Housing South Korea is set to significantly increase public housing investment in 2027, with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) proposing a KRW 30 trillion ($21.8 billion) budget for public housing supply, aimed at addressing growing concerns over housing shortages, particularly in the greater Seoul area. The allocation represents a 41.5% increase from this year’s main budget. Under the proposal, the government plans to supply 218,000 public housing un

GDP India’s economy recorded robust year-on-year GDP growth of 7.8% in the April-June quarter, outperforming the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 7% forecast. Growth remained resilient despite external headwinds, including the West Asia conflict, elevated energy prices, and supply-chain disruptions. The expansion was supported by strong performance in both manufacturing and services, which recorded near double-digit growth during the quarter. Manufacturing grew 9.2%, acceleratin

Ceramic industry The Bangladesh ceramics industry is facing significant operational and financial pressures, with unreliable gas supply, high import duties, and persistent foreign currency shortages disrupting production and increasing manufacturers’ operating costs. According to Sifat Arman, Deputy Managing Director of BHL Group, the inconsistent supply of natural gas has become the industry’s most pressing challenge, with many manufacturers reportedly operating at below 40%

Plumbing USA: New Jersey has adopted the 2024 New Jersey Edition of the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) as the state’s updated plumbing code. The revised code establishes updated requirements for plumbing materials, fixtures, equipment, and system installation, providing contractors and code officials with current standards for plumbing work across the state. The New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards, under the state’s Department of Community Affairs, adopted the

cooling Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition, has launched the first EPIC Deploy Call for Proposals, providing financial support for sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient cooling projects in Brazil, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Applications are open until October 31, 2026. The funding programme focuses on two key areas: sustainable cooling in the

Heat Pump The German government is planning measures to support the expansion, conversion, and construction of heating networks as part of its transition toward a climate-neutral heating system. District and local heating networks can enable the cost-effective integration of low-carbon heat sources, including geothermal energy, large-scale heat pumps, and waste heat. Heating networks are expected to play an increasingly important role, particularly in urban and densely popula

Australian Bidet Brand Conor Expands Into New Zealand with Full Smart Bathroom Range New Zealand: Australian bidet and smart toilet company Conor Australia is expanding into New Zealand after four years of growth in Australia. Founded in Melbourne in 2022, the company offers non-electric bidet seats, smart electric bidet seats, integrated smart toilets, portable bidets and handheld sprays. Its entire product range is WaterMark-certified, supporting compliance with Australian

UK Heat Pump UK: The UK recorded a record 8,150 applications for heat pump grants in July 2026, following increased government support for households replacing heating oil systems amid the Middle East conflict. Applications rose 81% from June and 112% year on year, exceeding the previous monthly record of 5,328. From July, eligible off-gas-grid households in England and Wales could receive an enhanced US$ 10441.4 (£9,000) grant, compared with the standard US$ 8701.1 (£7,500)

F-Gas Restrictions on High-GWP Split AC UK: Great Britain has updated guidance on its 2025 ban on single split air conditioners containing less than 3 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 750 or higher. Refrigerants such as R-407C and R-410A are covered by the prohibition. However, exemptions apply to systems used solely for product cooling, air-to-water split systems and units installed on maritime craft. Previously placed products can still be sold if businesses

Flow Service Partners Strengthens South Florida Commercial HVAC Presence Through Altman Acquisition USA: Flow Service Partners has acquired Altman Air Conditioning, expanding its commercial HVAC and mechanical services platform across South Florida. Founded in 1985, Altman provides commercial air-conditioning, equipment replacement, repairs, mechanical services and maintenance to customers across the region. The acquisition complements Cortez, another Flow company operating i

Midea RAC Partners with NARAP for HVAC Technical Training in Nigeria Nigeria: Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division (Midea RAC) partnered with the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) at NARAP Day 2026, held in Abia State, Nigeria, on July 23–24, as part of its nationwide technical training initiative launched in May 2026. The program covers HVAC technologies, standardized installation practices, after-sales service, and Midea’

Johnson HVAC Distribution Completes Rebrand and Launches New Website Across 25 Locations U.S.: Johnson HVAC Distribution, formerly known as Johnson Supply, has completed its company-wide rebrand and launched a new website, extending the updated identity across all 25 branch locations serving HVAC contractors and professionals throughout Texas and Louisiana. The independently/employee-owned company, established in 1953, said the rebrand reflects its long-standing focus on HVAC