The connected technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) will be the key to achieving GCC sustainability targets through better climate management, said leading global construction industry experts at the HVAC R Expo in Dubai.

A leading industry dedicated event in the region, HVAC R Expo hosts over 200 exhibitors, presenting products including Air Conditioning and Ventilation, Heating and Refrigeration Systems, as well as increasingly popular measuring technology and climate control solutions.

The expo has been launched for the first time as part of The Big 5 construction expo in Dubai. Hosting more than 20 free-to-attend CPD workshops, the event runs at Dubai World Trade Centre until tomorrow (November 29).

According to HVAC R Expo intelligence partner, BNC Network, the GCC urban sector currently consists of 18,000 projects and accounts for 49 per cent of the region’s $2.3 trillion construction market.

Undoubtedly one of the main solutions for providing comfort in the arid built landscape, leaders in the industry have gathered at HVAC R Expo to showcase the latest indoor climate innovations and techniques.

Faisal Rashid, the director of demand side management at the Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai, said: "HVAC R accounts for heavy usage of energy in buildings or industries, representing 70% of the total energy consumption of on average."

"It is logical to assume that HVAC R can yield to the greatest saving potential of any sector of the economy," he stated.

Offering a one-stop shop for all things construction related from concept through to design, HVAC R Expo runs as part of The Big 5 along with The Big 5 Solar, the Urban Design & Landscaping Expo, Middle East Concrete and The Big 5 Heavy.

HVAC R Expo is a leading networking platform for the project and design engineers, consultants, facilities and operation managers, he added.

Colin Bridges, the business development director at exhibiting company Belimo Automation, said: "The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is a major opportunity in the GCC construction industry, where data driven smart devices are being increasingly used to improve and enhance performance of cooling systems.”

Global market leader in HVAC R solutions, Belimo Automation FZE commits to investing in new technology to help push the industry. The company is showcasing its latest Energy Valves at the expo, offering 'total visibility by monitoring and storing data and making it available for recording, analysis, and trending reports'.

"The integrated logic helps to manage circuit performance, save money and improve efficiency," observed Bridges.

In a further bid to push the industry forward, HVAC R Expo is also hosting 20 free-to-attend CPD (continuing professional certified) workshops.

The HVAC R Talks are delivered by some of the most prominent industry names, yet to update attendees on the most recent and upcoming industry regulations, as well as give insight into ventilation design for super-tall buildings.

Saziye Dickson, the senior market research consultant at BSRIA (Building Services Research & Information Association) has covered "HVAC R market drivers and challenges today and beyond 2020" at the HVAC R Talks.

"Over the past three years we have seen a trend towards implementation of smarter HVAC R systems thanks to advances in smart controls. As the systems and requirements of them become ever more sophisticated, the use of smart controls is having a significant impact in reducing energy consumption," remarked Dickson.

Dr Omar Abdelaziz, the Ashrae Global Training Center instructor, said: "HVAC R Expo brings a much-needed exposure of the state-of-the-art to the GCC HVAC R industry."

"It provides an opportunity to learn about the newest commercial HVAC product offering for the GCC market with a special emphasis on hot climate conditions, while offering free-learning," he added.

HVAC R Expo enjoys support from Founding Partners Fawaz, SKM Air Conditioning LLC, and Trox, Air Conditioning Partner, Finpower, Ducting Solutions Partner, Khansaheb and Lanyard Sponsor, Technalco. In addition the event has backing from Rehva, Arabian Business Community, Ahri, Ashrae and BSRIA.-TradeArabia News Service