THE FUNDRAISE

At VEXO International, we believe everyone can make a difference and help solve the climate crisis. This is why we are supporting the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) UK Chapter to raise funds for the research of sustainable and Net Zero technologies.

Annually, ASHRAE raises over US$2 million, in funds for research projects and student grant-in-aids. These contributions, made by over 6,700 individuals and companies, directly support research efforts that benefit the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry.

VEXO’s own founder and managing director, Darren Wilkinson, MASHRAE, will be taking part in a challenging expedition that aims to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainability in the HVAC sector. This adventure is not just about the journey through the jungle, but also about making a real difference!

Buildings contribute to approximately staggering 39% of global energy related carbon (Source: World Green Building Council). Darren hopes that by raising awareness to ASHRAE Research Promotion, we will fast-track action.

Darren will be recording his expedition - upon his return and will be sharing daily VLOGs, highlighting what he and his fellow expeditionary team experienced within the natural world around them. The VLOGs will touch on how climate change and single use plastics are impacting ecosystems and the local population – highlighting the importance of tangible actions and personal commitment from everyone.

ASHRAE’s Research Promotion is Darren’s choice for fundraising as all funds raised will support and contribute to the speed and uptick within the arts of Science and Technology for buildings – with the aim of also inspiring young people to join the HVAC industry.

WHY DONATE?

Impactful Contributions: Your donations directly support research projects and student grants-in-aid, contributing to the advancement of HVAC&R technologies worldwide.

Global Reach: ASHRAE’s research efforts have a far-reaching impact, influencing global testing and design practices and fostering sustainable solutions for a healthier planet.

Track Record of Success: Annually, ASHRAE raises over US$2 million in funds for research projects. With the support of over 6,700 individuals and companies, they have made significant strides in advancing our industry.

ASHRAE Medal: As a token of our appreciation, donors contributing more than £100 will receive the prestigious ASHRAE Medal at the ASHRAE Technology Awards to be held in 2025. This medal recognises your commitment to advancing HVAC&R innovation and sustainability.

THE EXPEDITION

The 2024 Langkawi Expedition by Mad Dog Adventures is an exciting challenge designed for adventurers looking to push their physical and mental limits in the natural wilderness of Langkawi, Malaysia. Here's a summary of the key details:

Date: 15th – 23rd October

Location: Uncharted part of the jungle of Langkawi, an archipelago in Malaysia known for its rugged landscapes, tropical jungles, and stunning beaches.

Duration: 8 days of intense activity, including trekking, navigating, and beach cleanup.

Jungle Trekking: Participants will hike through dense, humid jungles with challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, river crossings, and dense undergrowth. The trek is designed to test endurance, stamina, and navigation skills. There will also be opportunities to learn about jungle survival, including how to source food and water and set up shelters.

Cast Away: At the end of the trip, participants will undergo a one-day survival training on a small remote island. Afterward, they will be stranded for three days, relying solely on the basic tools provided, along with their training and teamwork.

Environmental Contribution: A significant component of the expedition is a beach cleanup on a remote island, where participants will help remove accumulated plastic waste.

ABOUT DARREN

Darren Wilkinson is an entrepreneur and innovator of various patented and novel HVAC water treatment and engineered products which have won coveted awards including the Queens Award for Innovation and recently ASHRAE UK Chapter Technology Awards 2023 and 2024.

Having spent more than 25 years within the water treatment and HVAC Industry, Darren also served on the steering group for the “ICOM Water Treatment & Conditioning Guide for Closed Loop Heating Systems (2017)”. In 2018 Darren produced a hypothesis which was submitted to Loughborough University and BISPA (Building & Industrial Services Pipework Academy).

This has since become an ASHRAE and trade sponsored MSC and PhD scientific study. This experimental research, peer-reviewed and presented at the 2023 ASHRAE Annual Conference, focused on how maintaining water quality in heating systems can contribute to improved energy use and system longevity.