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Navigating Pakistan’s HVAC Industry: Strategies for awareness, certification, and excellence
Amid harsh climatic conditions and a lack of regulations, stakeholders in Pakistan's construction sector discuss the importance of certifications in ensuring reliable and sustainable HVAC solutions for industrial and healthcare sectors.
Project Management
As an emerging economy, Pakistan is on the brink of significant change, with shifting political and economic landscapes impacting the construction sector. Khalid Rabbani, Director of Fahim, Nanji & deSouza (Pvt.) Limited, an esteemed engineering consultancy with extensive experience across a broad spectrum of projects in the country, highlights the critical importance of macroeconomic stability in driving industry growth—a challenge stakeholders in Pakistan are acutely aware of.
The growth of the industrial sector has been somewhat stunted due to high utility rates and higher profits in other sectors, such as real estate. However, in recent years, there have been advancements, particularly in the healthcare sector, due to service demands.
Fahim, Nanji & deSouza (Pvt.) Limited
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Amjad Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer of Welkin Solutions, one of the major HVAC players in the market and exclusive distributor of brands like Systemair, also notes the positive developments and resilience of Pakistan’s industrial and healthcare sectors, despite economic uncertainties affecting investment and development across various sectors.
Industrial growth continues to be driven by urbanisation, government incentives, and consumer demand, while the healthcare sector’s expansion is fuelled by population growth, infrastructure improvements, and increased awareness of healthcare needs. Government regulations mandating compliance with international standards and environmental regulations have also played a crucial role in shaping these sectors' growth trajectories.
Welkin Solutions
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The challenges of designing according to local needs: redundancy and resilience
In this context, there is a growing demand for HVAC solutions tailored to critical applications, according to Iqbal. “Industries require efficient HVAC systems to maintain optimal operational conditions, ensure worker comfort, and comply with environmental regulations,” he says.
“Healthcare facilities demand precise temperature and humidity control to maintain sterile environments and safeguard patient health. It is also important to have reliable and efficient systems that adapt to changing circumstances. With ongoing sectoral expansions and infrastructure developments, we anticipate a continued rise in demand for advanced HVAC solutions in the coming years.”
Rabbani points out that designing MEP systems for healthcare and industrial facilities in Pakistan presents unique challenges, noting that the harsh climatic conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity, demand robust and resilient MEP designs. “The availability of skilled labour and advanced technology can also be limited, impacting project execution and performance. Budgetary constraints, aggressive project timelines, and a mindset focused on immediate returns often hinder the implementation of optimal solutions,” he says. “Lastly, the lack of stringent minimum standards in certain areas can compromise the quality and efficiency of these systems.”
Overcoming these obstacles, Rabbani argues, requires innovative design strategies, cost-effective solutions, and a strong emphasis on quality control and certifications.
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In this regard, Rabbani emphasises the importance of resilience, maintainability, and flexibility in system design.
“These elements contribute to MEP systems’ long-term performance and adaptability to evolving operational needs and technological advancements,” he says. “For instance, a healthcare facility might prioritise redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms for uninterrupted operations, while an industrial plant may focus on modularity and scalability for future expansion.”
Efficiency, compliance, and certification are critical considerations for customers designing MEP systems and equipment in healthcare and industrial settings, Rabbani continues. “High energy costs and the imperative to reduce environmental impact make energy efficiency a top priority. Adherence to stringent regulations and industry standards is essential to ensure safety, performance, and legal compliance. Additionally, certifications such as Eurovent and AMCA provide a benchmark for quality and reliability.”
The story of standards and regulations
Iqbal adds that regulations, such as those stipulated by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), ASHRAE standards, and local environmental regulations, have driven the improvement of standards in the market. These regulations mandate adherence to specific energy efficiency criteria, IAQ standards, and safety.
However, Iqbal notes that macroeconomic uncertainties in the country have prompted a re-evaluation of regulatory compliance to ensure that standards remain robust and enforceable, and there is still a need to develop minimum standards to elevate market appreciation for quality HVAC products and solutions. “Ensuring that only high-quality, certified products enter the market is crucial for the long-term operational efficiency and sustainability of projects,” he says. “Substandard solutions compromise performance and reliability and pose risks to occupant health and safety while increasing operational costs over time due to inefficiencies and frequent maintenance needs.”
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This environment has also created a demand for certifications, says Iqbal, adding that Eurovent Certified Performance holds significant sway in the Pakistani market due to its comprehensive testing and validation processes that ensure product performance and energy efficiency, confirming adherence to industry standards and performance benchmarks such as the Eurovent Energy Label. “TUV certifications are also valued for their stringent safety and quality standards, particularly in the healthcare sector.”
“As the demand for high-quality HVAC solutions grows, the role of robust certifications like Eurovent becomes increasingly important. These certifications are not just a mark of quality but a testament to a product’s performance and reliability,” says Morten Schmelzer, Head of Group Public Affairs, Systemair AB, an active contributor to many international association working groups and certification bodies.
Certification bodies must prioritise supporting emerging markets like Pakistan in better understanding the essential certification requirements. This is crucial because even underperforming products can obtain Eurovent or AHRI certification, provided their performance data is accurate. Therefore, focusing on specific factors and values within a certification program is vital to ensure you select top-quality, high-performing products—not just a product with a sticker.
For instance, the Eurovent Energy Label offers a clear, straightforward A+, best, to E, worst, rating scale, making it easier to assess a product’s performance comprehensively. For critical application areas such as healthcare, the Eurovent Hygienic Air Handling Unit certification adds additional value with its simple 1-3 star rating system, which aligns with internationally recognised hygiene standards.
Systemair AB
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Minding the difference
Rabbani says while there is growing awareness among project stakeholders in Pakistan of the value of certifications, there is still a need to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the value they hold, especially in a cost-centric culture and strict project timelines that prioritise price over long-term performance and efficiency. “AHUs, fans, and chillers carrying certifications like AMCA or Eurovent are undoubtedly in higher demand due to their association with quality, performance, and energy efficiency. However, there’s a clear need to enhance knowledge dissemination regarding these certifications’ significance and impact on overall system performance.”
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Rabbani believes that industry associations, manufacturers, and consultants must play a crucial role in educating the market about the value proposition of certified equipment and its contribution to sustainable and efficient building operations. He also advocates for a more substantial presence of international associations in the market.
“Overall, the market situation has highlighted the importance of certified products that guarantee performance and compliance, mitigating risks associated with uncertified equipment.”
“Education is key to bridging the gap between awareness and understanding of certification value in Pakistan and other emerging markets in the region. We must emphasise that these certifications are not mere formalities but critical components that ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of HVAC systems,” says Schmelzer—reiterating Rabbani’s point.
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Choosing the right partner
Given the complex nature of the market, Rabbani highlights the importance of selecting the right partner and solutions for the success of any project. He stresses that the repercussions of suboptimal partner selection are far-reaching, as inefficient equipment or systems can lead to increased operational costs, reduced energy efficiency, and potential safety hazards. “Delays in procurement and installation disrupt project timelines, impacting overall project profitability,” Rabbani adds, noting that a lack of technical support or after-sales service can hinder project performance. As such, he says their criteria encompass factors such as the supplier's financial stability, technical expertise, project management capabilities, and alignment with the company's values. “Additionally, we prioritise partners with a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services within budget and timeline constraints.”
“Selecting the right partner is not just about finding a supplier," says Schmelzer. "It’s about forming a strategic alliance that aligns with your project’s goals and long-term vision. In markets like Pakistan, where challenges abound, this decision is even more crucial. Systemair is deeply grateful for its strong presence and recognition in the Pakistani market, made possible by its close and long-term partnership with companies such as Welkin Solutions."