Higher Cooling Energy Performance Standards Global: Ten multinational companies, including ABB, Danfoss, and Johnson Controls, have urged policymakers to adopt higher minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners and other major appliances. The call forms part of five global policy principles launched by the Climate Group Smart Energy Coalition, which represents more than 100 companies focused on improving energy efficiency across buildings and industry. The coali

Philippines Philippines: The Philippines has advanced discussions on strengthening minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners following a stakeholder consultation held in November 2025 under the ACT MEPS project. The meeting highlighted the need for higher efficiency benchmarks, stronger enforcement, and improved consumer awareness to address rising energy demand and emissions from the cooling sector. The consultation was organised by the Department of Energy i

Pre sale Finance Guarantee program Australia: The New South Wales Labor government has activated its US$ 685 million Pre sale Finance Guarantee program by supporting a 225 apartment mixed-use development in Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west. The US$ 195 million Rozelle Village redevelopment, located on the former Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road, is the first project to receive backing under the scheme. The programme allows the state government to commit to presales f

Wickes UK: Wickes Group plc reported continued sales growth across all areas of its business in the six months ended 27 December 2025, with group revenue rising 6.3% year on year. Growth in the second half of 2025 was driven by higher volumes despite a mildly deflationary pricing environment, supporting further market share gains. Retail revenue increased 6.2%, led by an 8% rise in TradePro sales, while DIY sales recorded mid-single digit growth supported by higher customer t

Optimist Raises US$ 12 Million funding India: Technology-led cooling startup Optimist has secured US$12 million in a seed and pre-Series A funding round led by Accel and Arkam Ventures, with participation from angel investors, to develop and produce air-conditioning systems suited to India’s high temperatures and constrained power conditions. Founded in 2024 by Ashish Goel, former CEO and co-founder of Urban Ladder, and Pranav Chopra, the company plans to use the funds to adv

Housing Project Australia: Construction has commenced on an US$ 85 million build to rent housing development in Eastwood, located just outside the Adelaide central business district. The Wirra Mikangka project will deliver 151 apartments across two buildings of nine and five storeys, with ground floor retail and hospitality space and shared gardens overlooking the city's southeastern parklands. Of the total apartments, 121 are allocated for people on low and moderate incomes,

Australia Construction Sector Australia: Global construction market intelligence firm Hubexo has released its 2026 Construction Outlook Report, outlining a period of recalibration for the Australian construction industry following several years of volatility, cost pressures, and capacity constraints. According to the report, the sector is entering 2026 in a reset phase, characterised by more disciplined project sequencing and a stronger focus on capacity management rather tha

UK Government Schemes UK: The UK Government has introduced a new national programme aimed at improving home energy efficiency for lower-income households, with total funding of US$ 17.6 billion. The initiative targets families with an annual household income of around US$41,000 or less and focuses on providing access to energy efficiency upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and smart energy controls. The scheme replaces earlier fragmented approaches, includi

Egypt Egypt: Egypt has received approval for funding of around US$ 1 million for its Compressor Conversion Project during the 97th meeting of the Executive Committee under the Montreal Protocol. The project is designed to support the local conversion of hermetic compressor manufacturing toward inverter-based technology, with the objective of improving energy efficiency in the cooling sector. The initiative is financed through the Multilateral Fund, which supports countries in

Viessmann Climate Solutions UK :  Viessmann Climate Solutions has been appointed to the four-year Procure Plus Framework for the Supply of Low and Zero Carbon Technologies, a US$ 1.8 billion program supporting energy efficiency upgrades across social housing and public sector buildings. The framework will cover the supply of air source and ground source heat pumps across multiple capacity ranges, along with hot water cylinders, solar PV systems, and battery storage. The produ

Tokyu Garden City Plan Vietnam: Japan’s Tokyu Corporation is planning further growth for its Tokyu Garden City urban development in Binh Duong New City, north of Ho Chi Minh City, as part of ongoing efforts to expand large-scale mixed-use projects in Vietnam. The initiative, developed through a joint venture with Vietnamese partners, aims to build out residential, commercial, and community facilities in one of the region’s key growth zones, utilising urban planning experience

Oman Oman: Operations have commenced at a new air conditioning manufacturing plant in the Salalah Free Zone, according to an announcement made in January 2026. The facility, owned by Engineering Industries Company, represents an investment of US$ 12 million and has an annual production capacity of around 70,000 air conditioning units. The project operates under an industrial license within the engineering and electronics category and will supply products to the domestic marke

LG India: LG Electronics India has introduced a new range of air conditioners that comply with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency star rating norms scheduled to take effect in 2026. The rollout has begun ahead of the summer season, making LG one of the early manufacturers align its residential air conditioner portfolio with the revised efficiency framework. The updated norms issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency set stricter limits on power consumption to reduce electricity

Shurooq UAE: Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, in collaboration with SEE Holding, has announced the launch of Sharjah Sustainable City II, a new integrated residential community in the Al Rahmaniya area of Sharjah. The development follows the earlier Sharjah Sustainable City project and will cover 7.8 million square feet, featuring 1,032 residential units including 944 three and four bedroom townhouses and 88 five bedroom villas. The project is designed around cle

UK Heat Pump Industry to Launch Unified Trade Body in 2026 UNITED KINGDOM: The UK heat pump sector will unite under a single trade body, Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK), following a decision by members of the Heat Pump Association, Ground Source Heat Pump Association and Heat Pump Federation to merge. Launching in January 2026, the new organisation aims to provide a unified voice for low-carbon heating as the industry scales up deployment across domestic, commercial and ind

TVA’s Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates Drive Breakthrough Adoption in 2025 UNITED STATES: The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight program delivered a major boost to heat pump water heater adoption in 2025, rebating more than 10,000 units in the fourth quarter alone. After an initial downstream rebate model failed to gain traction, TVA shifted strategy, ultimately adopting a midstream incentive approach in March 2025 that targeted distributors and retailers. The instant USD

Japanese Smart Toilet Seats Gain Long-Awaited Acceptance in the US JAPAN: After decades of resistance, Japanese electronic bidet toilet seats, led by Toto Ltd.’s Washlet, are finally gaining traction in the US market. First launched 45 years ago, the Washlet struggled with cultural barriers and advertising restrictions. Acceptance improved in the 2010s as US tourists experienced Washlets abroad and shared positive feedback online. A major breakthrough came when Amazon began s

Family Leisure Becomes Exclusive Retail Partner for Sundance Spas UNITED STATES: Family Leisure has entered into an exclusive retail partnership with Jacuzzi Group, becoming the sole retailer of Sundance Spas across its operating markets. Under the agreement, the Indianapolis-based home recreation retailer will offer Sundance Spas and Jacuzzi products at all 10 of its locations nationwide, expanding its showroom portfolio with advanced hydrotherapy and wellness-focused spas.

Hisense Plans Investment in Pakistan Through Partnership with Air Link Subsidiary PAKISTAN: China’s consumer electronics major Hisense is planning to invest in Pakistan through a strategic partnership with Air Link Communication Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary, Select Technologies Limited. “As part of this partnership, HISENSE has expressed its intention to make a direct investment in the venture in the near future,” Air Link disclosed in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exch

Champions Group Strengthens Texas Presence with Acquisition of Lex Services UNITED STATES: Champions Group Holdings has acquired Lex Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, a leading residential services provider in North Texas, reinforcing its expansion strategy in high-growth US markets. The transaction supports Champions Group’s broader Texas growth plans and commitment to expanding essential home services nationwide. “We're thrilled to welcome the Lex team into the Champ