Concept Air

Clean Air, Improved World

Authors

Basmah Alanazi

Basmah Alanazi

Aljory  Aldosry

Aljory Aldosry

jamie van vugt

jamie van vugt

Jasper Traupe

Jasper Traupe

Helene Lemmen

Helene Lemmen

Olivia Freeman

Olivia Freeman

Schools

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University

University of Guelph Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

University of Guelph Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

Universidad de Navarra

Universidad de Navarra

Professors

Dr.Sayeda Meharunisa

Dr.Sayeda Meharunisa

Ruben Burga

Ruben Burga

Isabel Rodriguez Tejedo

Isabel Rodriguez Tejedo

Global Goals

7. Affordable and Clean Energy 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Summary

Concept Air Systems is an innovative HVAC company that provides heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Recently, there has been a new product line developed called Concept The Air that has implemented incremental units in many buildings in the GTA that focuses on innovation and energy-saving practices. These incremental units directly relate to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Innovation

The innovation of Concept Air is a new product line called Concept The Air which utilizes incremental units, as seen in many buildings in Europe. This new product line was inspired by a more European style of thinking because of their positive utilization of green energy. Not only is this innovation overall more energy efficient, it is also saving space for buildings to add extra floors and gain more profit.

After COVID, there has been a lot more interest in the company because people are more concerned with humidity levels. Now, the quality of air has a lot tighter restrictions, emphasizing the need for air purification through Concept Air systems. This aligns perfectly with the SDG goal of Good Health and Well-Being as well as Affordable and Clean Energy. The company has been able to grow to a business worth over $50 million while still doing good work like working with the Canadian Arm and homeless shelters in Toronto. This aligns with the SDG goal of Decent Work and Economic Growth. Finally, especially with the new product line, Concept Air has been able to innovate and implement incremental units to lessen needed floor space in buildings. This innovation being in high demand means large building’s infrastructure will be more effective and their air systems will be more energy efficient for all. This aligns with the SDG goals of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Clean Air, Improved World

Inspiration

“I was familiar with the European style, from spending time there, and I knew that they are very conscientious about things such as water usage and hydro efficiency. Canada and America are very wasteful, because we have an abundance of natural resources.”

Michael Bornernmann is originally from Europe, and found when growing up in Germany that they are much more conscientious about things such as water usage and hydro efficiency than they are in North America. This European way of thinking inspired him to go back to school to learn about green energy and open up a new product line called Concept The Air that would focus on this concept by implementing these incremental units. The positive sustainable effects of these units can be zoned cooling and heating, higher efficiency, easy installation, and the use of smart technology. All of these impacts of this new product line fall in line with Mr. Bornermann’s passion for implementing green technology into North America. These products also take up such little room, that he has been able to shrink the height of floor plates to make room for an extra floor in a building, helping these buildings gain more revenue. His future goals include working towards zero carbon and carbon-neutral projects within his company.

“Personal impacts, well, I think working towards something that's energy efficient, it makes me feel better. But with the kind of services I provide as an individual, I mean, I'm happy and proud that we're taking this sort of green initiative and we're going down the sustainability path with our new technologies. You know, I could just do the same thing every year, but I enjoy the personal challenges that take me down that road and meeting new developers that want to take that initiative to provide sustainability buildings in green, or what we call green buildings.”

Another major inspiration for Mr. Bornermann was his mentor when he first started his business at the age of 25. His mentor took him under his wing, introduced him to clients, and opened many doors for him. Overall, Mr. Bornemann was inspired by the concept of bringing European green energy over to North America which all began in his youth with the help of his lifelong mentor.

Overall impact

From a sustainability perspective, Concept The Air is an innovation that is significant in providing both short-term and long-term benefits. In the short-term, the implementation of these incremental air conditioning units will lead to immediate energy savings, and improve air quality in all buildings in which they are installed across the GTA. This system provides zoned heating and cooling, which not only enhances comfort, but reduces energy at the same time. These convenient, high-quality products allow users to save money and energy, while not having to sacrifice the benefits of other heating and air conditioning systems. 

One of the most useful components of these systems is the ability to optimize space for building developers, enabling more flexible and profitable use of building areas. This aligns with the post-pandemic trend of indoor air quality, addressing tighter regulations in terms of purification and humidification. These benefits align with the Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being by enhancing the living conditions of building occupants.

In the long-term, the adoption of Concept Air’s innovations will cause a shift towards more sustainable infrastructure in the HVAC industry. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as well as Sustainable Cities and Communities. By integrating energy-efficient systems that save space and are easily installed, buildings can profit more from maximized rentable space that they would not have had otherwise. Also, it reinforces resilience against climate change. This contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of urban environments and can be a pivotal step toward achieving zero-carbon and carbon-neutral targets that Michael Bornermann has set for the future of his company. 

Additionally, as awareness and regulation around environmental sustainability continue to grow, such innovations position Concept Air at the forefront of sustainable air technology and enhance its reputation. Recognition of these benefits will also attract more employees who want to move from competing companies. Their innovations influence industry standards and promote a widespread adoption of energy-efficient systems.

Business benefit

The evolution of Concept Air’s innovations not only promises economic growth, but also reinforces resilience against climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable, eco-conscious society. Michael has stated several times that it is his goal for his company to remain an industry leader in HVAC systems. The benefits for the company include an enhanced financial performance, as well as a stronger competitive position.

By introducing these energy-efficient systems that align with the increasing global trends in sustainability, Concept Air will appeal to a greater segment of environmentally conscious clients. This attracts developers and building owners who are highly motivated to invest in sustainable infrastructure to meet regulatory standards and market expectations. The demand for green technology helps to increase sales and expands the company’s client roster, fostering revenue growth and expanding the company’s market share.

Additionally, the innovation helps the business maintain a strong reputation as a forward thinking leader in the HVAC industry, In an industry where differentiation is key, this is crucial. By adopting European-inspired incremental units, Michael Bornemann has been able to showcase his commitment to quality, modern design, and sustainability. The space-saving benefits of these units sets the company further apart from their competitors and solidifies long-term partnerships with developers who have the same priorities of innovation, efficiency, and sustainable solutions. Not only will the company’s revenue increase, the recognition gained from these benefits will also attract new employees who want to move over from competing companies. The company’s proactive mindset of pursuing smart technology and future zero-carbon goals positions it well for continued growth, resilience in changing markets, and alignment with progressive environmental policies.

Social and environmental benefit

Heating and air conditioning systems have the power to cause detrimental harm to the environment, so it is very important that their development is handled thoughtfully and with taste. Concept The Air has benefited society and the environment through multiple avenues. Primarily, from an environmental perspective, it contributes to the reduction of energy consumed in buildings, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of urban environments. By offering energy-efficient HVAC systems that use zoned heating and cooling, buildings can optimize their energy use, reducing wastage and conserving valuable resources. This innovation supports the UN Sustainable development Goal of Affordable and clean energy by promoting sustainable energy use and helping cities transition to greener infrastructure.

From a societal perspective, the introduction of these units enhances indoor air quality, which is crucial for public health and well-being. This is specifically important post-COVID because air quality concerns have surged. Clean and well-regulated air systems minimize health risks associated with poor ventilation, thus promoting a healthier living and working environment. This aligns with the SDG of good health and well being.

Additionally, the space-saving design of this innovation contributes to efficient land use in urban areas. This supports the SDG of Sustainable Cities and Communities by allowing for denser, more effective building structures without compromising environmental standards. As more buildings adopt these systems, it can lead to broader systemic shifts in how urban centers manage energy, ultimately fostering resilient eco-friendly communities. This forward-thinking approach ensures that sustainability and technological innovation go hand-in-hand, benefiting both present and future generations.

Interview

Michael Bornemann, President and CEO

Business information

Concept Air

Concept Air

Ontario, Concept Air Systems caters their products and services to clients across the GTA, CA
Year Founded: 1997
Number of Employees: 11 to 50

Concept Air Systems is a Canadian HVAC company that been providing high quality service throughout the GTA since 1997. The company specializes in offering tailored designs, installation, commissioning services, and customized preventative maintenance agreements, along with comprehensive after-care support. They serve a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors, including auto dealerships, restaurants, offices, educational institutions, retail and grocery stores, churches, libraries, and health and wellness centers.