The Journal interviewed Sanjeev Seth, Country Leader, HVAC & Transport, India & SAARC Markets, Ingersoll Rand. Here are some excerpts.

Journal (J): How is Ingersoll Rand committed to India in terms of attaining sustainability targets? Please brief us on your Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
Sanjeev Seth (SS): At Ingersoll Rand, sustainability is at the very foundation of our business. Our commitment to sustainability extends to the environmental impacts of our
people, operations, and products and services. 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:
• Fifty percent 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;
• Thirty-five percent reduction in the greenhouse gas footprint of its own operations by 2020.
In India, taking our commitment to the environment further, Ingersoll Rand introduced EcoWise™ portfolio of products. They are designed to lower environmental impact with nextgeneration, low global warming potential refrigerants and high efficiency operation.

J: How do your technologies and products support the goal of energy efficiency?
SS: Buildings are one of the biggest energy consumers in the world as well as greenhouse gas emitters. Many buildings also directly burn fossil fuels, such as heating oil, natural gas, and even coal, to provide for the space heating requirements. However, less attention has been given to ensure energy efficiency in buildings, despite the tremendous impact buildings have on costs and the environment. However, HVAC and lighting systems provide a tremendous opportunity to improve the overall impact on energy consumption in the building. In this direction, we are committed to addressing the environmental impact of our products to help our customers operate more sustainably. Our product portfolio directly addresses demands for greater energy efficiency with lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in buildings, homes, industrial spaces and transport markets around the world. For example, we have recently launched high-speed magnetic centrifugal chillers (HSWA) equipped with advanced oil-free magnetic bearing compressor and CHILTM nextgeneration heat exchanger, which bring down the operating cost exceptionally.

J: What new trends do you see in the Indian HVAC market?
SS: HVAC is an integral part of the modern infrastructure ecosystem and a key utility system. HVAC requirement has undergone a paradigm shift in terms of customer needs and technological advancement, which we have seen through a rapid expansion in product portfolios to ensure customer satisfaction. We have witnessed the trend towards energy efficient, technologically advanced and innovative products that are making the system more environment-friendly and transitioning to adopt low GWP solutions. Today, customers are well informed and more open to experiment with new technologies. With energy efficiency taking centre stage and gaining momentum, customers are making conscious efforts to switch to low GWP solutions. Thus, energy efficient HVAC systems are important from innovation and regulatory standpoint so as to lower energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.

J: What will drive the Indian HVAC&R market in 2019?
SS: HVAC systems are found in almost all upcoming commercial as well as residential buildings since they are an important part of the modern infrastructure. Exponential
increase in Indian infrastructure and rapid urbanisation, coupled with the investment the government has announced, will drive the demand for HVAC installations across the country. Development in Metro rail network, data centers, retail, hospitality and commercial sectors is significantly increasing the demand for HVAC systems as they involve large-scale application of HVAC systems. Additionally, high-rise buildings, shopping complexes, malls and hypermarkets are now penetrating tier-II cities as well as contributing to the growth of HVAC business. The Indian HVAC market is also expected to witness growth on the back of rising investments by corporates in India. With
the rising demand for energy efficient products in the country, the HVAC market is expected to undergo significant shift in the coming years.

J: What are the products recently introduced by Ingersoll Rand?
SS: At Trane – a brand of Ingersoll Rand – we provide nextgeneration technologies and service solutions that 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 designed for long-term sustainability. We have already launched Trane EcoWise portfolio of products, 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 ratings that exceed industry standards. Trane’s aircooled 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% better performance, exceeding ASHRAE 90.1-2016 IPLV standard. Further, we have also expanded our commercial unitary portfolio with Genyue5+, an advanced 5th generation full DC inverter VRF system. This series has a higher efficiency with distinct class leading IPLV (cooling) up to 8.7*. It provides 26% better efficiency (exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Standard for VRF Heat Pump) compared to conventional system. It is compact and saves up to 30% installation space. We will continue to enhance customer experience with solutions that are efficient, reliable, compact and environmentally sustainable.

J: Which are your most popular technologies/features for residential and commercial properties, and why?
SS: We envision leading long-term value creation and positive societal impact within our industries and are constantly changing and adapting our endeavours to innovate and accelerate the ways we connect with our customers.

Some of the recent technologies, which are popular and gaining momentum, are:
• Low GWP sustainable solutions used in low-pressure centrifugal chillers and screw chillers – environmental sustainability.
• High-speed magnetic centrifugal chillers – high efficiency operation.
• High efficiency DC inverter VRF systems – flexible, resilient, reliable.
• Wireless control solution for building control – flexibility and advanced control system.