In terms of projects and businesses, the year 2021 was by far one of the most difficult obstacles that most companies had to face, but things would never be the same in a post-COVID-19 world. Everything will be different in the future. They will alter us in terms of our attitudes, approaches, and ways of working and engaging. The business world needs to think about this change and behave differently, and we also see this as an opportunity to think differently and to reprioritise everything to take the risk and change that will ultimately make your organisation better. 

Business review in 2021, and Covid resurrection

 According to Dharmendra Pratap Singh, Head and Senior VP, Infrastructure Solutions, Voltas Limited, “The past year has witnessed unprecedented disruption in the HVAC sector. During the year, the business faced multiple challenges owing to pandemic-related lockdowns. These challenges included the adversities faced by the channel partners, like payment delays, non-acceptance of documentation, lower than normal rates, not to mention travel and logistics issues. Through interactions with the end-user or customer, Voltas’ responsibility was to help its partners come out of these issues. Voltas’ end-to-end connectivity approach aided its various partners in weathering these turbulent times. Overall, the team earned a lot of confidence and goodwill from customers through the period of the pandemic, especially during the complete lockdown.

According to Hina Gupta, Operations Head, MG Cooling Solutions, “2021 was a critical period for their businesses due to the pandemic restrictions. However, it was also beneficial in a variety of ways, as it expanded and accelerated digital access in a variety of ways. Moreover, innovation helped businesses to build confidence and to introduce change boldly and fearlessly.” This also encourages change and diversification to become a constant within company business models.

The impact of HVAC demands on infrastructure projects

 Several emerging global trends shaping the commercial HVAC industry suggest that future technologies will be focused on system efficiency and renewable energy. An increase in construction activities is further leading to growth in the market for HVAC systems. Discussing the same Dharmendra says, “Our domestic projects business focuses on building technologies and abilities to serve diverse emerging needs in the sectors we operate in. The recent upgradations, enhancements, and launches of UV-powered offerings for air and surface disinfectants in the HVAC segment position us to gain significantly from the opportunities coming forth. 

“ While, Hina explains five key emerging trends that are transforming the HVAC sector and its demand across the Indian construction and infrastructure segment, including data and connectivity control, demand for eco-friendly HVAC systems, improvement in business functions with software automation, smart HVAC technologies, and ductless HVAC systems. Additionally, there is a global drive for greener options focused on developing new and sustainable innovations, improving energy efficiency, replacing hazardous substances, reducing noise and vibration, and reducing CO2 emissions, she adds

Pre-engineered buildings fuel HVAC demand. 

As the country gradually gets back on its feet, the scope of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) needs across infra-spaces, the built environment, and industry is also expected to multiply manifold. To keep these systems ticking without impeding productivity, evolved lifecycle management systems will create more opportunities for the service providers. Dharmendra believes that “with more developers opting for pre-engineered building technology, it has increased the speed of building construction and technological advancement in the country.”

 “PEBs have better possibilities to support the whole energy grid to be operated in a less polluting way with fewer CO2 emissions through advanced energy balancing and by reducing peak power demands, which in turn fuels the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) demands,” notes Hina.

Energy-efficient technologies for commercial and infrastructural installations 

“We have always put intensive R&D at the heart of our operations in order to make our products stand out. Dharmendra adds, “We were innovators in the cooling industry, and now we’re doing the same in the sanitization industry.” He further underscored that Voltas, as an industry leader, quickly partnered with its engineering partners to expand its line of UVC-based technologies to address the COVID-19 virus’s ability to survive on surfaces. The UVC-powered product line includes the RUKS CoiloTron, Handheld portable disinfection unit, UV Cart System, and RUKS GermiTron-Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UGVI) System. This indoor air quality and bactericidal management system, has a scientifically proven design with computerised selection to assure delivery of the specified or target kill rate. Hina, on the other hand, emphasises the importance of incorporating UVGI technology into industrial HVAC systems. Adding more, she says, “We, at MG Cooling Solutions, offer solutions to create energy-efficient HVAC systems, and the duo, if taken together, can make industrial and commercial buildings a much healthier place.

Moreover, by installing UVGI units, you can ensure that your HVAC system always maintains the cooling coil in likenew condition and has a clean air filter, which ensures savings in energy costs. The UVGI air disinfection system is highly efficient in improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and, with the right conditions and proper installation.

Interestingly, Voltas’ UV-powered duct and air disinfectants provide the urgent and long-term needs for safety in shared areas such as cinemas, waiting rooms, and workplaces, reinforcing Voltas’ position as the nation’s leading HVAC brand. The company has also introduced the new Super UVC LED-based PureAir inverter AC, with a cutting-edge UVC LED system that quickly disinfects the interior air. We received great feedback on the PureAir AC and our line of UV-based air, duct, and surface disinfection products.

Complying with the green building norms 

The environmental impact of any activity is becoming increasingly important to decision makers, and the HVAC industry is no exception. There has been a huge need for reliable HVAC technology that provides a safe environment since the lockdown began. It is one of the most popular HVAC trends as it provides the developer with both financial and environmental benefits. 

Demand for green buildings is expected to increase in the coming quarters as more offices, malls, theatres, and other facilities open around the country. Viewing the same, Dharmendra emphasises Voltas’ active engagement in the green movement, with efforts and initiatives to implement smart and energy-efficient practises in their business activities.

 In the long run, rising spending on commercial and infrastructure projects, hospitals, entertainment hubs, and other such projects would propel India’s HVAC sector forward. This would further lead to a tremendous demand for air conditioners and heating and ventilation systems that are energy efficient and green building compliant

Closing note

 People have started to consider that the main purpose of a building is to support human activities in the building and its surroundings at the least possible cost and with the least negative effects on the environment. As a result, this is creating faster opportunities for HVAC and other systems compared to the traditional approach, thereby accelerating the speed of adoption of hi-tech HVAC solutions in India.