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
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The Built Environment, Interoperability, Integration, and Grid Services
Ron Bernstein, Shawn Chandler, Matthew McDonnell
Presented by GridWise™ Architecture Council (GWAC)
Type: Free Industry Seminar -
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Retrofitting HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency, Reliability, and Sustainability
Ricardo Ayarzagoitia Arredondo
Presented by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International)
Type: Free Industry Seminar -
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Refrigerants and Decarbonization – Industry Trends and Impacts
Jennifer Butsch, Eric Strausbaugh
Women in HVACR
Type: For-Credit Sessions -
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Decarbonizing Commercial Heating with Hydrogen – Boilers, Water Heaters & HVAC
Paul Glanville, Vince McDonell
Presented by Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and GTI Energy
Type: Free Industry Seminar
What industry leaders are saying about Decarbonization
(Excerpts from the 2026 AHR Expo Trend report)
“There has been a noticeable shift toward holistic building design with the elevation of IEQ to the same level of importance as efficiency and sustainability. While energy performance has been a cornerstone of the industry for decades, the conversation now emphasizes the important role of indoor environments in health, productivity and safety, as well as achieving community-scale decarbonization. This shift has reinforced the importance of updated standards, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continued education for professionals across the supply chain.”
— Bill McQuade, ASHRAE
“The shift toward modular, serviceable, and recyclable designs reduces embodied carbon, cuts waste, and extends asset life. For building owners, this can lower lifecycle costs, improve ESG scores, and mitigate the risks of future waste regulations.”
— David McMillan, Grundfos
“Gone are the days when heat pumps were seen as a novelty or a climate-limited option. Modern cold-climate models with inverter-driven compressors and vapor injection technology can operate effectively in minus zero temperatures without relying on inefficient backup resistance heat. The old myth that “heat pumps don’t work when it’s cold outside” has been thoroughly debunked.”
— Clifton Beck, ESCO Group
“Decarbonization and grid integration are accelerating as we look for smarter ways to balance energy demand. Data centers, with their massive heat loads, are becoming prime candidates for water based hydronic cooling solutions, creating opportunities for Thermal Energy Networks and geothermal applications.”
— John Mullen, IAPMO
“There’s been a noticeable acceleration in how the industry approaches digital transformation and decarbonization. More companies are moving beyond pilot projects and scaling smart building strategies across entire portfolios. AI integration has also matured, shifting from hype to practical applications like predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and system diagnostics. Additionally, customer demand for open, interoperable systems has grown significantly, putting pressure on vendors to prioritize flexibility and integration. Finally, the workforce conversation has expanded beyond recruitment to include upskilling existing talent in data analytics, cybersecurity, and systems thinking.”
— Greg Walker, ASHB
