INTRODUCTION
A
WHAT YOU SOW
YOU SHALL REAP
s we bid farewell to 2019 and look
to 2020 for a real boost in the
economy, we remain optimistic that
each year will come with greater revenues
and meaningful work that brings significant
change to the end user.
We have certainly seen the latter this
year. A lot of the projects that have come
out of the HVAC&R industry were mainly
centred on enhancing liveability, commuting,
sustainability and so much more. Ground-
breaking innovations were the name of the
game in 2019.
Although critics shared that adopting
natural refrigerants wasn’t within our reach,
optimists around the world proved them wrong
by installing a number of CO 2 transcritical
systems in sectors like retail, industrial
refrigeration, and commercially. The adoption
of natural refrigerants and more efficient
products shows that the industry is open to
change and is willing to try certain things that
may be for the benefit of the industry.
A lot of forward-thinking projects have
graced the front covers of RACA Journal and
Cold Link Africa – see a full recap of these on
page 173. Although the HVAC side has seen a
bit of slump, refrigeration continues to do well.
And I’m told that this is because people will
always need food, thus that part of HVAC&R
will always be essential. The sheer depth
of refrigeration is unfathomable as various
refrigeration experts have cared to share about
cleaning the refrigeration plants, measuring
the plants, really thinking about post-
harvesting, as a failure to apply best practice
to all this (and more) could be to the detriment
of the end product that reaches the end user.
There’s so much to think about and so much
more to adapt to, that honestly, a year isn’t
enough to fully grasp what makes the industry.
In 2019 standards have been constant,
seeing as the industry is generally compliant.
What has come forth is an update to the
regulations and standards as well as the
Consumer Protection Act (CPA). On page 181
you can find a full list of the updated standards
and regulations as amended by the South
African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The
Standards are provided as an ease of reference
because we want you to use the Directory
and refer back to it often. Official industry
bodies continue to do commendable work
in ensuring that the integrity of the industry
remains intact by holding topics of interests
and dealing with unlawful practices as soon as
they creep up. These associations work hard to
bridge the skills gap and pique interest of the
trade to non-related yet symbiotic industries.
Industry veterans and experts that continue
to share knowledge to upcoming engineers
and want to see the industry progress, are to
a certain extent the backbone of the industry.
If we want the industry to bridge the skills gap
and introduce younger professionals, we do
need to take it upon ourselves to pass on the
mantle, no other industry will do this for us.
For those who may or may not know
this, Directory is a platform for the HVAC&R
industry in sub-Saharan African. It lists all
known companies that are cross-referenced to
trade names and products, so that no matter
where you are, in any region, you have all the
information you need to make an informed
decision. I have found myself referring to it
every now and then to source information for
features, events, products and projects. So,
if you are in the industry and have not taken
www.hvacronline.co.za | www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
advantage of the opportunity that lies in listing
in the Directory, be first in line for the 2021
edition. We’re waiting for your call.
Might I add, all info is voluntarily added
and updated by the companies themselves so
you can be sure that the information is true
and correct. The Directory is also available
electronically, making it easier to read and
navigate especially when there’s a logo
attached. This allows viewers to simply click on
the logo that will lead them to your website.
It gives me great joy that South Africa
officially ratified the Kigali Amendment.
Fortunately, enough, more countries followed
suit thereafter. The HFC phase-down is real.
The industry embracing this shows true steps
of caring for the wellbeing of the environment.
I look forward to seeing what 2020 holds
for us. I have full faith that it will be nothing
short of amazing. With FRIGAIR 2021 inching
closer and closer, I look forward to engaging
with you. FRIGAIR will be held again at the
Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from
9 – 11 June. Spots are filling up fast, so book
now to avoid disappointment.
Let’s make 2020 one for the books, literally!
Dale Macnamara
Business Unit Lead |
[email protected]
HEVAC&R Directory 2020
3