Leading companies in the heating, energy, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning (HERVAC) industry are driving change to move the industry from being energy-intensive to energy-intelligent. The South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning’s (SAIRAC) flagship event, FRIGAIR, will this year bring together about 150 companies that are contributing to this transition to energy efficiency and sustainability. Taking place from 4 to 6 June 2025 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, near Johannesburg, the event will showcase the latest products, technologies and developments in sustainable HERVAC systems.
Frigair 2025 will showcase some of the latest technologies enabling the HERVAC sector to become more energy intelligent.
Using a combination of new technologies and innovations, mindful building design and renewable energy options, the HERVAC industry is becoming an enabler in the development of sustainable infrastructure.
In buildings, HERVAC systems are some of the largest energy consumers (accounting for some 40 to 50% of energy usage) and this makes their transformation essential to South Africa meeting its climate goals. The production and use of refrigerants, the energy consumption of cooling systems, the disposal of refrigerants and refrigeration equipment all present environmental challenges. But new HERVAC units are more energy-efficient and produce lower levels of emissions than older systems.
One of the ways in which the sector is moving towards greater sustainability is through the development of smart controls and automation. In buildings and other facilities, new building management systems can monitor and optimise HERVAC systems in real time. These sophisticated monitoring systems automatically adjust airflow, temperature and humidity, make changes based on occupancy levels, and support predictive maintenance to improve efficiency and reduce downtime – all saving on energy costs.
Because refrigeration systems are energy-intensive, improving their energy efficiency is a critical focus area for reducing their environmental impact. Innovations such as variable-speed compressors, advanced insulation materials, and smart thermostats assist in achieving this objective.
Additionally, HERVAC systems are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar-thermal, geothermal and solar-powered electric air conditioning units to power or supplement and optimise power usage, reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The sector is also taking steps to phase out refrigerants with high global warming potential, moving towards natural refrigerants that have a lower environmental impact. Many traditional synthetic refrigerants deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Ongoing research into more environmentally friendly refrigerants will be an important area of development going forward.
Where building design minimises energy demands and incorporates efficient HERVAC systems, this can be significant in transforming business and industrial spaces into energy-efficient environments. Facilities designed with HERVAC efficiency in mind, incorporate passive solar design, natural ventilation and thermal insulation to improve efficiency. Some leading local HERVAC companies are also aligning with ASHRAE energy and sustainability standards.
“FRIGAIR 2025 will showcase some of the latest breakthroughs, new solutions and forward-thinking technologies that are driving transformation in the HERVAC sector,” says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions – a division of Montgomery Group and organiser of FRIGAIR in partnership with IMD Conferences, Exhibitions and Workshops. Hefer highlights that, “The event will also include the SAIRAC workshop programme where leading industry experts will share the latest innovations, industry trends, international best practices and legislative standards.”
For more information or to register for the event, visit www.frigairexpo.co.za
