TALKING POINT By openly sharing project schedules, parties can better coordinate and remain fl exible throughout the process, ensuring a better use of resources at any given stage. Thirdly, there is a need to pay closer attention to detail when it comes to avoiding payment defaults. When dealing with the kind of numbers that are associated with multi-million or even billion-dollar projects, cash fl ow is essential to keeping the ball rolling and ironically avoiding additional costs caused by delays. Should fi nancial failure occur during the construction process, a fast-track legal process would greatly aid the resolution process and ensure that any delays are kept to a minimum. Finally, while each contract is different, there has been a growing trend of subcontractors being burdened with unnecessary factors such as infl ation. While each contract is different, there has been a growing trend of subcontractors being burdened with unnecessary factors such as inflation In order to balance out the risk of a project, contracts should be structured to offer all parties a fair and transparent way of doing business that avoids placing unnecessary pressure on any given party. Prolongation or variation impacts of construction projects Currently, prolongation costs are not being dealt with in a timely manner – a challenge which ultimately affects the subcontractors’ ability to perform. In a similar way that payment faults need to be addressed, so do the issues surrounding prolongation costs, which includes fi nding solutions to non- agreements and delayed payments during the construction period. Almost all other issues associated with prolongation stem from challenges already outlined in the points already mentioned February 2021 | MEP Middle East 15 www.mepmiddleeast.com TALKING POINT technical innovations that are construction- specifi c and help to improve accuracy and speed, while reducing cost and project risk. According to a recent KPMG report, the UAE is already witnessing ‘“technological disruption” in the sector, including through 3D printing and automation, the use of robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, and intelligent tools and equipment, which will ultimately lead to a leaner, more specialised digitally enabled workforce. Where fi nance is concerned, the Dubai Development Authority has already issued several initiatives designed to ease the fi nancial burdens for construction stakeholders, such as splitting Final Building Permit fees into instalments, as well as the extension of permits and zoning exception fees. While these don’t address the contractual obligations as mentioned earlier, they indicate an awareness of the fi nancial pressures being faced in the market and stand as an example that we operate in a market where further amendments and protocols are possible if demand dictates it necessary. Finally, as an emirate and a nation, we still have a long funnel of major projects ahead that will rely on the majority of these challenges being resolved. As the region’s projects become more technically advanced, the ability for the industry to remain agile, while improving its process will be intrinsically essential to upholding Dubai’s reputation for record breaking projects and being home to a construction sector that sets the gold standard for precision engineering and project professionalism. As the region’s projects become more technically advanced, the ability for the industry to remain agile, while improving its process will be intrinsically essential to upholding Dubai’s reputation for record breaking projects ... earlier, including the requirement to factor in changes in design and alterations to payments terms and conditions. Conclusion So, why is Dubai particularly well-suited to embrace and overcome these industry- wide challenges? Firstly, this is not a burgeoning construction market, but one of the most active and fastest growing centres for construction in the world. As such, it has attracted a broad variety of experts ranging from top-tier engineers and consultants, to designers and directors, who each bring their years of international experience to the table. Secondly, Dubai is a market that embraces and encourages the use of tech; a highly useful attribute, particularly when it comes to slow-evolving sectors such as construction. Thanks to the widespread use of products such as BIM, which helps to improve design accuracy thereby reducing waste and unnecessary labour, as well as applications that share live project information thereby enhancing communication between stakeholders, Dubai is particularly well positioned to embrace the ever-accelerating list of Dubai still has a long funnel of projects ahead that will rely on the majority of these challenges being resolved Prolongation costs are not being dealt with in a timely manner – a challenge which ultimately affects the subcontractors’ ability to performHVAC POWER 25 16 MEP Middle East | February 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting lockdowns in 2020, along with mandatory work- from-home circumstances during the past 12 months, have emphasised the amount of time spent indoors. As we turn the corner into 2021, a new set of lockdowns across the globe coupled with distance learning for educational institutions and increased precautionary measures in workplaces, have brought health concerns due to poor indoor air quality to the fore. In addition to the Middle East’s reliance on HVAC systems for comfort, the pandemic has also spurred discussions on the need for the HVAC industry to prioritise innovative solutions for energy effi ciency, superior air quality, and occupant health. In times like this, the role played by the HVAC Power 25 companies – the most infl uential players in the region’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sector – have been crucial, and some of their efforts have been highlighted here as they continue to keep our homes, schools, shops, hospitals, and offi ces habitable. As a disclaimer, we have not been able to include all the fi rms that have responded to our survey, and yet, we have made the effort to carefully select all the top players in the market who have made an impact on the sector over the past 12 months. Also, please note that this list is not a ranking, and does not place companies in any specifi c order of importance, but merely makes the effort to recognise a host of companies contributing to the HVAC sector across the supply chain. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top fi rms ensuring comfortable breathability in the Middle East’s built environment.HVAC POWER 25 February 2021 | MEP Middle East 17 www.mepmiddleeast.com VOLTASVOLTAS A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE LOCAL HVAC MARKET FOR 40 YEARS, VOLTAS OPERATES IN FIVE GCC COUNTRIES clients. The company also has a pre-fab manufacturing facility which helps reduce on site fabrication and thus improves productivity. Post completion of the project, the company possesses expertise in facilities management, and continues to provide services and add value to the client. “There has been an increased focus on digitalisation in the company that helps in more advanced project tracking and removing the dependence on paper for reports – which is a conscious effort to reduced paper usage and helping save the environment. Even our foremen on the site report progress through tablet PCs. Our managerial staff monitor project progress across EPC using real-time data on data visualisation tools. All senior management members can access any project As part of the $100bn+ annual revenue conglomerate TATA Group, Voltas Limited has been providing electro-mechanical and HVAC solutions internationally for more than three decades with a signifi cant level of projects and operations in the Middle East. Within the GCC, Voltas has executed a number of projects of diverse applications, ranging from airports, hospitals, hotels, mixed-use developments, shopping malls, tall towers – including the Burj Khalifa, theme parks, sport stadiums, defense air bases, industrial plants, and district cooling plants. The company, which holds a corporate membership in the Emirates Green Building Council and actively promotes adoption of green building technologies in its projects, is also at the forefront of innovation and adoption of modern engineering and construction practices through process improvements, best practices sharing, automation, pre- fabrication, and digital transformation. Winner of MEP Middle East’s Health & Safety initiative of the year in 2020, Voltas was also highly commended in the categories of Mechanical Project of the year and Plumbing Project of the year. During the last 12 months, Voltas has been involved in a number of crucial projects, including the conference and exhibition centre at Expo 2020; Phase 3 of the Dubai Trade Centre District; Abu Dhabi’s landmark Qasr Al Hosn project; as well as a number of key projects in Oman. Voltas was also involved in Empower’s $37m (AED136mn) TECOM-C district cooling plant as the main contractor. The work involved large equipment installation, large piping works, and testing and commissioning. The fi rm has also been previously awarded for its role in the Qasr Al Hosn project. The HVAC system at the project supports 2,200 tonnes of air conditioning, and uses CAVs and VAVs for controlling temperatures and power consumption by varying motor speed. Differential pressure controlled VF-driven chilled water pumps provide power savings during off peak hours, and water saving faucets further boost green credentials. Commenting on its project delivery success, the vice president and head of IOBG at Voltas, AR Suresh Kumar, said: “The company has a very scientifi c approach to choosing projects. During its execution, there is an increased focus on value engineering and providing innovative solutions to our MEP Middle East Awards 2020 Health & Safety Initiative of the Year: Voltas report or project data on their phones to monitor the projects. “This helps in improving the visibility, faster decision making and reducing project delays. These tools have also signifi cantly reduced the paper at site, thus reducing the risk of spread of pandemic. AR Suresh Kumar added: “We have reached a stage wherein these digital interventions are not mere tools but part of our project delivery model. We have got positive feedback from our customers and employees in the journey. “We at Voltas know that technology is the future, and the pandemic has only strengthened our belief. We are open to exploring more sophisticated technologies such as AI, Robotics, AR / VR, and more to explore further improvement in our business.”HVAC POWER 25 18 MEP Middle East | February 2021 www.mepmiddleeast.com Sangmin Lee, Leader of the LG Electronics Business Solution Division for the Middle East and Africa LG PROVIDES SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT WITH ITS BUILDING ENERGY CONTROL CLOUD SOLUTION To ensure LG remains at the forefront of air solutions technology and provides unparalleled customer service, the company has been training technicians at its state-of- the-art LG Air Solutions Academy in Jebel Ali since 2010. In recent months, LG has introduced purifi cation and sterilisation kits onto existing air conditioning units to improve comfort and indoor air quality. Customers looking for more aesthetically- pleasing solutions have also been introduced to the advantages of LG’s Dual Vane and Round Cassette air conditioning units. Building on the long-standing success of its PuriCare air purifi er line-up, LG has introduced a host of new iterations, including a commercial model for offi ce spaces and more recently, the PuriCare Wearable Air Purifi er. LG’s Wearable device, which uses two H13 HEPA fi lters and a patented Respiratory Sensor to fi lter air and regulate airfl ow on- the-go, has been received with great interest and is already serving government bodies and hospitals in other markets. While the PuriCare Wearable had been in R&D since 2017, the pandemic also revealed a need for new, more affordable air solutions with hygiene at the forefront and LG has been focused on bringing the right, cost-effective technologies to market to meet this demand. LG has continued its longstanding tradition of supporting healthcare facilities by delivering tailored solutions that meet the differing temperature, humidity, and air pressure requirements of operating theatres, patient rooms, and intensive care units. LG’s Multi V system offers optimum effi ciency during peak and partial load hours across the entire facility, while the LG control solution makes operation more effi cient. This gives healthcare providers the ability to manage facilities while reducing operating costs. With the prevalence of remote interactions during the height of the pandemic, LG quickly transitioned to online communication with its clients, the media and wider public – leveraging digital technologies to host product unveilings during livestreams and via social channels. The company continues to provide smart energy management with its BECON (Building Energy Control) Cloud Solution, an IoT-based platform. This enables greater visibility and convenience via remote real- time monitoring and energy effi ciency management. LG ELECTRONICS LG ELECTRONICS During a year in which comprehensive yet effi cient HVAC solutions have become increasingly crucial, LG Electronics (LG) has focused on strengthening its ties with industry leaders such as ASHRAE (American Air Conditioning Association) and REHVA (European Air Conditioning Association) to deliver new standards of comfort and care to all. LG’s commitment to championing innovation has allowed the company to successfully negotiate the challenges of 2020, while empowering businesses and individuals across the Middle East and Africa as a complete smart energy solution provider. Sangmin Lee, Leader of the LG Electronics Business Solution Division for the Middle East and Africa reiterated the company’s commitment to the region: “Our success comes as a result of having clear understanding of local market demands, responding by bringing new technologies to the market at rapid pace and scale. “We will continue to accelerate our focus on becoming a trusted HVAC partner in MEA – based on the values of integration, expertise, and customer service to create positive impact.” Variable refrigerant fl ow (VRF) systems are representative of LG’s HVAC solutions and have been at the forefront of new installations in schools, hotels, offi ces, and entertainment hubs across the region. These systems are equipped with powerful and reliable inverter compressors, which enable them to offers maximum effi ciency in part-load as well as full-load conditions. This track record of advanced air solution technology has allowed LG Electronics to capture 20% of the UAE’s $5mn air purifi cation market in 2020 alone. LG’s advanced VRF systems have been installed at several sites across the region, including Dubai’s Sustainable City and Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Beach Villas. Next >