RACA Journal: ISSN 1812-772X
Hot and chilled
TOO EARLY TO TELL?
T
he more I’m in the market the more I hear about natural refrigerants and their
impact on the industry.
Yes, it is a sustainable move, environmentally and socially, and the industry is
partnering with government, NGOs and veterans alike to see the full execution of natural
refrigerants, especially in South Africa. Talks and processes are still in their infancy
stage, while implementation is being seen in different parts of the country. The HCFC
stakeholders meeting and Kigali Amendment Legislative Workshop took place in Cape
Town last year to further discuss opportunities towards the uptake of low GWP non-HFC
alternative technologies, energy efficiency in the cooling sector and safety standards while
phasing down HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. Find a detailed analysis offered by John
Ackermann on page 16.
Guests to the Workshop also had the opportunity to visit a site that has converted to
a natural CO 2 refrigerant (page 52). The adoption of such refrigerants and display of how
well they work, shows that the HVAC&R sector is on a good trajectory. No doubt, this year
will see other industries, like commercial and industrial sectors, adopting the gases and
flourishing in the execution.
Taking on natural refrigerants’ ties into a Net Zero future, a concept that sees buildings
being self-sufficient in all aspects of its function – such as water, waste and material.
Our monthly feature, on page 36, unpacks this idea and looks at what is being done in
parts of the world to save it. At the rate we’re going, we might have to walk around with
superhero capes because we are taking steps to save today for tomorrow. Being part of
the conversation is definitely something for the history books.
Later this month, MCE 2020 takes place in Italy and we are here for it! The organisers
have refreshed the layout and I can’t wait to meet some of you there. Find out what’s new
this year on page 14. If you will be there, do share your experience with me, I’d love to hear
from you. It is after all one of the biggest HVAC&R events that happens every two years.
With Chillventa also happening this year and FRIGAIR 2021 (page 29) following thereafter,
the industry calendar is in fifth gear. I look forward to meeting you all there.
Associations are also determined to continue the good fight of protecting the rights
of contractors. Spending some time with Barney Richardson, director of SARACCA, he
shares that the Association is still pushing its message of educating contractors regarding
their rights, especially with contracts. Although some contractors have closed down,
owing to the economic downturn – there is an expectation that things will take a turn for
the better, #fingerscrossed.
It’s often the challenges that seem to have a simple solution – like being paid on
time and so on – that aren’t being executed that hold the industry back and keep it from
flourishing as it should. The willingness to change and provide better services is there in
all respects, however, the few that don’t come to the party cause unnecessary setbacks.
Come on fellows, let’s work together, the industry needs it!
It’s a jam-packed year and as we await to see what will unfold from the presidency,
onwards we go – hopefully they can catch up. See you soon. RACA
Dale Macnamara
Business unit lead | [email protected]
www.hvacronline.co.za
RACA Journal I March 2020
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