Ventilation systems & technology


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From materials to maintenance – lifecycle carbon in HVAC


A dual focus on embodied and operational carbon is driving innovation, challenging traditional methods, and reshaping priorities in HVAC design and construction according to Josh Emerson, marketing & sales director at Swegon


T


he building services industry is under increasing pressure to address carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle of buildings and their systems. While improving operational effi ciency has long been the priority, attention is now also on embodied carbon – the emissions associated with the production, transport, and disposal of materials. Together, these elements form the total lifecycle carbon footprint, which is perhaps the most important metric in achieving Net Zero targets.


Carbon across the lifecycle


Operational carbon reductions remain critical, with technologies like heat pumps, demand-controlled ventilation, and energy recovery systems delivering important energy savings. However, operational effi ciency alone cannot solve the carbon challenge. Embodied carbon, previously overlooked in HVAC systems, accounts for emissions that are locked into products before they ever operate. But focusing solely on embodied carbon risks missing the bigger picture. True sustainability requires tackling lifecycle carbon—the total emissions generated from manufacturing, transportation, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposal. By addressing every stage of a product’s life, the HVAC industry can deliver systems that not only perform effi ciently but also leave a smaller overall carbon footprint.


Circularity and RE:3 - A New Way Forward


We have been working with a new sustainability concept which provides a practical framework for addressing lifecycle carbon from three perspectives ¡ Carbon reduction, which focuses on reducing materials with high embodied carbon, such as by using recycled steel and natural refrigerants like propane, which has a GWP of zero. ¡ Reuse, which involves refurbishing and redeploying HVAC systems, ensuring older units fi nd new life rather than being scrapped unnecessarily. ¡ Revitalisation, where we can extend product lifespans through updates and modernisation, reducing waste and emissions while keeping systems operational for decades longer. Finally, a focus on circular economy


12 February 2025


ensures that products are not treated as disposable but instead form part of a continuous cycle, reducing both embodied and lifecycle carbon while maximising resource effi ciency.


Practical solutions for


engineers For engineers and specifi ers, addressing lifecycle carbon often involves balancing cutting-edge innovation with pragmatic solutions. Retrofi tting existing units is a clear example. For example, having the ability to refurbish and upgrade older products illustrates how modular updates can breathe new life into systems, reduce waste, and extend operational effi ciency. Modular designs also future-proof systems,


allowing for incremental updates as technology evolves. Combined with easy-to-upgrade components and designs for disassembly, these innovations make it easier to adapt to changing standards without requiring complete replacements.


Inspiration for the Industry


Concepts like the wooden AHU prototype provide an important spark for the industry. By demonstrating the feasibility of replacing traditional materials with sustainable alternatives, these innovations invite the industry to think diff erently. While not yet market- ready, such prototypes underscore the potential for


signifi cant carbon reductions in HVAC manufacturing. We believe that our current approach to testing new sustainability ideas and concept products are also helping to defi ne what circularity looks like in practice, bridging the gap between bold ideas and tangible results.


Building toward Net Zero


Reducing lifecycle carbon in ventilation systems isn’t just about meeting environmental goals; it’s about reimagining how systems are designed, built, and maintained. This means embracing materials like CLT, integrating circular design principles, and prioritising refurbishment over replacement. Engineers play a pivotal role in driving this


transformation. By specifying systems that address both embodied and operational carbon, they can deliver solutions that balance performance with sustainability. Initiatives like Swegon’s RE:3 show how innovative thinking, combined with practical strategies, can set new benchmarks for the industry.


The path to Net Zero demands a shift


in focus—from isolated effi ciencies to a holistic view of carbon across the lifecycle. Through collaboration, bold thinking, and pragmatic engineering, the industry can deliver systems that meet the challenges of today while building a more sustainable tomorrow.


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