Rheem minimises GHG emissions in HVAC to boost sustainability

Rheem has made significant strides toward the goal of introducing heating, cooling, and water heating products that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Rheem, an Atlanta-based manufacturer of water heating and HVAC products, has released its fifth annual Sustainability Progress Report, highlighting its progress in the global initiative, A Greater Degree of Good™. The company has achieved a reduction of 31.95M metric tons of CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions over the past four years.

“Rheem’s commitment to excellence has propelled us – and our industry – forward,” said Chee Wee Gan, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Sustainability, Rheem, adding “Environmental initiatives will continue to be the guiding force in everything we do.” 

The 2023 initiatives include assessing the environmental implications of products throughout their lifecycle, from material procurement to end-of-life. Specifically, gaining data-driven insights about the environmental impact of heat pump water heaters in comparison to other goods.

Additional efforts include succeeding in the US Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge, as well as the formation of the Sustainable Packaging Task Force and continued partnership with ENERGY STAR® to designate energy-efficient offerings.

Rheem’s global manufacturing facilities continue to prioritize Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) and responsible manufacturing processes across all sites.

Rheem’s North American plants have reduced 720 metric tons of CO2e emissions since mid-2022’s Energy Management Program. Sites worldwide have implemented tactics like compressed air leaks, solar panels, system upgrades, and energy efficiency to further reduce GHG emissions. By 2023, 76% of Rheem’s manufacturing plants qualified as Zero Waste tolled (ZWTL).

Rheem’s global trade partners are crucial to improving the company’s overall environmental effect. In 2022, Rheem met its 2025 goal of teaching 250,000 plumbers, contractors, and influencers in sustainability practices. Rheem had over 170,000 new training participants in 2023, representing a 55 percent increase in training hosted from 2022.

The opening of new Innovation Learning Center (ILC) facilities in Utrecht, Netherlands, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, boosted Rheem’s global ILC count to 24 facilities, furthering these efforts. In addition, 2023 saw the development of a sustainability training e-learning course for global employees. 

Since the program’s beginning in 2019, Rheem has aggressively implemented a variety of ecologically focused programmes and solutions in North America and worldwide. Rheem’s Sustainability Progress Report provides comprehensive updates on the company’s A Greater Degree of Good initiatives each year.