RACA Journal : ISSN 1812-772X
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RACA Journal Publication www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za eamonn @ interactmedia . co . za
2023 ROLLING ON , AND A NEW FACE FOR RACA JOURNAL
As this year by now is already steaming ahead full throttle and no doubt you have hit the ground running – much is in the wings for the country , linked directly to this sector . One would think that the year , as well as those ahead have some ‘ slim pickings ’ but on the back of a string of property development companies ' project planning releases , as well the prospects of some large retailers planning extensive store openings all around the country , the local HVAC & R sector would appear to be headed for a positive time .
One developer alone was noted to have 12 shopping complex projects scheduled on the horizon over the next three to five years , while another retailer recently announced it would be opening another approximately 100 stores in the year . Data centres are flourishing and more and more medical facilities are on the cards too .
Although the new builds are always attractive , according to industry specialists companies should not discount the vast amount of work that is available for retrofits . It is forecast that refits will boom as facility owners seek to reduce skyrocketing operational expenses and deploy better energy savings equipment .
As we know , HVAC & R contributes significantly to energy demand and we are heading for a stage where better efficiency is going to make the difference to success . A perfect example that was demonstrated recently was the fact that by replacing one single fan in an office building complex ’ s HVAC system – new technology and design saved the client thousands of rands over the evaluation period .
Those prospects will definitely be keenly observed by the new editor of RACA Journal , Eamonn Ryan , who will be taking over from me as of the next issue . Eamonn joins the team with more than 20 years ’ experience in journalism as well as significant business to business experience – having worked on
titles such as The Civil Engineering Contractor , Quarry Southern Africa , SA Affordable Housing and Plumbing Africa in the past at this publisher . He is keen to get stuck into yet another industry and engage with you , so please feel free to get in touch .
In this issue we carry local and international news , our regular contributors , association updates and some events that took place . We also have some interesting technical articles that will assist in new design considerations .
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who freely offered up their time and offices to help RACA understand this industry . Personally , it was an honour to have been able to engage with so many of you and I wish nothing but the best for each and every roleplayer going forward . RACA
Best wishes .
Ben
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2023 1