ArabWeeks

Buildings are the largest source of energy demand globally and are central focus in addressing climate change. Heating, cooling, and powering residential, commercial, and government buildings consume 40% of all energy produced worldwide, and as much as 70% in the Middle East. Under the extreme peak summer conditions, HVAC systems are no longer a luxury, rather a necessity to keep key sectors operating.

There are key trends shaping the HVAC sector in Saudi –a greater drive for adopting designs that are energy efficient, the adoption of higher energy performance units and components in order to comply with energy performance standards created by SASO/SEEC and a strong anticipation of growth in residential unit’s sales due to new housing programs.

The global strategy consulting firm Booz & Co has estimated that District Cooling systems are able to reduce up to 25-30% of the cooling requirements of Saudi by 2030.

District cooling (DC), a centralized way to produce and distribute cooling energy solutions for industrial and real estate sectors, is seen one of the most  viable and cost effective  HVAC solution for urban cities with dense populations.  This centralized system eradicates the requirement for a separate system in each building and also provides more economic and environmental benefits than other solutions. This central grid enables adoption of renewable energy sources (such as solar, thermal and biomass) which otherwise would have been difficult to realize in individual buildings.

District Cooling also helps utilize local energy sources and keeps energy earnings in local communities. It increases building space as the system frees up space for rent to generate profits or use rooftops as gardens, while it also reduces maintenance and operating costs, as consumers only pay for what they use. Because it’s a large central system, the total installed capacity is much less than sum of individual cooling loads due to diversity in peak loads, occupancy, usage etc. that would also mean higher utilization of installed capacity.

How A Saudi Company Is Innovating District Cooling Technology

The circumstances of customers, availability of load pattern, tariff pattern, building pattern makes it smart to craft a solution targeting specific outcomes. However many equipment suppliers have limited offering that traps the customer in one size fits all.

A much wider portfolio of solution elements varying from energy sources such as steam, oil, gas, electricity (or) compression technology such as screw, centrifugal (or) methods of heat rejection such as air-cooled/convertible/water-cooled, distinguishes Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK) from others. Depending on the situation the Company can offer appropriate tailor-made solution to engineers/consultants.

Dr. Anwar Hassan, Vice President of Sales and Field Operations, Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK), believes success of such proposals would lead to the adoption of the most appropriate solutions in accordance with modern technology, while contributing to the efficacy goals of the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program 2020. Some of the company’s leading projects in District Cooling include: The Two Holy Mosques, King Abdul Aziz Endowment tower in Makkah (Clock Tower), Jabal Omar area in Makkah, and the third terminal in the Jeddah King Abdul Aziz airport.

Historic experience of many societies in dealing with utilities and retaining high degree of competitiveness resulted in separation of production & distribution utility domains. Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK) believes that the District Cooling concept is very much applicable. The investment in piping systems to distribute chilled water to facilities shall be regulated and charged as part of the general infrastructure. Issues and disagreements about it shall be arbitrated and regulated by industry bodies, allowing District Cooling companies to utilize the network. This will be beneficial to society apart from offering more competitive rates for consumers (just like power distribution companies or telephone companies), and as a result not everyone has to dig the country.

Setting fair and stable rates for District Cooling as a utility and for electricity and other forms of energy such as gas, diesel, etc., is a matter that requires the government to outline transparent procedures for settling rates between consumers and producers. Once this is in place & practiced consistently it will lead to boosting the rate of district energy adoption. Arbitration and standards bodies, in addition to mandatory procedures and processes for setting rates and arbitrating differences, are needed to boost the confidence of investors that the value will surely be harvested.

Dr. Anwar believes government regulations and initiatives can help place greater emphasis on life-cycle cost over initial cost. High efficiency solutions are usually more expensive in first cost and adopting them requires a clear understanding of the value they generate, articulating this value looks shaky if the elements making the value; like energy efficiency performance, power and water, are not on firm grounds. The adoption and implementation is impeded by the lack of clarity on a number of practical considerations, for example:

• Determining whether treated sewage water is available;
• When is it available at a particular location; and
• At what rates it is going to be available.

These are difficult questions, but without clear transparent answer and commitment, and without such knowledge being publicly available, it is difficult for the energy efficiency conversations to progress. “Contractors will remain bound by the contract terms of the project and cannot be expected to advocate more energy efficient solutions unless they are financially incentivized to do so,” he added.

There’s wide acceptance among consultants and owners that District Cooling is an environmentally and fiscally favorable concept and practice. However wide adoption remains elusive. Thus industry awaits the standards & guidelines from government to activate their environmentally favorable decision.

District Cooling is mandatory in government developments requiring 15000 tons or more. We have seen admirable efforts by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) promoting and offering financial grants for the development, research and commercialization of products and solutions supporting the use of renewable energy in HVACR. This is appreciated by companies that wish to play a role in advanced environmental solutions.

The UNEP (UN Environment body) report highlights “District Energy (DE) Champion Cities” which includes Dubai, UAE, as a single largest city adopting District Cooling in the world.  The report highlights that this solution is a part of broader efforts to shift away from fossil fuel to renewable energy technology while saving energy bills.  For example, Kuwait could reduce energy usage by 46 percent if it implements a comprehensive system of DE. DE involves a district cooling and heating, biomass, biogas, geothermal exchange, combined heat and power.

The first edition of the Swiss Fashion Days Riyadh’ organized by Switzerland Tourism took place at the residence of the Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, HE Mr Heinrich Schellenberg, in Riyadh on the 11th and 12th of April 2018. The famous Saudi designers Aram Designs by Arwa Al-Ammari, La’ Beso by Balqees Alqadeeb, Nuun Jewels by Nourah Al Faisal and Madawi Alissa were joined by the two Swiss Designers Gaia Schenk and Raphael Blechschmidt Haute Couture. The Saudi Artist Khalid Al Sudairy presented a collection of his latest photographs. During the Swiss Fashion Days Riyadh the Swiss destinations Lake Geneva Region, Lucerne, Ascona Locarno, Basel and Bern enhanced the event by showcasing their beauty throughout the venue. HE Mr Heinrich Schellenberg explained: “The fashion show is a fantastic opportunity to inspire our guests by the beauty of Switzerland and at the same time to celebrate the close cooperation between Saudi and Swiss fashion designers.”

Travelling to Switzerland means travelling in style. Next to fresh air, crystal clear lakes and beautiful landscape, Switzerland is famous for its distinguished elegance, inspiring architecture, exclusive brands and refined design. During the “Swiss Fashion Days Riyadh” the essence of this Swiss lifestyle as well as stylish luxury experiences were highlighted:

Basel – Feast par excellence

Anyone who has had the pleasure of enjoying a meal at Cheval Blanc is guaranteed to want to go back. The culinary artistry of the sauce king Peter Knogl has been distinguished with the highest rating of three Michelin stars – and rightfully so.

Les Trois Rois***** in Basel is one of the oldest city hotels in Europe. Its location on the water is as unique as Peter Knogl’s gourmet cuisine. A meal at the round tables of Cheval Blanc promises culinary bliss, a refined ambience and a spectacular view of the Rhine. It is also worth peering through the small kitchen window in the hall to catch a glimpse of the Chef and his team working their magic. It is fascinating to experience how quietly this small kitchen operates. 

Andermatt, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

Speedy drive over the mountain pass and slow-down in the spa

The timeless Alpine landscape around Andermatt can be enjoyed at the steering wheel of a Morgan Plus 4. Final destination of this tour is the luxurious atmosphere of five-star hotel The Chedi.

Racing up and down the pass in a Morgan Plus 4 is a unique adventure that should be on everybody’s to-do list next summer! For example the breathtaking San Bernardino pass? The Tremola, Furka or Nufenen passes? They are all just waiting to be discovered by car enthusiasts. The crowning experience of such a drive over the best passes in Europe can be found in The Chedi – either in the relaxing spa or in its outstanding restaurant. 

Discover the delights of Lake Lauenen with horsepower 

Gstaad, Canton of Bern

A horse-drawn carriage through the Rohr nature reserve to Lake Lauenen is one of the romantic highlights of a stay in the Gstaad holiday region.

Surrounded by a nature reserve, Lake Lauenen is an enchanted place and an ideal destination for hikers, nature lovers and romantics. What could be more romantic than a ride in a horse-drawn carriage? Stopping for a cup of hot tea along the way makes the trip even sweeter. Not to be missed is the chance to visit the Mattenstübli Beizli restaurant, where guests can enjoy a delicious cheese fondue. 

Ascona, Ticino

JazzAscona 2018 at the Castello Seeschloss

The striking tower of the Castello Seeschloss is one of Ascona’s landmarks. The location by the lake is perfect, two restaurants and a palm-tree dotted garden with a luxurious pool promises relaxing hours. During JazzAscona, the hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy the music along the promenade.

JazzAscona features around 15 concerts each day. The festival offers a unique mix of Jazz and Afro-American music, ranging from New Orleans Jazz to Swing, Blues to R’n’B and Gospel to Soul.

Fish your dish – catch your dinner 

Vevey, Lake Geneva Region

Each day, Patrice goes out on Lake Geneva to catch fresh fish. He works at the five-star hotel Les Trois Couronnes and knows the Swiss Riviera like no other.

With a little luck, it is not long before a fish is on the line or in the net. To pass the time – or simply cool off in the hot summer months – nothing beats a dip in the glorious fresh water. If the trip was successful, the Michelin Star chef Lionel Rodriguez prepares the catch under the watchful eyes of his guests in the evening.

Switzerland, enjoy with style!

As a support to the “#لتبقى” (To stay) campaign launched by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, and in line with the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision aimed at creating a sustainable economy by adopting energy efficient solutions, LG, the leader in the innovation of the latest energy conservation solutions, has introduced dual-input technology – DUAL INVERTER which has showed astonishing results, compared to the performance of conventional air conditioners.

The results of the trials were reviewed during LG’s event at the Shaker Academy, in the presence of representatives of LG Electronics and Shaker Group, in addition to the social media ambassador of the campaign “Abdullah Al-Subaie” and media representatives. LG had presented a number of air conditioners with and without the DUAL INVERTER technology to compare air conditioners, assess and calculate the difference in usage and saving on electricity bills.

Eddie Jun, the President of LG Electronics in Saudi Arabia said: “LG is committed to its vision of a smart lifestyle with the introduction of next-generation technology and constantly strives to satisfy the consumers’ needs with products that will help them in their daily lives. This has always been LG’s main objective within the market and industry. Since rationalizing and optimizing energy consumption has become a strategic choice for all institutions and households, commitment to smart living and eco-friendly solutions has also been our main focus to create a rewarding lifestyle for everyone.”

He added :”The importance of this campaign comes at the right time as we are on the brink of summer, where most of the Kingdom’s regions are experiencing high temperatures, some even recording close to 48 degrees Celsius. In addition to the new electricity tariffs in the Kingdom, which have almost more than tripled, these developments require technical and innovative solutions. These solutions do not only include energy saving, but also the usage of devices that comply with the specifications and standards of Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization in the Kingdom and the guidance of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center.”

Air conditioning consumes about 70% of the total electricity consumption in residential buildings, which is equivalent to more than two-thirds of the electricity consumed in the Kingdom. Especially since the standards for energy efficiency in the air conditioners in the Kingdom before modification were not the highest in the world. The specifications have been modified based on the Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality System, the Commercial Fraud Control System, internationally agreed technical standards and procedures that consider the local conditions of the private sector.

LG Electronics was one of the first companies to invest in technology to address environmental and energy issues. In an effort to provide residents within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia an optimal air conditioning solution that saves energy while maintaining cooling performance, LG is introducing its latest air conditioners using DUAL Inverter technology.

This new technology helps reduce energy consumption and is the ideal solution for air cooling, working at temperatures as high as 65 degrees Celsius. The solution offers 60% faster cooling with high energy efficiency, providing 53% energy consumption compared to conventional air conditioners. Other key features include: quiet and fast cooling, dual protection filter, automatic cleaning, and smart display which allows users to check the condition of the air conditioner easily. It is also Wi-Fi friendly and compatible with smart applications on mobile phones.

With the participation of more than 160 travel agents, tour operators, medical facilitators and business representatives from Riyadh, the Greek Tourism Workshop was completed on March the 21^st, at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel. The Event was held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of Greece in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the kind support of Greek National Tourism Organization and was sponsored by Aegean Airlines, Mideast Travel Worldwide, The Booking Expert and Tourism Today.

The Greek Tourism Workshop in Riyadh is an initiative undertaken by Congress & Business Planners aiming to empower a stronger cooperation network between Greek and Arabian tourism companies and to reinforce the value of Greece as a destination for luxury, MICE and medical tourism.

Within the Workshop which preceded the Gala Dinner of the Event and was attended by tourist companies, top Greek hotels, companies specialized in medical tourism and technology companies specialized in tourism sector, a total of 190 meetings took place.

Greece is a famous 365-days destination that offers authentic experiences to its visitors and provides safety and high-quality accommodation together with a good variety of shopping and entertainment options. The country’s history, culture and natural beauty make Greece ideal for an unforgettable vacation while one may combine a medical visit with vacation time set for recovery and relaxation.

The Owner and Managing Director of Congress & Business Planners, Mrs. Souha Mousbeh, addressed an open invitation to all people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enjoy the endless beauties of Greece, one of the safest countries worldwide. She added that Greece is a famous tourist destination as visitors can enjoy good offers at exceptional hotel resorts for them and their families with delicious food and many activities suiting all needs. Finally, she invited everyone to grab the opportunity and visit the home land of the 12 Gods of the Ancient Mythology and of the old Hellenic Civilization which spread wisdom and culture all over the world.