International. The most innovative and sustainable projects in air conditioning and refrigeration have been selected as finalists for the CALA Awards 2025, the most important award in the HVAC/R sector in Latin America.
The organization of the CALA Award announced the six finalist projects of this edition, after a rigorous evaluation process. The nominated facilities stand out for their technical excellence, innovation, energy efficiency and environmental commitment.
Finalists by category
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
Larco Comercial y Servicios – Edificio Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Bogotá, Colombia
210 TR central chilled water system, with hybrid heating, cold room areas and high-demand laboratories. Includes 100% outdoor air conditioning, HEPA/MERV filtration and humidification. Project submitted for EDGE certification.
MultiFrío – Concord, La Lima Free Trade Zone – Cartago, Costa Rica
Installation with a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It incorporates chillers with R514a refrigerant, water reuse, smart sensors and an integral automation system. The project aspires to LEED Silver certification.
Secar Ingenieros S. A. – Auditorium and Technology Center Building, Universidad Santiago de Cali – Cali, Colombia
440 TR system with R1234ze refrigerant, active chilled beams, photocatalytic purification and intelligent pumping technology with integrated sensors. Centralized control with Honeywell to ensure efficiency and comfort.
Refrigeration
Dicoma Refrigeration S. A. – CEDI de Perishederos Congelados, Walmart – Alajuela, Costa Rica
Transcritical CO₂ facility, the largest in Central America. 92% reduction in emissions, 12% increase in energy efficiency and recovery of 500 kW of waste heat. Pioneering project in the region.
Luis Videla y Cía. Ltda. – Nestlé Distribution Center – Concepción, Chile
Very low load (60 kg) direct expansion ammonia system, with variable speed compressors, air condensation and no evaporative condensers. This is the first case of this technology in Latin America, with a great impact on risk reduction and water consumption.
Eletrofrio Refrigeração Ltda. – Muffato Alphaville Supermarket – Londrina, Brazil
Natural cascade system with CO₂ and propane. It implements high-efficiency Bitzer compressors, direct expansion evaporators, and advanced monitoring. A leading example of sustainability in the retail sector.
Awards and public participation
The winners of the CALA Awards 2025 will be announced on July 23, during the RefriAméricas fair, which will be held at the Sans Soucí Ports Convention Center, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
In addition, the public will be able to vote for their favorite project at this link.
