The awards ceremony for the 5th Session of the Midea International HVAC Design Contest was held on December 10 in Haikou, Hainan, underscoring the role of HVAC technologies in advancing sustainable development across sectors.
Launched in China in 2002, the contest is jointly organized by the China Innovation Alliance for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (CAHVAC) and Midea Building Technologies (MBT). Since 2021, it has expanded internationally with divisions in countries including Mexico, Georgia, the UAE, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The contest has attracted more than 90,000 participants globally to date.
This year’s edition ran for four months and received 1,000 entries worldwide, with 589 advancing to the final round. A panel of 37 industry experts awarded 305 prizes, supported by a prize pool of approximately RMB 1.1 million (approx. USD 154,000).
The contest highlights the HVAC industry’s shift from traditional climate control to integrated energy management. Submitted projects spanned a wide range of applications—from commercial buildings and manufacturing to rail transit, smart agriculture, and data centers. Some entries demonstrated enhanced performance in extreme cold using air-source heat pumps, while others showcased integrated solar and wind solutions to boost renewable energy efficiency. Retrofit projects also focused on achieving energy savings and user comfort.
The “Golden Pencil” award went to “The Exchange 106” super high-rise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by Primetech Engineers Sdn Bhd, the 106-story tower incorporates high-efficiency chillers, demand-controlled ventilation, and full condensate recovery. It achieved a measured energy intensity of 113 kWh/m²/year, surpassing its design target of 119 kWh/m²/year. The building has received GBI Gold Certification and accolades such as “Best Tall Building over 400 Meters” from CTBUH and recognition in the “MEP Project” category.
By promoting innovation and international collaboration, the Midea International HVAC Design Contest aims to accelerate sustainable practices and technical advancement in the HVAC sector.
