Daikin Supports Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency

Daikin, a world leader in innovative air-conditioning solutions, has thrown its weight behind Victoria’s exciting 1200 Buildings Initiative, starting with an associate sponsorship deal that reflects the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and showcases Daikin’s energy efficient heating and cooling systems.

Daikin is one of the key sponsors for an upcoming event, “Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency,” to be held in Melbourne on October 27 and 28, 2010. More than a hundred delegates are expected to attend this high profile seminar, including high-end developers, energy sustainability consultants, engineers and architects.

This seminar supports the Victorian government’s initiative (1200 Buildings) to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The program is expected to generate significant economic activity over 10 years and is committed to reducing their carbon foot print by almost 38%.*

John Fraser-Mifsud, Commercial Channel Manager at Daikin, is excited about the retrofitting seminar and the opportunity it provides to promote excellent sustainable HVAC solutions. “Key initiatives undertaken like minimum NABERS targets and mandatory disclosure for buildings greater than 2000msq project a strong signal to the market that government is very serious about lifting the performance capability of Melbourne’s current building stock. This initiative allows building professionals and manufacturers to work closer together than ever before ensuring the best equipment is fitted to meet this very proactive initiative,” he said.

Retrofitting existing buildings with new efficient lighting systems, better air-conditioning strategies and improvements to other building services offers investors a competitive edge, said Mr Fraser-Mifsud. “It’s corporate leadership… it attracts high premiums and better tenants.”

Whereas the new-buildings market has slowed since the global financial crisis, the market for retrofitted/refurbished buildings – especially energy efficient ones - is growing. “With air-conditioning and other mechanical services consuming a large amount of energy in commercial buildings, architects, designers and end users alike are seeking energy efficient solutions from reputable air conditioning manufacturers.”

Among the products Daikin will be discussing at the Melbourne seminar is its patented Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system, which boasts significant energy efficiency and heat recovery solutions. Fraser-Mifsud also reiterated the significance of their applied business unit that is intrinsically connected to the retrofit market. With a range of chiller machinery capable of exhibiting high energy efficiency ratios, they will play a major role in retrofitting projects over the next few years.

All Daikin products come with an extensive range of controls to monitor and manage building performance from simple execution for temperature control to complex high level interface and energy management strategies. Daikin’s Head Office in Chipping Norton Sydney, combines some of their best technology and control systems to achieve and maintain Daikin’s 5star NABERS rating using air-cooled equipment. “We look forward to sharing our experiences at the seminar and, we will continue to efficiently expand our commercial business with products required to meet demand striving to continuously improve the built environment” said Fraser-Mifsud.

*MelbourneCity Council, Zero Net Emissions by 2020 Strategy Document, 2008.