Leading companies in the heating, energy, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning (HERVAC) industry are a force for change in moving the industry from being energy-intensive to energy-intelligent. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.
Using a combination of new technologies and innovations, mindful building design and renewable energy options, the HERVAC industry is fast becoming an enabler in local sustainable infrastructure.
HERVAC systems are some of the largest energy consumers in buildings (approximately 40-50%) making their transformation key to achieving the country’s climate goals. The production and use of refrigerants, the energy consumption of cooling systems, the disposal of refrigerants and refrigeration equipment all present environmental challenges. But new HERVAC units are more energy efficient and produce lower emissions than older systems.
The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning’s (SAIRAC) flagship event FRIGAIR 2025 will profile approximately 150 companies contributing to this transition to energy efficiency and sustainability. Taking place from 4-6 June 2025 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, the event will showcase the latest products, technologies and developments in sustainable HERVAC systems.
Some of the ways the sector is moving to sustainability is through the development of smart controls and automation in new building management systems which monitor and optimise HERVAC systems in real time. These sophisticated monitoring systems automatically adjust airflow, temperature and humidity, make changes based on occupancy of the building and perform predictive maintenance that improves efficiency and reduces downtime – all saving on energy costs.
As refrigeration systems are energy-intensive, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems is a critical focus area for reducing their environmental impact. Innovations such as variable-speed compressors, advanced insulation materials, and smart thermostats are helping to make refrigeration systems more energy-efficient.
HERVAC systems are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar-thermal, geothermal and solar-powered electric air conditioning units to power or supplement and optimise power usage, thereby lowering dependency on fossil fuels. The sector is also making strides towards phasing out refrigerants with high global warming potential, shifting towards natural refrigerants that have lower environmental impact. Many traditional synthetic refrigerants deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Ongoing research into more environmentally friendly refrigerants will be an important area of development going forward.