‘Designing for zero waste’ to create ‘a greater degree of good’

Rheem announced today a comprehensive sustainability platform, A Greater Degree of Good, as well as groundbreaking 2025 sustainability commitments tied to ‘Designing for Zero Waste’. The announcement was made at the AHR Expo, the world’s largest HVACR event taking place in Rheem’s hometown of Atlanta, GA. In addition to making its manufacturing processes and locations more sustainable, Rheem is focused on developing products that help consumers be more energy efficient and reduce their environmental impact.

According to a recent national survey conducted by Rheem, 77 per cent of homeowners assert that environmental preservation is important to them. In addition, 74 percent of millennials are more likely to purchase products from a manufacturer that has committed to sustainability in their manufacturing processes. These consumer insights reinforce the opportunity and obligation for manufacturers to implement responsible practices and offer sustainable products to affect positive environmental change.

Degrees of innovation
As a result of the direct effect heating, cooling and water heating equipment has on energy and water consumption around the globe, Rheem is committed to develop and market products that minimise waste when in use. Aligned with the company’s 2025 sustainability goals and its 100th year anniversary, Rheem will launch a line of heating, cooling and water heating products that boast a 50 per cent reduction in GHG footprint. Since products within the Rheem family of brands are used every day and have long life cycles, maximising product efficiencies will both minimise end-user energy expenditures and reduce water usage, presenting a tremendous opportunity for the company to create a meaningful and positive environmental impact.

Degrees of efficiency
In addition to developing sustainable products, Rheem is also focused on implementing environmentally responsible processes and refining its manufacturing, supply chain and operations practices to minimise material, energy and water waste. Building on the momentum from recent investments and improvements at its facilities around the world, Rheem will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent and achieve zero waste to landfill in its global manufacturing operations by 2025. Along with the company’s independent efforts to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, Rheem is committed to affecting an even greater environmental impact and is calling on other companies to adopt environmentally sound practices and prioritise sustainability in their manufacturing as well.

Degrees of leadership
The HVAC and plumbing industries continue to face a growing labor shortage as the current workforce retires and demand rises. Recognising that the company’s success is dependent on skilled plumbers and contractors who install and service its products, Rheem is investing in new recruiting and training initiatives to foster a qualified workforce and educate the trade on how to best support its sustainability goals. By 2025, Rheem will commit to train at least 250,000 plumbers and contractors on sustainable products, sustainable installation and recycling best practices utilising its six state-of-the-art innovation learning centers across North America.

“To coincide with our 100 year anniversary, we have set some very challenging sustainability goals for our teams around the world,” said Chris Peel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rheem Manufacturing Company. “We all feel a shared responsibility to reduce the natural resources required to make and use our products, and we are excited about the opportunity to affect positive environmental change through these purposeful actions. By working together – Rheem associates, our contractors and consumers – we will create a Greater Degree of Good.”

For more information about ‘A Greater Degree of Good’ and Rheem’s 2025 sustainability commitment, please visit https://www.rheem.com/sustainability.