Jan. 31, 2025

AMCA to Present 14 Free Educational Sessions at 2025 AHR Expo

• 3-4 p.m.: “A Close-Up Look at Ceiling Radiation Dampers,” Michael Bulzomi, product manager, commercial dampers, Greenheck
• 4:30-5:30 p.m.: “Reducing Harmonics in Fan Systems,” Nicholas Popp, standards and regulations R&D engineer, Ziehl-Abegg Inc.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

• 9-10 a.m.: “Will Fan Regulations Make My Fans Quieter?” Brandon Cudequest, senior consultant, Threshold Acoustics, and Rad Ganesh, PhD, PE, director, product applications, Twin City Fan Companies Ltd.
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: “Fan-Input-Power Boundary,” Nazme Mohsina, global technical director, Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International, and Mark Bublitz, vice president, industry affairs, The New York Blower Co.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Troubleshooting Fan Installations,” Nazme Mohsina, global technical director, Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International, and Mark Bublitz, vice president, industry affairs, The New York Blower Co.
• 2-3 p.m.: “Elevating Products Through Third-Party Certification,” Charles Meyers, senior manager, certification services, Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International

Each session will be worth one professional-development hour (PDH).

Co-sponsored by ASHRAE and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and held concurrently with the ASHRAE Winter Conference, the AHR Expo brings together “OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators, and other professionals to experience everything new in HVACR and build the vital relationships that grow businesses and careers.” The last time the AHR Expo was held in Orlando—in February 2020—more than 50,000 HVACR professionals attended.

For more information about AMCA’s 2025 AHR Expo free industry seminars, contact Senior Manager, Publications and Standards, Scott Arnold at [email protected].

AMCA Middle East: Elevating HVAC Standards Amid Construction Boom

By SAMIYA SALIM, Senior Specification Engineer, Maico Gulf

The construction sectors of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are undergoing rapid expansion, driven by ambitious strategies that are both shaping skylines and steering the nations toward more sustainable urban environments. Playing a critical role in reducing environmental impact are high-performance HVAC systems. Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International standards offer a globally recognized framework for evaluating the performance, durability, and energy efficiency of HVAC equipment and are becoming increasingly relevant to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Megaprojects Driving Sustainability in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is projected to grow to $181.5 billion by 2028, fueled by megaprojects such as Qiddiya and The Red Sea Project along with preparations for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. In 2023, contracts worth $140 billion were awarded in Riyadh alone. This growth is bolstered by tourism, rapid urbanization, and government incentives, with $1.5 trillion in projects currently under way. These developments align with Vision 2030, promoting economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Incorporating AMCA-certified HVAC products will ensure systems operate efficiently, reduce energy consumption, and maintain air quality across complex environments. The kingdom’s national objectives align with this focus on energy efficiency, supporting a transition to green infrastructure through high standards for both mechanical and electrical systems.

Despite the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO), the Saudi Building Code (SBC), and Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) being in place, a void in robust HVAC-specific standards remains. This creates an opportunity for AMCA Middle East to strengthen collaboration with regulators, ensuring that HVAC systems align with global best practices and support sustainable growth.

AMCA’s Potential Impact on Saudi Regulations

Adopting AMCA-certified products across Saudi projects would ensure:

• reduced energy consumption and operating costs for large developments
• enhanced air quality and occupant comfort, even in harsh desert environments
• reliable long-term performance, with minimal maintenance and repair costs

Ongoing discussions between AMCA Middle East and SASO, along with engagement with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA), highlight the importance of HVAC performance standards. These efforts aim to align Saudi Arabia’s building codes with international benchmarks, facilitating the integration of AMCA-certified products into megaprojects.

UAE: A Leader in Green Construction

The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable construction through frameworks such as the Al Sa’fat – Dubai Green Building System, the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System (Abu Dhabi), and Barjeel Green Building Regulations (Ras Al Khaimah). These systems emphasize energy efficiency, water conservation, and occupant well-being, creating a solid foundation for the country’s green transition.

While the UAE’s regulatory frameworks promote sustainable building practices, AMCA certification is not yet mandatory. AMCA standards, however, are being voluntarily adhered to on nearly 80 percent of ongoing construction projects in the UAE, reflecting the country’s commitment to the best global practices. Leading consulting firms in the UAE have attended technical presentations on the AMCA Certified Ratings Program (CRP) and topics related to fan performance, sand-louver sizing, and life-safety dampers to address the UAE’s unique challenges.

Opportunities for Regulatory Adoption in the UAE

Formal recognition of AMCA standards within national codes would streamline HVAC regulations, ensuring:

• consistency in performance benchmarks and system reliability across projects
• energy savings aligned with the UAE’s net-zero ambitions through reduced HVAC-related carbon footprints
• reinforcement of the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainable development within the region

Advocacy by AMCA Middle East is resulting in meaningful progress. Discussions with Dubai Municipality and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi are focused on the incorporation of AMCA-certified airflow products and louvers into building codes and, consequently, the setting of new benchmarks for the region’s construction industry.

Strengthening HVAC Knowledge Through Education and Advocacy

AMCA Middle East has provided lunch-and-learn sessions for major consulting firms to equip engineers with the knowledge needed to implement AMCA-certified products effectively. These sessions help to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and practical implementation by providing insights into HVAC testing, certification, and performance standards.

AMCA’s participation in industry events further promotes its standards and ensures visibility among key stakeholders:

• At Smart Building Summit 2025 in Dubai, Hassan Abou Jawhar, director of AMCA Middle East, took part in a panel discussion on navigating local and international regulations, the importance of compliance in project success, and the role of government in promoting smart buildings.
• At the third MENA Cool Forum in Dubai in October, a panel moderated by Abou Jawhar discussed the critical role of performance-rated HVAC systems in the delivery of energy-efficient outcomes.
• At the 2024 MEP International Conference (MEPIC) in Saudi Arabia, AMCA’s discussions on innovation in HVAC design addressed sustainability challenges unique to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects.
• At MEP Middle East Conference 2024 in Dubai, Abou Jawhar advocated for higher HVAC performance benchmarks and greater regulatory alignment concerning mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.

Additionally, AMCA, in recognition of dampers as a critical component in addressing fire-safety and energy-efficiency needs, recently joined forces with UL Solutions to present a webinar providing valuable insights into life-safety dampers, clarifying certification processes and use cases.

Looking ahead, AMCA Middle East will participate in events such as a joint congress with Eurovent in Riyadh. Such events will serve as platforms to reinforce the importance of HVAC innovation in smart-building design.

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia and the UAE navigate rapid construction growth, sustainability remains a top priority. High-performance HVAC systems with AMCA-certified products will play a pivotal role in helping both nations meet environmental targets and improve building efficiency. While the UAE has made significant strides in voluntary adoption, formal recognition of AMCA standards within national frameworks would enhance compliance and energy performance across the board. In Saudi Arabia, the integration of AMCA-certified products within megaprojects offers a practical solution to mitigating environmental challenges, reducing operational costs, and ensuring consistent indoor-air quality.

With continuous advocacy, industry engagement, and educational outreach, AMCA is well-positioned to influence regulatory developments in both markets. Looking forward, collaboration between AMCA Middle East, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders will be essential in building resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure. As the region’s construction landscape evolves, these partnerships will serve as a foundation for sustainable urban environments that align with global best practices.

Energy-Efficiency Regulations in Asia

By CK SO, Director of Regional Affairs, Asia AMCA

Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International’s Asia region consists of many countries. Because of differences in culture, politics, and economics, each works at its own pace in terms of energy-efficiency regulations and standards, inspired by different regional goals, be it net-zero emissions by 2050 in Southeast Asia, carbon neutrality by 2050 in Japan and Korea, or Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies (E4) programs in China and India.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consists of 10 countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Each is taking different directions, with different policies pursued by their governments (Table 1).

Adapted from South East Asia Energy Outlook 2022, International Energy Agency

TABLE 1. Energy initiatives of Association of Southeast Asian Nations members.

While these policies generally are applicable to home appliances, some ASEAN members have energy-efficiency standards for commercial and industrial fans and blowers.

In Malaysia, ISO 12759:2010, Fans — Efficiency Classification for Fans, was adopted for MS 2578-1:2014, Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Industrial Electrical Equipment – Part 1 : Fans. Minimum energy-performance standards (MEPS) shall be FEG (fan efficiency grade) 71 for bare-shaft fans and FMEG (fan motor efficiency grade) graded for driven fans, per Commission Regulation (EU) No 327 Table 1. This applies to fans with input power from 0.125 kW to 500 kW. Asia AMCA has established a working group to review the standard.

Thailand implemented Building Energy Code 2023, which applies to nine types of buildings with total area of 2,000 sq m (21,528 sq ft) or more per floor. The buildings are divided into three groups: Group 1, office buildings and schools that operate eight hours a day; Group 2, department stores, exhibition buildings/convention halls, entertainment services, and theaters that operate 12 hours a day; and Group 3, hospitals, condominiums, and hotels that operate 24 hours a day. Drafting of an energy-efficiency standard and regulations that had fan energy grades as their main pillar was halted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Viet Nam adopted ISO 12759:2010 in its National Technical Regulations on Energy Efficiency Building 2017. Ventilation and air-conditioning-system fans with power greater than 3.7 kW must have an efficiency rating greater than FEG 67. The efficiency level of fans with FEG must be tested by an independent laboratory.

China’s GB 19761-2020, Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Fan, adopts ISO 5801:2017, Fans — Performance Testing Using Standardized Airways, in its reference GB/T 1236, Industrial Fans–Performance Testing Using Standardized Airways. Fan efficiency is divided into three grades, with Grade 1 the highest and Grade 3 the lowest. GB/T 43080.3-2023, Fans - Efficiency Classification for Fans - Part 3: Fans Without Drives at Maximum Operating Speed, was published by General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) and implemented April 1, 2024. ISO 12759-3, Fans - Efficiency Classification for Fans - Part 3: Fans Without Drives at Maximum Operating Speed, is fully adopted, with ISO 12759-6, Fans - Efficiency Classification for Fans - Part 6: Calculation of the Fan Energy Index, under review following its publication in May 2024.

In India, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) adopted ISO 12759-3 for the Energy Conservation and Building Code (ECBC) but will replace it with ISO 12759-6 soon. FEG was adopted for the National Building Code (NBC). Following publication of ISO 12759-6, work will begin to harmonize it so as not to have two standards in the same country.

In 2023, Taiwan issued “ventilator allowable energy consumption standards, labelling matters and inspection methods” with mandatory guidelines that testing must comply with CNS 7778, Industrial Fans − Performance Testing Using Standardized Airways; ISO 5801; or ANSI/AMCA Standard 210/ASHRAE Standard 51, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating. Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) made FMEG mandatory as of July 2024. Manufacturers and importers are required to register their models with test reports, which must be accepted by International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

In Korea, testing and inspection of blowers are based on KS B 6311, Ventilator Examination Method, with ratings below FEG 50 not considered. Taiwan has gone a step further by making FMEG mandatory. Products must be registered with test reports from laboratories recognized by ILAC, including AMCA International, Asia AMCA, and KTC (Korea Testing Certification Institute). Annual check tests are required to maintain a product’s listing.

Roadmap Buildings and Construction Indonesia - 2022 calls for voluntary adherence to net-zero-energy building starting in 2025. Adherence will be mandatory for public buildings by 2030 and all buildings by 2050.

Hong Kong, with its Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation, is adopting 1.1 @ per L/s of exhaust-air flow rate or fresh-air flow rate, whichever is larger, unless system fan-motor power is less than 2.5 kW. As for Philippines, Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings – 2020 Edition provides that fan-system criteria for both constant-volume fan systems and variable-air-volume fan systems shall follow 0.5 W/m³/h.

TABLE 2.

Direct-Drive vs. Gear-Driven: Choosing the Correct Motor for a Large-Diameter Ceiling Fan

Developed in the 1990s as a means to efficiently cool dairy cattle, large-diameter (greater than 7 ft [2.1 m]) ceiling fans (LDCF), also known as high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans, today are used in a variety of applications: manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, hospitality, and fitness, to name a few. These are relatively large spaces where HVAC is cost-prohibitive or impractical or could stand augmenting. Like fan-blade profile, the choice of motor technology to power a fan is a key influencer of airflow performance and energy use. It also is a substantial driver of the cost of a fan. To drive more informed product selections, this article highlights similarities and differences between the two types of motors used in LDCF: direct-drive and gear-driven.

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