Member Interview Series: OpenADR, Airzone
Worldwide, jurisdictions are pushing for HVAC electrification to help reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills and improve air quality. By using more efficient units, powered by more renewable sources, to control our indoor environments we will be able to shape the future of intelligent, grid-ware HVAC management. Specifically member Airzone for almost three decades has developed intelligent and sustainable HVAC solutions. Here we find out a bit more about the company and why the OpenADR standard is important to their initiatives as we talk to Victoria Garcia Massimo, who’s leading is leading Airzone’s North American Operations.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your company?
I’m Victoria Garcia Massimo, North American Operations Manager for Airzone. I joined this company shortly after earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering; I eventually transitioned from project design to market development as I saw the impact Airzone’s innovations could have for the HVAC industry and by extension, the planet.
For nearly 30 years, Airzone has developed intelligent and sustainable HVAC solutions. We work very closely with HVAC manufacturers to create products that enable full, bidirectional control of air handling units (AHUs) by smart thermostats, home automation systems, building management systems (BMS), and energy management systems. Airzone is an established leader in the European market, and in 2022, I was charged with expanding our reach to North America.
Can you tell us a bit more about your solution?
Airzone has a broad range of solutions, all focused on delivering exceptional HVAC efficiency and comfort. Two of our flagship lines are the Aidoo HVAC control gateway, and the Eazyzone no-bypass zoning kit. Aidoo is a simple system add-on that wires directly to an Inverter AHU—such as a heat pump, VRF unit, or mini-split—enabling third party control of the unit with no loss of function. Easyzone, meanwhile, is a line of plug-and-play zoning kits for concealed Inverter units that allows HVAC integrators to create extremely simple and efficient zoned systems, where each space has its own independently controlled temperature setpoint.
These solutions are critical for the creation of efficient HVAC systems that meet user demand for comfort and smart control. Inverter HVAC technologies are sophisticated and complex, and each manufacturer uses its own proprietary protocols for internal communications. As a result, building management software and smart devices can’t communicate directly with an Inverter AHU without a third-party interface to “translate.” If you want to install an efficient HVAC technology like a heat pump and control it using a smart speaker or thermostat, you need Airzone.
Why is achieving OpenADR 3.0 certification important to your customers?
Worldwide, jurisdictions are pushing for HVAC electrification: using more efficient units, powered by more renewable sources, to control our indoor environments. That effort can only succeed with consistent, intelligent HVAC control. For our customers—including building owners, facility managers, and HVAC professionals—seamless demand response integration is crucial to optimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort and control.
By supporting OpenADR, Airzone systems can automatically adjust HVAC settings in response to utility signals, helping reduce peak demand, lower energy costs, and improve sustainability. Additionally, OpenADR certification assures interoperability with a wide range of energy management platforms and utilities, providing future-proof compatibility as smart grid initiatives continue to expand.
As regulatory frameworks evolve, some regions have introduced mandatory demand response requirements, such as the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and Australia's demand response standards. In addition to working toward OpenADR certification, Airzone is actively developing capabilities to meet these requirements, including support for EEBUS in relevant markets.
For customers looking to participate in incentive programs or meet sustainability targets, OpenADR-enabled Airzone solutions make compliance easier while delivering tangible energy savings and environmental benefits. Ultimately, this certification strengthens Airzone’s position as a leader in HVAC control solutions that support smarter, greener, and more efficient buildings.
What do you see as the main challenges or trends in the HVAC market? How important is grid connectivity to the HVAC market?
The HVAC market is undergoing a transformation driven by the shift toward renewable energy, the widespread adoption of Inverter-based technologies like heat pumps, and the increasing global demand for efficient climate control solutions. As purchasing power grows worldwide, more buildings are integrating HVAC systems, adding to overall energy consumption. At the same time, the electrification of heating is placing unprecedented demands on utility grids.
This creates an acute need for smarter, more responsive HVAC control. Grid connectivity will be essential to prevent grid overload and blackouts—but without a third-party control device like Airzone’s Aidoo, smart thermostats and other connected control devices are incompatible with Inverter AHUs. Airzone’s work toward integrating demand response capabilities—enabled by standards like OpenADR— enables the most advanced HVAC systems to actively support grid stability by adjusting energy use during peak periods without compromising comfort. These capabilities will be key to creating a more resilient, energy-efficient future, especially as we move toward decarbonization and greater reliance on intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.
Finally, why is being part of the OpenADR Alliance important to you?
At Airzone, we are committed to delivering smart climate control solutions that enhance comfort while being good for the planet. As part of the OpenADR Alliance, we are helping shape the future of intelligent, grid-aware HVAC management. By aligning with OpenADR, we ensure our solutions contribute to global energy efficiency goals, support demand response programs, and help customers take advantage of renewable energy in a smarter way. Being part of this alliance reinforces Airzone’s mission to lead in sustainable HVAC technology while ensuring our customers benefit from future-proof, interoperable solutions.
Plus, I consider myself a “tree-hugger”, so I really value all initiatives that help shape a better and greener future.
Upcoming WebinarDon’t miss an upcoming webinar hosted by Airzone: The Age of Demand Response: Why We Need to Connect Our HVAC Systems (webinar will touch on standards including OpenADR)
When: March 27th, 2025
Time: 11:00AM EST
Presenters: Victoria Garcia Massimo and Manuel Delgado
Register at: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5e5382fb-a801-4cc5-88d3-b62081d3e7a3@0cc87d4b-df30-4253-ad95-3e6c835532e2