Smart Freight Centre India Hosts Zero Emission Trucks Workshop in Thiruvananthapuram to Foster Sustainable Freight Innovation
Thiruvananthapuram, 6th February 2025: Smart Freight Centre India (SFC) hosted a workshop on Zero Emission Trucks (ZET), in Thiruvananthapuram today as part of its nationwide program aimed at driving the adoption of ZETs in India’s medium and heavy-duty truck (MHDT) sector. The workshop, supported by EV Accelerator Cell of Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), convened key stakeholders from across the ecosystem to discuss challenges, opportunities, and actionable strategies for accelerating ZET adoption.
This workshop was a part of a pan India campaign under Niti Aayog’s e-FAST initiative aimed at enhancing the regional ecosystem readiness with curated knowledge share and deliberations on Zero Emission Trucks, covering topics across technological and operational aspects, global ecosystem developments, Government of India e-truck initiatives, city level ZET adoption opportunities, operational risks and deployment SOPs. SFC collaborated with GIZ as a knowledge partner to deliver this workshop and activate the sustainable logistics ecosystem in Kerala.
The workshop included a dynamic roundtable discussion, moderated by Shirish Mahendru, Transport, Infrastructure Advisor, GIZ, featuring key leaders such as Rakesh Kumar Meena (Director, DPIIT, Logistics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India), Manoharan J. (Head, E Mobility Cell and Technical Manager, ANERT), Johnson Daniel (Energy Technologist, Energy Management Centre, Kerala), Asha V (Chief Engineer, Renewable Energy & Energy Savings, KSEBL), Kulbhushan Kumar (Partner e-mobility and energy efficiency, Grant Thornton). Together, they deliberated on strategies to overcome barriers to ZET adoption and explored opportunities for collaboration aimed at driving long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Sri. Biju Prabhakar, Chairman & Managing Director CMD – KSEBL, in his keynote address, said, “Thiruvananthapuram’s commitment to developing a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions stands as a remarkable example of its environmentally conscious initiatives. Kerala, second only to Maharashtra in EV adoption, is expanding its charging infrastructure. KSEB is also rolling out a statewide unified app-free ecosystem for charging. By leveraging innovative solutions, we have embraced technology and remain dedicated to integrating it into our trucking systems to minimize carbon emissions within the logistics sector. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaborative support in the form of policies, resources, and economic measures, which can help establish a replicable model for the rest of the nation. I also applaud initiatives like the ZET Enablement Workshop by SFC, as they foster an ecosystem where stakeholders can share insights and address challenges collectively, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient freight industry in India.”
The workshop highlighted that India’s booming economy, with a GDP nearing $4.11 trillion, offers significant opportunities for decarbonizing the freight sector. Road transport, responsible for 70% of domestic freight, contributes 213 Mt of CO2 annually, with heavy goods vehicles accounting for 83% of these emissions. The PM E-Drive scheme, through ZETs, presents a transformative pathway to reduce diesel dependence. Projections for 2050 highlight ZET adoption’s potential to eliminate 838 billion litres of diesel use, save ₹116 lakh crore in oil expenditures, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46%. The discussions also highlighted that zero emission trucks can reduce CO2 emissions by 46% by 2050. This underscores the need for collaborative efforts across industry and policy frameworks to unlock these substantial benefits.
OEMs like Ashok Leyland and Montra shared valuable insights on accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. They highlighted opportunities in the sector, and their latest EV product ranges, emphasizing advancements in technology, efficiency, and sustainability.
Shri Rakesh Kumar Meena, Director, DPIIT (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, shared his thoughts during the workshop in Thiruvananthapuram, stating, “I extend my sincere gratitude to Smart Freight Centre and GIZ for this initiative. DPIIT has developed a Freight Greenhouse Gas (GHG) calculator, an online tool that helps users estimate the environmental impact of freight transportation. I am delighted that states in India are taking multiple steps to promote low-emission vehicles. The adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) is a vital step towards cleaner transportation and aligns with India’s sustainability vision under the PM E-Drive initiative.”
The ZET Enablement Workshop Series brings together city authorities, OEMs, policymakers, LSPs, and shippers to shape sustainable logistics solutions. Previous consultations in cities like Indore, Chennai, and Delhi have addressed operational risks and SOPs to facilitate ZET adoption.
Trade Bouquets for Adventures That Blossom This Valentine’s
6th Feb 2025: As Valentine’s Day approaches on February 14th, anticipation is rising for those hoping to spend romantic time with their loved ones to celebrate. Besides exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts like chocolates and perfumes, why not plan a trip with your partner if you’re looking to create special memories? For the wanderlust-struck romantics out there, the world’s most stunning flower festivals offer the perfect opportunity to keep the spirit of Valentine’s alive every season. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, garden lovers are blooming like never before, with a whopping 90% of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday.
Whether it’s cherry blossoms, sunflower fields, or lavender meadows, these breathtaking spots are ready to set the stage for your ultimate love story. And here’s the kicker: with Skyscanner’s tools like ‘Price Alerts’ and ‘Whole Month,’ your flower-filled fantasy doesn’t have to break the bank. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to let your love bloom all year round.
Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi, says “Flower festivals offer a romantic and picturesque landscape for those celebrating love, so it is not a surprise to see this coming up as a trend for Indian travellers. Our insights show that more people are seeing the importance of creating core memories collectively, so what better way to do so than travel? A key tip to visiting such highly anticipated festivals, is to plan in advance as much as possible. It helps to get in before the crowd comes in, so do some research around when the flowers come to bloom, and try to visit at the start of it or near the end of the season. Another tip would be to have some flexibility to fly in a few days before your original travel date, because often that flexibility will allow you to find a better deal. Use the Skyscanner Month tool to have a bird’s eye view on when is the cheapest to fly to your destination.”
1. The Tulip Festival in Srinagar – A Rainbow You Can Walk Through
When to Go: Late March to mid-April
Spring in Srinagar hits different, especially when the Tulip Festival turns the city into a technicolor dream. Picture fields bursting with tulips in every shade of red, yellow, and purple—it’s like nature’s love letter to you! And while you’re there, don’t miss a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Float across the tranquil waters, snap Insta-perfect shots, and soak in the snow-capped mountain vibes. Romantic getaway = sorted!
2. Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – Seoul’s Most Beautiful Season of Love
When to Go: April 6–15, 2025
Japan’s cherry blossoms are iconic, but Seoul’s are equally breathtaking! The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is like stepping straight into a K-drama scene—cherry blossoms lining the Han River, creating the perfect dreamy backdrop for you and your bae. Stroll along Yunjung-ro Road to admire stunning flower installations or hop on an Eland Cruise for unique views of the blossoms. And you won’t be the only one – Skyscanner has observed 40% increase in YoY search for flights to Seoul during cherry blossoms season in March.
To make your adventure more affordable, you can mix & match your airlines and airports! You don’t have to stick to round-trip flights; flying out with one airline and back with another, or using different airports for your departure and return, can save you quite a bit of money.
3. International Flower Festival in Gangtok, Sikkim
When to Go: April and May
Sikkim isn’t just about Himalayan views and monasteries. The International Flower Festival in Gangtok is a riot of colour, with over 1000 species of flowers on display. The vibe is festive and the flowers? Absolutely Instagrammable. Take a selfie with the dazzling array of flowers, and don’t forget to capture the beautiful mountain backdrop. Throw in a little Sikkimese traditional dress for that extra pop.
4. Flower Carpet in Brussels, Belgium – A Colourful Explosion of Love
When to Go: Mid-August
Brussels isn’t just about its iconic chocolates and waffles; it’s also home to the stunning Flower Carpet festival. For one weekend every two years, the Grand-Place is transformed into a colorful tapestry made entirely of begonias. It’s an art form that literally takes your breath away. While you’re there, dive into the quirky vibes of the Atomium, explore the funky streets, or get lost in surreal art at the Magritte Museum.
5. Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival – The Pink Paradise, You Never Knew You Needed
When to Go: Mid-November
With over half (56%) of travellers buzzing to witness cherry blossoms in 2025, Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the top destinations to consider. Imagine walking through a forest of soft pink petals falling like confetti—this is India’s answer to Japan’s Sakura, with a laid-back mountain twist. Last year’s addition of a Japanese village brought even more cultural flair, blending local charm with international vibes.
It’s no surprise Shillong is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025, according to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report. So, when you’re not soaking in the pink magic, go explore Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and dive deeper into the Japanese charm with a tour of Lady Hydari Park, all just an hour from Shillong Airport.
6. The Valley of Flowers National Park – Nature’s Love Story in Uttarakhand
When to Go: Early October
The Valley of Flowers is a real-life fairytale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features wildflowers against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Between June and October, the valley comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of flowers, including the rare Himalayan blue poppy, Brahma Kamal, and orchids – perfect for nature lovers looking to reconnect with the planet (and each other!). Interestingly, Skyscanner has noted a 21% YoY rise in searches for flights to Dehradun in October and a 28% increase in searches during the month as compared to September.
Skyscanner makes it easy to find flights to some of the most breathtaking horticultural destinations worldwide. When it comes to accommodations, don’t just settle for the first hotel that pops up. Use Skyscanner’s interactive map to explore nearby options and you might just find a better stay just a street away. With Skyscanner’s hotel search, you can also uncover unique accommodations close to nature, such as treehouses or eco-lodges set amidst lush botanical landscapes.
Basil Alliance Secures Seed Round Funding Led by Inflection Point Ventures
Delhi, 6th February 2025: Basil Alliance, a new-age AlcoBev company, has raised undisclosed amount from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). As a very early-stage startup, this seed round will help Basil Alliance strengthen its presence in the Indian market and drive its next phase of growth and expansion.
Founded by Vibhuti Dixit, Basil Alliance is driven by deep expertise in the AlcoBev industry. Vibhuti spent 15 years in Australia, where he gained significant experience in wine exports to Southeast Asia and Europe. His return to India marked the beginning of Basil Alliance, leveraging global industry insights to create a premium portfolio of liquor brands.
Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, India’s alcohol industry is witnessing a robust growth driven by evolving consumer preferences and growing appreciation for diverse alcoholic beverages. Understanding the consumers taste and market needs, Basil Alliance is committed to delivering high-quality and innovative alcoholic beverages specifically tailored to the Indian palate. We, at IPV, will continue to provide our strategic insights to help the brand achieve a significant scale and market penetration.”
Vibhuti Dixit, Founder, Basil Alliance, says, “India’s AlcoBev industry is no longer just about quenching thirst; it’s about experience, innovation, and a taste of the future. From craft distilleries to premium imports, the spirit of the times is intoxicating. At Basil, we are revolutionizing the AlcoBev industry by bringing premium, innovative and quality international products to the Indian consumers. In a short span of 3 years, Basil has created a diverse portfolio of imported wines, RTDs, gins etc. and forged strong relationships with suppliers and retailers. Partnering with IPV has been a transformative experience for us at Basil. Their belief in our vision to revolutionize the AlcoBev industry with technology-driven solutions fuels our ambition to make it a unicorn.”
With a strong distribution network, Basil Alliance has expanded its presence across seven states, fully owning all its AlcoBev brands. The company is scaling its presence strategically to capture a larger share of the Indian AlcoBev market. The brand’s portfolio includes leading wine brands like Glenside D’Vine and Jacobson, which have gained traction in Delhi NCR, along with Sky Shots, a ready-to-drink product that has seen increasing demand.
The Indian market for imported liquor is valued at $1.3 billion, growing at 25% per annum. India is also the world’s second-largest liquor market, as per Pernod Ricard, highlighting immense potential for brands like Basil Alliance.
Honda Cars India Achieves E20 Compliance for a Sustainable Future
Mumbai, February 6, 2025: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading premium car manufacturer in India, today announced that it has achieved E20 (20% Ethanol blended) Petrol compliance certification for all its current models comprising of Honda Elevate, Honda City e:HEV, Honda City and Honda Amaze. It also includes E20 compliant certification received for 2nd Generation Honda Amaze in January 2025. This achievement highlights Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility and supporting India’s transition to greener and cleaner transportation.
HCIL embraced E20 petrol since 2009 and all Honda cars manufactured in India from 1 Jan 2009 have been E20 material compatible, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to its customers by providing them with the most advanced global products and services ahead of time. Customers can freely use the E20 petrol in their existing Honda cars without durability concerns or need of changing any part in the car.
The Government of India has mandated all Gasoline fueled Mono Fuel and Bi-Fuel vehicles with positive ignition engines including Hybrids, manufactured on and after 1st April 2025 to be certified with Ethanol (E20) fuel to comply with the prevailing emission norms.
Speaking on the latest achievement, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “At Honda Cars India, we are committed to driving sustainable mobility solutions and all our cars have been E20 material compatible since Jan 2009 enabling our customers to seamlessly adopt the greener E20 fuel without any modifications. The latest compliance certification for all our current models ahead of the pan India E20 fuel introduction aligns with the Government of India’s goal to implement greener fuels. As India moves towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, HCIL will continue to remain at the forefront.”
Swiggy Dineout Promotes Voter Turnout in Delhi Elections with Dining Deals
Delhi, Feb 6, 2025: Swiggy Dineout, one of India’s leading dining out platforms, stepped up its commitment towards fostering civic engagement and encouraging voter participation in Delhi by announcing exclusive dining offers for users during the Delhi assembly elections. On 5th and 6th February, voters can simply display the mark of the indelible ink on their finger, signifying that they have cast their vote, and enjoy up to 50% discount on their dine-in bill across popular restaurants. Voters can avail flat 50% discount on their bills at Farmers Basket Hotel (Pullman New Delhi), Hard Rock Cafe (Connaught Place) and The Darzi Bar & Kitchen. Also, they can avail up to 50% off at popular restaurants like Local (Connaught Place), Mayfair (Dwarka), Mount Fuji, Limitless (Khel Gaon-Ansal Plaza), Barcode (Dwarka), Sky High (Khel Gaon-Ansal Plaza), Castle’s Barbecue (Janakpuri/NSP), Cray (Vasant Kunj), and Maruchi (Sri Aurobindo Marg).
By combining the pleasure of dining out with the responsibility of voting, Swiggy Dineout and the city’s restaurants are seeking to elevate the electoral experience and drive higher voter turnout in Delhi.
Swiggy Dineout has previously introduced similar voter engagement initiatives, offering dining discounts in Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad during the 2024 General Elections.
Praeferre to Showcase AI & Cybersecurity at Bengal Global Business Summit
Praeferre, a leading British cyber security player in the AI and innovation space, is set to participate in the prestigious Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), following its recent investments announced in November.
The company was a part of the inaugural UK-India AI delegation, marking a key step in its expansion efforts. As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Praeferre is engaged in advanced discussions with both government and private sector partners. The company has also been shortlisted for the UK and India Future Telecom projects, signalling its increasing influence in the region.
In parallel, Praeferre is actively pursuing follow-on discussions for its data privacy solutions, which are designed for a nationwide rollout under India’s Data Protection and Privacy (DPDP) Act.
Praeferre is actively expanding its operations in Kolkata, with plans to initiate hiring activities for an initial team of 50 resources and scale up to a team of 200 within the next 12 months. A key highlight of Praeferre’s participation at BGBS is the invitation extended to the company’s CEO, Abhishek Ghosh, to speak at the event. This recognition underscores Praeferre’s growing prominence in the industry and its dedication to driving technological innovation and fostering business expansion in India.
Genpact Introduces Service-as-Agentic-Solutions to Enhance Innovation
New Delhi – February 6, 2025 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global advanced technology services and solutions company, today announced the launch of its Agentic Solutions as part of its pivot to reimagining delivery. Genpact’s Service-as-Agentic-Solutions will accelerate innovation for enterprises by fundamentally changing the way services are delivered, enabling business operations to evolve from traditional, linear models to autonomous agent-led delivery.
“The rapid evolution of intelligence is reshaping the future of work. Businesses are looking to effectively embed AI at scale,” said Balkrishan “BK” Kalra, President and Chief Executive Officer, Genpact. “The key unlock is mass personalization and precision supported by strong governance of autonomous agent-led delivery. Our deep domain and process expertise allow us to build scalable Agentic Solutions, empowering enterprises to realize the full potential of AI while enhancing control and trust.”
Accelerating the company’s move to Service-as-Agentic-Solutions, Genpact is introducing its own Agentic Solutions. These are trained with an industry-specific semantic layer that allows agents to learn, adapt, and make autonomous decisions based on real-world feedback.
Genpact’s Agentic Solutions are uniquely positioned to:
- Enable mass personalization: Genpact’s contextual expertise facilitates modular design, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in every solution. The company moves businesses beyond standardized processes to hyper-personalized, AI-driven service delivery.
- Drive precision: Unlike generic AI implementations, Genpact embeds granular industry-specific knowledge into its agents – making them self-improving to drive precision, adaptability, and deeper insights.
- Deploy responsible AI: As businesses delegate more tasks to AI, observability, security, and control become critical. Genpact’s teams act as guardians to agents by integrating guardrails and providing human oversight to monitor AI actions, prevent errors, and maintain compliance.
The first Agentic Solution to launch in a series is “Genpact AP Capture” from Genpact’s Accounts Payable (AP) suite, which is designed to modernize Accounts Payable. With pressure placed on today’s CFOs to evolve the way their teams work, Genpact AP Capture leverages data and insights to enable faster invoice extraction with higher precision to deliver superior value.
India Stays at Third Place for LEED Green Building Certification Globally in 2024
India, 06 February 2025: India retained its third spot on U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual list of Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2024. 370 projects, across both buildings and spaces, were certified for LEED in the country covering 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) (91.5 million square feet). China topped the top 10 rankings for 2024 with over 25 million GSM certified followed by Canada with 10 million GSM. The annual ranking by USGBC highlights the significant progress made by countries and regions outside the United States in adopting healthy, sustainable and resilient building design, construction and operations.
This year marks the 25th anniversary since USGBC launched the LEED rating system. Since its establishment in 2000, USGBC’s LEED metrics-based system has set the standard for rating and promoting healthy, resilient, sustainable, and efficient buildings. It has become the world’s most widely used green building program while empowering the sector to decarbonize. USGBC is finalizing its later iteration of the rating system–LEED v5. The final version will be released later this year and will reflect the feedback received from the community.
India has consistently ranked among the top three countries for LEED certifications, underscoring its dedication to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The ranking reflects India’s focus on combating climate change and promoting environmentally conscious practices through green development initiatives. LEED certifications in India are managed by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which works to accelerate the adoption of green buildings nationwide.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director – Southeast Asia & Middle East, GBCI, said, “India’s remarkable achievement of 370 LEED-certified projects in 2024 highlights the country’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and climate action. With 8.50 million GSM of green certified space, India is not only addressing the growing need for sustainable urban infrastructure but also making significant strides towards achieving the United Nations’ SDGs for 2030. As the nation continues to expand its urban footprint, the adoption of green building practices will be central to improving community well-being and mitigating climate change. India’s ongoing push for net-zero emissions by 2070 further solidifies its leadership in the global movement for a sustainable future.”
The list is compiled based on data and analysis of LEED-certified Gross Square Meters (GSM) space as of in 2024. While the United States is not included in the list, it remains the world’s largest market for LEED with more than 56 million GSM certified during the year.
In 2024, LEED-certified projects in India saw significant growth, with Operations and Maintenance (O+M) leading the way, accounting for 153 projects, followed by Interior Design and Construction (IDC) with 102 projects, and Building Design and Construction (BDC) with 61 projects. Notable projects certified under LEED v4.1 O+M included 57 locations from retail giant Dmart. In terms of sector growth, Grade A office spaces dominated registrations in 2024 with 455 projects covering 185 million square feet. Other significant sectors included retail (80 projects with 23 million square feet), industrial manufacturing (71 projects with 12 million square feet), residential (33 projects with 10 million square feet), and lodging (22 projects with 7 million square feet).
Key trends for 2024 revealed a rise in interest from developers and corporate leaders pursuing LEED EBOM for sustainability performance tracking and internal reporting. Many large-scale mixed-use developments and IT campuses are exploring LEED for Cities & Communities and TRUE certifications for better waste management. India added 345 new LEED professionals and 12 LEED Fellows in 2024. This growth reflects India’s expanding real estate market and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 through LEED Zero and LEED EBOM certifications.
India’s growing real estate market is increasingly aligned with sustainable practices. The expansion of LEED certifications beyond commercial spaces to industrial, residential, and educational sectors underscores the country’s commitment to its net-zero targets and sustainable growth. As LEED continues to evolve, India remains a global leader in green building practices, inspiring other nations to prioritize sustainability in their built environments.
Abhishek Halder, Ex-Founder of 1K Kirana, Appointed Chief Revenue Officer at Prozo
Gurugram, February 06th, 2025: Prozo, one of India’s fastest-growing full-stack supply chain company, has recently onboarded Abhishek Halder as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In his new role, Abhishek will be responsible for accelerating revenue growth, strengthening client partnerships, and driving strategic initiatives across sales, marketing, and customer success.
With a track record of building and scaling businesses, Abhishek brings a wealth of experience in revenue strategy, commercial excellence, and operational efficiency. As the Founder of 1K, he played a crucial role in establishing India’s first chain of tech-enabled modern stores catering to smaller cities. Prior to that, he held key leadership positions at HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, driving strategic growth, business expansion, and digital transformation. Abhishek is an alumnus of NIT Durgapur and IIM Ahmedabad.
Speaking on Abhishek’s appointment, Dr Ashvini Jakhar, Founder and CEO, Prozo, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Abhishek to the Prozo leadership team. Abhishek’s prior experience as a founder combined with his deep expertise in scaling businesses and driving revenue growth will be instrumental in propelling Prozo to its next stage of growth as we aim to grow ten-fold in the coming years. . His strategic mindset and hands-on experience in diverse industries will help Prozo strengthen its market position and deliver SLA driven, agile and accurate supply chain solutions to our clients .”
Adding further, Abhishek Halder, CRO, Prozo, said, “Prozo is at the forefront of revolutionizing the supply chain ecosystem with its agile, cost-effective, and technology-driven solutions. I am excited to join this dynamic team and contribute to its mission of empowering brands with end-to-end supply chain visibility, efficiency, and scalability. I look forward to working with our partners and clients to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.”
With a 2-million sq. ft. warehousing network across 40+ centres and a logistics network spanning 24,000+ pin codes, Prozo powers the supply chains of leading brands such as Aditya Birla (TMRW), Reliance, Neeman’s, Traya, FanCode, Bata, PhonePe, and Crompton Greaves. Abhishek’s leadership will further propel Prozo’s growth trajectory, reinforcing its position as India’s most comprehensive supply chain enabler.
75F Partners with Khansaheb to Drive Energy Efficiency in UAE
6 February 2025, Bengaluru | 75F Inc., a global pioneer in IoT-driven building management systems offering predictive and proactive building intelligence, has signed a national distribution agreement with Khansaheb Industries (KIND) of the Khansaheb Group, in the United Arab Emirates. The group, which has played a key role in building the nation’s iconic landmarks, is well-positioned to bring 75F’s intelligent building management solutions to the region. The agreement, signed by 75F’s Middle Eastern subsidiary — 75F Middle East Trading LLC, 100% subsidiary of 75F Inc.— marks the company’s first step into the region.
The UAE HVAC market was valued at approximately USD 5.20 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.10% between 2024 and 2032, potentially reaching USD 7.47 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by retrofit, greenfield, and refurbishment projects, creating a strong demand for energy-efficient solutions. As the longest-standing contractor in the UAE, KIND has been at the forefront of this transformation, offering solutions that drive energy savings while managing properties of all scales and types.
The 75F–KIND partnership is set to drive the promotion of advanced building automation and energy-efficiency solutions across the commercial building sector. With a strong regional presence, KIND is a trusted distributor of innovative, high-quality, and sustainable HVAC products in the UAE. The association is expected to greatly help businesses optimize their energy consumption and usage. With this collaboration, the two companies shall jointly offer solutions in the space of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) optimization and smart building automation powered by cutting-edge technologies like IoT, cloud, and AI/ML. These solutions will help commercial buildings with centrally air-conditioned spaces attain assured savings on their HVAC energy consumption, which typically constitutes 50% or more of total building energy consumption, along with intelligent automation, analytics, and actionable insights regarding their facility and portfolio data.
Mr. Gaurav Burman, Managing Director of APAC Operations at 75F, said, “As demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems continues to rise, it is fuelling the growth of the industry. Through this partnership, 75F and Khansaheb Industries aim to enhance building performance and sustainability across the Middle East.”
Burman stressed that addressing energy waste and the need for automation is crucial to tackling climate change. With the UAE’s energy costs ranking among the highest globally, this collaboration seeks to not only deliver innovative technological solutions but also drive significant change in global energy practices.
Mr. Abdulrahman Khansaheb, Managing Director of Khansaheb Industries and Khansaheb Group, said, “Khansaheb Industries is dedicated to creating solutions and services that transform businesses, and we have pioneered that impact in the healthy indoor spaces and high-quality indoor air. Our partnership with 75F is the latest step towards that and towards our continued strides and commitment to a sustainable future for all.”
75F provides a full-stack, IoT-based Building Management System that includes sensors, zone controllers, master controllers, an integrated Building Intelligence Solution (BIS), and sophisticated portfolio analytics. 75F’s vertically integrated hardware and software work out of the box to improve comfort and indoor air quality while significantly reducing a building’s energy consumption.
KIND has a global presence, with notable projects across the UAE and abroad, and operates at the cutting edge of the HVAC industry. The company’s flagship HVAC solution, Spiralite®, complemented by LG’s suite of advanced products provides integrated and advanced solutions to clients. Spiralite® is a revolutionary insulated non-metallic ductwork that offers significant operational and environmental benefits. KIND’s partnership with LG Electronics has led in enhancing its HVAC product range, helping improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency through advanced technology and reliable service. The company ensures its customers receive efficient, sustainable cooling solutions with optimal performance and lower operating costs.