Visionary Leader Driving Decarbonization, HVAC Innovations, Fire Safety, and Beyond – Mr. Pankaj Dharkar
Ahmedabad, 3rd Sep: Mr. Pankaj Dharkar is a distinguished leader in the fields of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Fire Safety, and National Chairman of Assocham, who continues to make waves with his visionary approach and commitment to sustainability. With more than four decades of experience and a passion for innovation, Mr. Dharkar is recognized for his relentless efforts in advancing decarbonization across various industries, particularly HVAC and fire safety. The enormous success of first edition of ISHRAE CoOL Conclave at Jaipur, under his Chairmanship broke multiple records to date in the history of ISHRAE.
Mr. Pankaj Rajendra Dharkar is an MEP and Green Building Consultant, an ASHRAE, IGBC & ISHRAE Fellow, with a rich experience of 44 years. He successfully designed and completed more than 4700 projects of various applications. Being a Fellow Member of ASHRAE, IGBC & ISHRAE he is a recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from FSAI and “ASHRAE Distinguished Award” 2022 at Toronto. He is a member of several technical societies, a Presidential member of ISHRAE (HQ), ASHRAE (WI Chapter), FSAI (HQ) (Fire and Security Association of India) & Past International President of FSAI.
As a thought leader, Mr. Dharkar has been at the forefront of advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices largely within the HVAC and fire safety sectors. With his influence to reduce global carbon emissions and combat climate change, he plays a pivotal role enhance the use of energy-efficient technologies, integration of renewable energy sources, and the development of eco-friendly fire suppression systems. He introduced FSAI SURAKSHA INDEX- First Global Index to rate the Safety & Security in buildings that help in Fire & Security Audits. He encourages collaboration among industry stakeholders to develop standards and best practices that prioritize decarbonization in all service sectors.
“Decarbonization is not just a goal; it is an imperative,” says Mr. Dharkar. “The HVAC and fire safety industries must lead by example, adopting sustainable practices that not only protect our environment but also ensure a better future for generations to come.”
He has been a strong proponent of adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices in the HVAC industry and heads the ISHRAE Decarbonization Task force. He envisions a future where HVAC systems not only meet the comfort and safety needs of occupants but also contribute significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. He is a promotor for energy-efficient HVAC systems that utilize renewable energy sources along with District Cooling concepts, Efficiency in Cold Chain, Green Data Centers, and Optimised Hospitality sector. He encourages the integration of smart technologies and advanced materials in the design and retrofitting of HVAC systems to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Advocating for the establishment of stringent regulatory standards that mandate the use of low-carbon technologies in HVAC systems, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry is his next target in the recent future.
In his capacity as the National Chairman of ASSOCHAM, Mr. Dharkar has been instrumental in driving policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and awareness campaigns focused on sustainability and decarbonization. His efforts for Net Zero, Green Buildings, Eco-Materials, and Sustainability in the built environment have helped shape policies that encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors. Under his leadership, Assocham has launched several initiatives aimed at educating industry professionals and businesses about the importance of sustainability. Mr. Dharkar’s work has been pivotal in positioning Assocham as a leading voice in the global sustainability movement with this certification program GEM (Green and Eco Friendly Movement)
Mr. Dharkar’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements. He is also a mentor and advocate for the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of innovation, ethical practices, and continuous learning. His leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to empowering others and fostering a culture of excellence. As industries worldwide navigate the challenges of climate change and sustainability, Mr. Pankaj Dharkar’s vision and leadership continue to inspire and drive meaningful change. His contributions are not only transforming the HVAC and fire safety sectors but are also setting a new standard for sustainable practices across all industries.
Under his guidance, organizations have thrived by adopting cutting-edge practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision has enabled him to rally teams around common goals, ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated to achieve excellence.
Pankaj Dharkar informed that – It was indeed honour to Start rolling FSI Indexing program by Awarding Planque and Certificates for First 9 projects of the nation which included 6 from Rajasthan (5 from jaipur & 1 from jodhpur), 2 from Mumbai and 1 from Ahmedabad. With 144 Certified FSAI AP available in the country across 25 chapters of Nation, the FSI will now start rolling from the support of the entire FSAI leadership. The ceremony on 22nd August at Sofitel, Mumbai was a milestone for FSAI thru FSI in accomplishing the goal of Surakshit Bharat! “