THE role of insulation in energy savings and sustaining the environment came under the spotlight at a recent seminar in Qatar, in which decision-makers in the construction industry participated.

The seminar at the College of North Atlantic, organised by Ashrae’s (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Qatar Oryx Chapter in association with Kuwait Insulation Material Manufacturing Company (Kimmco), brought together contractors, subcontractors, consultants and architects.
At the seminar, Kimmco – part of Alghanim Industries – reiterated its commitment to producing sustainable and eco-friendly insulation products.
Kimmco partnered with Ashrae to educate the Qatar market on the role of mineral fibre insulation (glass wool and rockwool) in saving energy and providing sustainability in the construction industry.

Ashrae’s 51,000 members influence the direction of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) technology by creating industry standards and recommending procedures and guidelines, developing research and writing technical information.
Ashrae was represented by Qatar chapter president Ramiz Gabrial, vice-president Hani Awni and CTT chair Mohammad Mokdad. Present at the seminar from Kimmco was senior technical manager Dr Kailash Chandra and regional sales manager Manhal Jaweesh. Heads of major mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and consultancy companies in Qatar attended as well, including Hassan Ali of MZ & Partners, Serry Mohammad of James Cubit and Partners; and Kamal Taj of KEO International.
Dr Chandra discussed the importance of thermal insulation in buildings. He highlighted the impact of emission and the contribution of insulation in reducing carbon dioxide emission and promoting energy savings through the use of mineral wool insulation for HVAC equipment, building envelopes and the roof. The presentation also identified the fire safety properties of mineral wool insulation.
Jaweesh’s presentation focused on the importance of mineral fibre insulation in reducing/controlling noise pollution in different building applications such as offices, home theatre, studios, partition walls and other acoustically-sensitive facilities. He discussed two major acoustical treatments: sound insulation and sound absorptions.
Other speakers included Alessio Gusman, the area sales manager based in McQuay’s Italy factory who provides technical and marketing support to several European countries and the Middle East. Gusman spoke on the evolution of screw chiller technology, presenting flexible solutions for commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC requirements with reliable products, knowledgeable applications expertise and responsive support.