South Korea Plans Mandatory Heat Pump Adoption in New Homes by 2030 SOUTH KOREA: South Korea is set to accelerate the electrification of heating, with plans to make heat pump installation largely mandatory in new homes from 2030, according to Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan. The move aims to address the delayed transition away from fossil fuel-based heating, which accounts for nearly half of final energy consumption, and support the country’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The g

Leroy Merlin Reports Modest Growth in 2025 FRANCE: Leroy Merlin recorded a 1.4% increase in business volume in 2025, reaching US$ 11.5 billion (€9.8 billion) in France, outperforming a declining DIY market estimated at around -3%. Growth was largely driven by strong e-commerce performance, with online visits rising by 10% and click-and-collect sales increasing by over 5%, indicating improved digital conversion. In addition, sales to professional customers grew by 10% to US$ 1

Trane Technologies Launches World’s Largest HVAC Training Facility USA: Trane Technologies has inaugurated the Trane Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC) in Davidson, North Carolina, marking the world’s largest and most advanced HVAC training facility. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the centre is designed to strengthen technical expertise as HVAC systems become increasingly complex and connected.   The facility can train up to 4,500 students annually, offering over 100,00

Alessandro Catani Appointed Managing Director of Alfaco POLAND: Alessandro Catani was appointed Managing Director of Alfaco, part of CAREL Group, in December 2025. He brings extensive international experience across the financial and industrial sectors, having held senior roles in Poland and Italy, including General Manager at Steel.s Poland and leadership positions at Colorobbia Polska. His appointment aligns with CAREL’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Poland, enhanc

SANHA GmbH & Co. KG Reports Modest Revenue Growth and Strong Margins in 2025 GERMANY: SANHA GmbH & Co. KG recorded a slight revenue increase of around 1% to US$ 146.9 million (€124.9 million) in 2025, supported by strong performance in refrigeration, industrial applications, and growth across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and the United States. However, domestic demand in Germany remained weak due to low construction activity, despite some improvement. Profitability remained s

Haier Opens First Flagship Store and Launches Premium Products in Bangladesh BANGLADESH: Haier has inaugurated its first flagship store in Dhaka, marking a significant step in strengthening its brand presence and retail expansion in Bangladesh. The store features the company’s latest visual identity and offers a complete range of home appliances, delivering a one-stop smart home experience for consumers. At the launch, Haier introduced three premium products, including an AI-

Chile Launches Public Consultation for New HFC Refrigerant Emission Standard CHILE: Chile’s Ministry of the Environment has initiated a public consultation process to gather technical, scientific, and economic input for developing a new hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emission standard. The Ozone Unit is seeking data on refrigerant usage, alternative technologies, emissions reduction methods, and sectoral practices, particularly in large-scale refrigeration systems. Submissions are o

Amaal Awards $490 Million Contract for Mansory Branded Luxury Tower in Dubai UAE: Amaal has awarded a $490 million contract to Citic Middle East Contracting for the construction of Mansory Residences in Dubai, a luxury branded residential tower scheduled for completion in Q4 2028. The project is backed by Citic Construction and represents the world’s first residential development under the Mansory brand. The contractor will manage full construction works, including structural

India Construction Costs Surge Sharply, With Retail and Luxury Housing Bearing the Highest Pressure INDIA: In India, construction costs have risen significantly, with retail, luxury housing and premium real estate segments facing the steepest increases. According to industry analysis, mall construction costs have surged by around 13.9% over the past two years, while luxury housing costs have increased by about 12.8%, driven by higher design complexity, rising material prices

Iran Conflict Pushes Up Construction Costs and Disrupts Housing and Agriculture in Australia AUSTRALIA: The ongoing Iran war is driving significant economic pressure across Australia, particularly in construction and agriculture. Rising global fuel and material costs are increasing home building expenses, worsening the country’s housing shortage and threatening delivery of new housing targets. Builders and economists warn that affordability challenges may intensify if cost in

London Housing Crisis Worsens as 42,000 Planned Homes Are Abandoned UNITED KINGDOM: London’s housing shortage has deepened after developers scrapped or repurposed plans for at least 42,000 homes over the past three years, according to industry analysis. Of these, around 30,000 had already received planning permission, while 12,000 were part of local development plans. Many of these sites are now being converted into warehouses, data centres, self-storage facilities and hotels

TOTO Japan: TOTO announced that it will gradually resume accepting new orders for its unit bath products starting April 20, 2026, following improved visibility in raw material procurement. The company had previously restricted orders due to supply uncertainties, but recent developments have allowed it to better assess material availability and restart operations in a phased manner. The decision reflects easing supply constraints in key inputs used for bathroom products. Howev