INTRODUCTION
CONTINUING RESILIENCE
2021 year that will go
is under the belt , and quite likely another
down as one in history – where adaptation was required once again . The world continues to grapple on many levels with the second year of the coronavirus pandemic and its effects – not only from a business perspective , but also the heavy impacts realised on a personal level .
A review of the year shows many highs and lows from the loss of friends , family , or colleagues to successful progressions such as the race in galactic adventure , policy changes , technological development , adoption of new methodologies and the creation of business sectors to service a different world . A common saying these days is , ‘ the one thing we are guaranteed is continual change ’.
It has certainly been a real rollercoaster ride on the local front – from the plans for economic recovery to the imminent infrastructure boom that never came , the welcomed eventual vaccine rollout to opportunistic unrest and rioting driven by social and political challenges , from green
shoots and seemingly things getting back on track to again many bouts of load shedding . A real start-stop race amidst various lockdown levels to top that .
Globally , many ‘ abnormal incidents ’ occurred driven by climate change and extreme conditions – for interest ’ s sake , this had already shot up to the number one world risk several years ago . These included various fires , flooding , heatwaves , and most recently volcanic activity . Supply chain disruptions are still a heavy burden for many sectors too . All of these elements have direct or associated links to the HVAC & R industries and what scenarios of the future need to take into account as even
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limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 ° C will still have an impact on the way every HVACR system works , as well as the conditions that need to be negotiated in food supply .
However , given the current landscape and environment , it has been remarkable to be a part of the workings of a truly resilient industry , albeit a little trimmer around the waist in some aspects , while on the other hand exceptional growth and stability in the refrigeration and cold chain sectors mean that the industry will continue to expand by double digit figures for many years still to come – with the objective of reducing food waste , and competing in the global market in terms of export quality of the sought after South African produce .
Technological research , development and finding more efficient ways to deliver cooling and heating has been a big driver along with the rising concerns of building occupants ’ health and wellness in terms of air quality . The implementation of artificial intelligence and IoT devices to create various data sets has also played a part in developments in the industry as globally efficiency and energy consumption continues to find top rankings on the list of priorities – not only as a mitigation means in global warming , but electricity generation need forecasts and system integration .
The transition to digital has opened the doors even further to reveal what is now possible from meeting comfort conditions to knowing ( quite accurately ) what times consumers will be shopping , allowing designers a platform to provide the most economical as well as best overall lifespan solutions . The organic evolution of products and the continual development in and use of natural refrigerants also provides clients many more options in their own sustainability strategies for both new and refurb projects .
Looking forward there are only a couple of industry suggestions to consider in doing things right in 2022 – and perhaps these are quite critical after all . They include the actual willingness to change mindsets , avoiding getting distracted from the focus points of business , the costing conundrum that has plagued the sector since effects of the first punch of the pandemic became evident , and ensuring ongoing compliance thus ensuring safety for all .
These points , along with many other topics , will no doubt find their way onto the agenda to be included as themes for FRIGAIR 2022 , scheduled to take place 1 – 3 June 2022 at the Gallagher Convention Centre . It will have been four years since the last event and you should be sure to attend to experience first-hand ( and in person ) all of the latest technology on offer , to reconnect with your networks and gain new contacts – remember a lot has changed in the industry not only in terms of technology , but people too !
Following my traditional sign off , I leave you with a quote that could not sum up where
the world finds itself currently any better , and again trust that 2022 is a year of the greatest success possible .
“ It is not the strongest of the species that survive , nor the most intelligent , but the one most responsive to change .” – Charles Darwin
Greetings
Ben
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