Starting January 1, 2019, the Kigali Amendment of 2016 (to the Montreal Protocol) calls for slashing the future use of powerful climate-warming gases in refrigerators, air conditioners and related products. Accordingly, India is looking at phasing out of HCFCs. In an interview with Subhajit Roy, Ingersoll Rand’s Country Leader, HVAC & Transport, India & SAARC Markets, Sanjeev Seth explains his company’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
How do you see the role of advanced HVAC technology to fight climate change?
HVAC is an integral part of the modern infrastructure ecosystem and is regarded as a key utility system. While new technology trends towards energy efficient, sustainable and innovative products that are making the system more environmentally responsible and transitioning to adopt low GWP solution.
Over the years, climate change has taken a centre stage with Kigali Agreement fostering strong global climate commitment from various countries. India being an active member of Kigali Agreement, it supports and nurtures the landmark climate agreement to phase down HFCs refrigerants in a gradual manner.
Thus, the role of advanced technology is evident from innovation and regulatory standpoint to develop and offer solution that have a drastic impact to lower energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.
Your newly launched High Speed Magnetic Centrifugal chillers is designed to bring down the operating cost. How is that possible?
We have recently launched High Speed Magnetic Centrifugal chillers (HSWA), which shows Trane’s commitment to provide a solution that is efficient, reliable, compact and environmentally sustainable. Trane is constantly moving forward with cutting-edge products that offer the highest efficiency, lowest emissions, most reliable performance and proven technology.
The full load efficiency of this chiller is outstanding that exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Standard by 40 per cent. The multi-stage compression enables stable operating range. The chiller is equipped with advanced oil-free magnetic bearing compressor and CHIL next-generation heat exchanger and brings down the operating cost exceptionally. Its CHIL evaporator and next generation heat exchanger, optimises the refrigerant flow and reduces the charge.
What are some of your products that help counter climate change?
At Trane, we provide next-generation technologies and service solutions which will transform the future of HVAC solutions for buildings. We are focused on developing products to improve lives with innovative and efficient solutions. Being a responsible solutions provider, we have recently introduced key products in view of the long-term sustainability.
We have already launched Trane EcoWise portfolio of product which use next generation HFO refrigerants such as R514A, R1233zd(E) with near zero ODP and very low-GWP refrigerants with outstanding energy efficiency and offer efficiency rating that exceed industry standards. Trane’s Air-Cooled Screw Chiller – RTAF, Water Cooled Centrifugal Chiller – ECTV, Water Cooled Screw Chiller – RTHF and High-Speed Magnetic chillers GVAF/ GVWF are part of this portfolio.
We have recently launched High Speed Magnetic Centrifugal chillers (HSWA), with 40 per cent better performance, exceeding AHRAE 90.1-2016 IPLV standard.
Further, we have also expanded our commercial unitary portfolio, Genyue5+, advanced 5th Generation Full DC Inverter VRF System. This series is better in efficiency with distinct class leading IPLV (cooling) up to 8.7. It provides 26 per cent better efficiency (exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2016 standard for VRF Heat Pump) compared to conventional system. It is compact and saves up to 30 per cent installation space.
With our new offerings, we bundle and bring forward technology innovation that will lower the energy consumption and have long-term sustainability.
Ingersoll Rand has established long-term sustainability targets in 2014 to address the environment and society. Could you brief us on your Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
At Ingersoll Rand, sustainability is at the very foundation of our business. In 2014, we established long-term sustainability targets to address one of the biggest issues to our environment and society, including the company’s operational footprint. Ingersoll Rand made a commitment to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from its products and operations by 2030. The company’s Climate Commitment includes: 50 per cent reduction in GHG refrigerant footprint of its products by 2020 and lower-GWP alternatives across its portfolio by 2030; $500 million investment in product-related research and development to fund long-term GHG reduction; and 35 per cent reduction in the greenhouse gas footprint of its own operations by 2020.
Taking our commitment to the environment further, Ingersoll Rand introduced EcoWise chillers, a portfolio of products designed to lower environmental impact with next-generation, low-global warming potential refrigerants and high efficiency operation. By 2030, the company expects to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 million metric tons.
How are you committed to India in terms of attaining sustainability targets?
In India, Ingersoll Rand has been present for around 100 years. Our commitment to sustainability extends to the environmental impacts of our people, operations, and products and services.
As a global enterprise leading the way to a more sustainable future, Ingersoll Rand is committed towards India and are implementing strategies for its products. We continue to find ways to reduce the company’s impact on the environment and follow sustainability throughout our businesses.
In India, we are the market leaders and first movers in offering Low GWP sustainable chillers. We have recently launched Next Generation EcoWise portfolio of products, using HFO refrigerants with near zero ODP and very low-GWP refrigerants without compromising on energy efficiency and safety. These products offer efficiency rating that exceeds industry standards and are compliant with existing and proposed regulation which are included in National Building Code which is approved by various government agencies like NBCC, HSCC, CPWD, AAI, etc.
With this, we continue to lead the industry with energy-efficient systems, technologies and innovations that lower environmental impacts.
