ACEM organised the webinar “AHRI Standards & Certification Programs for Data Centers” on 28 September 2026 via Zoom, bringing together 25 participants to explore the growing role of HVACR standards and certification in supporting the rapid expansion of data centres and AI-driven infrastructure.
As data centre development continues to expand across Malaysia, Southeast Asia and globally, the rising demand for computing power brings with it significant energy, water and cooling requirements. The session examined how the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is responding to these challenges through enhanced equipment performance standards, certification programmes and more sustainable technologies.
A key focus of the webinar was the transition towards low-global-warming-potential (low-GWP) refrigerants. Participants were introduced to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s (AHRI) Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program (AREP), which supports the evaluation of next-generation A2L refrigerants for data centres and other key sectors.
The session also provided insights into AHRI’s wider role as a global association representing more than 300 HVACR manufacturers and over 1,200 certification programme licenses worldwide. With its ASEAN regional office in Singapore, AHRI supports manufacturers, consulting engineers, policymakers and other stakeholders across key Southeast Asian HVACR markets.
Sharing their perspectives during the webinar were Mr. Bridge Xue, AHRI’s Vice President of Global Operations, and Mr. Dom LaVigne, AHRI’s Chief Representative for the ASEAN office in Singapore. Drawing on their respective experience in the HVACR industry, standards, sustainability, policy and regional market development, the speakers offered participants a broader perspective on how standards and certification can support the evolving needs of the data centre sector.
The webinar highlighted the relationship between HVACR performance, energy efficiency, refrigerant transition and the future development of data centres.
