AHR Trending Topic
Decarbonization

The HVACR industry is at the forefront of global efforts to reduce energy-related carbon emissions

Almost 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions stem from the built environment, positioning the HVACR industry at the forefront of efforts to confront climate change. The pursuit of ambitious decarbonization goals will continue to impact every facet of our industry, encompassing the design and production of new equipment, the establishment and implementation of evolving regulations and standards, the incorporation of enhanced materials and technologies like refrigerants, building automation systems including AI & Controls, and more. It will involve managing energy sources and consumption, addressing distribution and supply chain challenges, ramping up communication and education industry-wide, assessing the financial viability and sustainability of proposed solutions, and a myriad of other aspects. The rapid pace of change, combined with the scale and complexity of the challenge, underscores one certainty: industry-wide collaboration will be essential for success.

 

Highlights from the AHR Education Program that address Decarbonization

 

 

What industry leaders are saying about Decarbonization

(Excerpts from the 2025 AHR Expo Trend report)

 

“Our industry’s vision — creating energy-efficient, healthy, and carbon-neutral buildings — must be more effectively communicated. ASHRAE’s goal to achieving net zero GHG emissions in operation for all new buildings by 2030. We have held global summits on building decarbonization in Washington, DC, Madrid, Spain, Athens, Greece, Delhi, India and have one coming up later this fall focused on high rise buildings in New York City, NY. The CEBD is producing 14 guidelines and a Standard that will allow carbon emissions by buildings to quantified, accounted for and reported consistently around the world.”

— M. Dennis Knight, ASHRAE

“An overarching trend toward decarbonization and electrification of buildings will mean that commissioning and energy management are even more of a focus.”

— Jeremy Johnson, AABC

“The HVACR industry is facing a complex interplay of factors, including protectionism, regulatory changes, economic conditions, and technological advancements. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the United States and the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) in Europe are aimed at boosting local production and strengthening the HVACR economy while addressing climate change. However, the revision of the F-Gas Regulation to allow the installation of R410a systems in replacement cases could potentially slow down the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants.”

— Krystyna Dawson, BSRIA

 

Join the discussion on Decarbonizaion and other trending topics impacting HVACR at the 2025 AHR Expo, Feb 10-12, Orlando.

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