Maximising Efficiency: VRV Energy Solutions for New Zealand’s Commercial Sector

Efficient energy use is fundamental to sustainable building design, and HVAC systems are the cornerstone of energy performance in New Zealand's commercial sector.??

In New Zealand, commercial buildings consume 21% of the country’s electricity, representing an annual cost of $800 million to businesses. On average, energy performance in these buildings could be improved by 20-25%.??

Designed to provide precise climate control while minimising energy consumption, VRV systems offer a flexible, scalable solution that meets the unique challenges of modern buildings.?

In this article, we explore how VRV systems can enhance energy efficiency in commercial applications. We’ll also highlight the tools, support, and technologies that ensure these systems deliver maximum value.?

1. VRV Systems: Fit for New Zealand?

New Zealand’s growing focus on energy-efficient and climate-conscious construction is reflected in the rise of green building certification schemes such as Green Star and Homestar, as well as energy rating schemes such as NABERS. With more projects being registered each year, Kiwis are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency, making HVAC solutions like VRV systems more important than ever for small to medium size buildings.?

At the core of VRV technology is precise zone control, which uses refrigerant as the medium for heating and cooling. This makes it an ideal solution for multi-use spaces where thermal requirements vary, delivering tailored comfort and optimal energy performance all year round.?

Did You Know? Daikin pioneered VRV technology with first series being released in 1982.?

?Many innovative changes were implemented since then in VRV range to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve system efficiency and design flexibility. ? Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce the R32 VRV S-series in mid-2025 in New Zealand market. This new system offers capacities of up to 16kW with a single fan and 20 to 24kW with a twin fan, perfect for a variety of commercial applications. With a use of lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) R32 refrigerant, VRV S-series offers both environmental benefits and improved energy efficiency.?

Designed to be just as easy to install as its R410A predecessor, the S-series comes with sufficient safety measures compliant with IEC standards. The system features smart VRT control, providing enhanced energy management, and supports up to 120 meters of pipe length for greater flexibility in installation.?

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to launch this cutting-edge solution.

2. Energy Efficiency Innovations?

The energy savings offered by VRV systems stem from their ability to intelligently adapt to building load requirements. This reduces energy waste and ensures efficient performance under both full- and part-load conditions.?

Key Features:?

• Heat Recovery Systems: Simultaneously heat and cool different areas achieving exceptional efficiency by recycling waste heat.?

• Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) SMART control: Optimises refrigerant temperature, reducing compressor workload and delivering significant savings during part-load conditions. VRT ensures refrigerant condensing and evaporating temperatures can be adjusted to provide comfortable-milder supply temperatures and a much quicker response time to changing modes, and?demands.?

• Inverter Compressors: Dynamically adjust compressor speed to match demand, ensuring optimal energy use.?

• Advanced Controls: Offer precise temperature management across zones, enhancing both comfort and operational efficiency.?

Case Study: At the Vantage Building in Tauranga, All Seasons Air Conditioning Ltd installed Daikin VRV systems, integrating heat recovery and centralised control for energy performance optimisation. The project demonstrated significant operational efficiencies and reduced energy consumption.?

Read the full case study here

Case Study: The Care Centre – Te Manaaki, Pacific Coast Retirement Village?

This state-of-the-art retirement facility required an HVAC system capable of simultaneous heating and cooling, compact outdoor units, and discreet indoor units. Daikin’s VRV system met all specifications, offering energy efficiency and a centralised control solution for enhanced functionality.??

"Projects like this demonstrate the versatility and impact of VRV systems in reducing energy consumption and operational costs."? – Ankit Kundu, General Manager (Sales)

Read the full case study here

3. Pre-Sales Support: Streamlining System Design?

Choosing the right system is critical for achieving energy efficiency and meeting project goals. Our pre-sales support offers industry-leading tools and expertise to guide consultants, engineers, and developers.?

Design Tools and Services:?

• Daikin Bluebeam Tool Chest: Helps designers with spatial planning at the conceptual stage with the ability to pick and place 2D scaled models of Daikin products into the drawings.?

• DK BIM: A comprehensive HVAC selection tool that integrates with CAD and PDFs, producing system schematics, load calculations, and technical reports.?

• DK-BIM Plug-In: Seamlessly integrates RA/ SA/VRV systems into digital building models.?

• Tailored Expert Guidance: Our Spec-in and engineering team provides technical data, schematics, and capacity tables tailored to your project’s specific requirements.?

• DT-Flow-II: We also offer Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, providing detailed airflow and thermal simulations to optimise HVAC designs for complex plantrooms.

"Our tools ensure every SA/RA/VRV system is optimised for the building’s unique needs, minimising inefficiencies and ensuring the systems are fit for purpose." – Ivon Kumar , National Engineering Manager?

4. Multiple control options and Smart Energy Management?

One of the standout features of VRV systems is their compatibility with different control options to suit any project’s requirements: from simplified methods to advanced energy monitoring tools, offering insights into system performance and consumption patterns. Monitoring tools can reduce annual energy bills by up to 20% while ensuring peak operational performance.??

?We are excited to Introduce Daikin MARUTTO: The Future of HVAC Management.??

MARUTTO is a cloud-based integrated control platform that delivers real-time data analysis and actionable insights, ensures you’re always one step ahead.?

It empowers facilities to make informed decisions, enabling predictive and preventive maintenance while optimising budgeting strategies.?

Key Features:?

• 24/7 monitoring?

• Real-time notifications?

• Centralised management?

• Remote troubleshooting?

• Data insights and analytics?

Stay tuned for a Case Study on how it was implemented in our Daikin Business Park- Auckland.?

5. Post-Sales Support: Ensuring Peak Performance?

Proper installation and commissioning are vital for unlocking the full potential of VRV systems. Post-sales support ensures optimal performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.?

Services Include:?

• Commissioning: Ensures system settings align with client requirements, optimising performance.?

• Training for Facilities Teams: Covers operation, zone control management, and energy monitoring.?

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Tailored maintenance packages and remote diagnostics to prevent inefficiencies and extend system lifespan.?

• Service Checker: Packages available to provide Health Checks on your systems to identify any potential failures before they occur, minimising unnecessary expense and downtime

Training: Manufacturers have a key responsibility to ensure their systems are easy to commission and to provide tailored product training for installers. At Daikin, we prioritise this by offering comprehensive training courses designed to support the installation process. Visit our training website to explore the available courses and ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge to optimise system performance.?

6. Refrigerant Pathway?

Refrigerants (F-Gases) are classified as a priority product under New Zealand’s Waste Minimisation Act, highlighting the need for industry action to reduce their environmental footprint. As we transition towards low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, reclaiming and reusing existing refrigerants offers a practical and immediate solution to minimise reliance on virgin refrigerants.?

Key Considerations:?

• Advancing Circular Practices: The work of A-Gas?with Reclaimed refrigerants help move the HVAC industry closer to a circular model by recovering, purifying, and reintegrating refrigerants into active systems. This reduces waste and reliance on newly produced refrigerants.?
• Emissions Reduction: Although international studies, such as RMI’s report on the emissions impact of refrigerant reclamation, provide valuable insights into its benefits, there remains a gap in locally relevant research. More work is required in New Zealand to support projects with robust carbon accounting and greenhouse gas (GHG) modelling. Establishing this evidence base will be essential for demonstrating the environmental value of reclaimed refrigerants within our specific regulatory and market context.?By leveraging reclamation, we contribute to reducing the impact of refrigerants while supporting the operational longevity of existing HVAC installations.
• Leakage Prevention: Proper handling is essential to minimise emissions. We collaborate with contractors and supply chains to implement best practices in system installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Additionally, our training initiatives ensure technicians are equipped to reduce leakage and handle refrigerants responsibly.?

Closing Thoughts?

With increasing energy costs and tightening environmental regulations in New Zealand, VRV systems offer an adaptable, high-performance HVAC solution. Their innovative features, combined with Daikin's extensive pre-and post-sales support, are helping to set a new standard in energy-efficient building design.??

To learn more about how VRV systems can benefit your projects or to explore our range of solutions, reach out to our team today or visit our website.?

Article contributors: Ryan P. , Mariya Protopopova , Kishore Narayana Samy and Ivon Kumar