Kolkata, 12 September 2016: Hall of Fame roadshow, an initiative by Danfoss India, a Danish company that engineers technologies for a better tomorrow, was held in Kolkata to encourage energy efficient commercial buildings in the city. The Hall of Fame roadshow is aimed at increasing participation for Hall of Fame 2017 which is a joint initiative with Indian Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) to recognize excellence achieved in conserving energy by commercial buildings in the country.

With rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, Kolkata is set to witness increase in urban infrastructure and consequent power consumption. The city is now the third largest city in terms of population at 14.1 million. According to Energy & Wetlands Research Group, urban built-up area in the city increased 190% between 1990 and 2010. In 1990, 2.2% of land was built up; in 2010, 8.6%, which is predicted to rise to 51.27% by 2030. The predicted infrastructure boom will add stress to the power needs of the city.

Therefore, energy efficient interventions that have the potential to save up to 30% energy must be utilised to meet this rising demand for power. Hall of Fame roadshow is aimed at sensitising and educating architects, consultants and engineers on the need for these energy efficient interventions in commercial buildings. This recognition aims to encourage energy efficiency among stakeholders and to showcase success stories in the HVAC space, which have the potential to be replicated across India.

Based on selection criteria that include Energy Performance Index, Indoor Environment Quality initiatives, Energy Saving Initiatives including Renewable Energy, Building Management System and one-year operational data, the inductee/s will be announced in February 2017 at ACREX, New Delhi.

“Kolkata has a unique opportunity to get its energy efficiency implementation right for the first time by applying implementing it at the cusp of this infrastructure boom. The technology needed to reduce CO2 emissions, generate savings and leverage the multiple benefits of urban efficiency already exists, but lack of awareness on these solutions in hampering implementation. We believe by using relevant technologies, cities can reduce energy consumption and accelerate low-carbon development. The aim of this roadshow is to spread awareness about adoption of these technologies and enable stakeholders to understand the full potential of energy efficiency,” said Mr. Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India. “ACREX Hall of Fame recognizes cutting edge energy efficient interventions that organizations have adopted to meet their objectives, setting an example for others to replicate the same sustainable solutions,” he added.