As attention shifts from operational energy to embodied carbon, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), are becoming an urgent focus. HVAC products can contribute between 15–36% of the embodied carbon in new office buildings, and significantly more in retrofit projects where the structure remains untouched.
But the industry lags behind in reusing or upgrading technical installations. The industry hasn't come nearly as far with circularity for technical systems as it has for other building components. That’s why Swegon, a leading HVAC manufacturer focused their efforts here, because this is where they can make the biggest impact. Swegon is applying lifecycle thinking and practical reuse models to reduce carbon, extend equipment lifespan, and support climate-conscious retrofits.
HVAC equipment is typically replaced several times during a building’s lifecycle. While energy use has traditionally driven design optimization, embodied carbon now requires equal consideration.
For HVAC systems, this means rethinking product design, materials, and end-of-life strategies. Swegon’s data suggests that, over time, multiple replacement cycles significantly increase embodied emissions — unless those systems are reused or revitalized.
Swegon has built a comprehensive circularity framework called RE:3, structured around three key strategies:
Swegon don’t see this as one solution, but as a family of solutions. Each step is designed to help reduce climate impact based on where a product is in its lifecycle, together they provide a practical model for circular HVAC systems.
Swegon uses fossil-free, recycled steel across product lines — reducing emissions by 25% in standard silencers. A timber-framed unit prototype cut carbon by 40%. Propane refrigerants (R290) have also cut refrigerant emissions by two-thirds.
Over 1000 units have been upgraded in place, avoiding the carbon and cost of replacements. Revitalized systems have just 25% the impact of new ones — at around one-third the total cost for a replacement.
Swegon’s Reuse program returns and refurbishes used equipment with updated controls and verified performance. Depending on retained materials, emissions are cut by 75–96%.
Lessons learned: Collaboration is key
Swegon’s success hasn’t come in isolation. The company has established a cross-sector working group, Recreate, involving real estate firms and project stakeholders to co-develop circularity practices.
The experience has revealed several insights:
As the built environment shifts from new construction to renovation, circular HVAC systems offer one of the clearest routes to reducing embodied carbon. Swegon’s RE:3 framework demonstrates that climate-conscious design does not require speculative innovation; it demands practical application of proven concepts, supported by collaboration.
Swegon uses One Click LCA to efficiently and at scale generate Environmental Product Declarations, helping them assess and communicate the environmental impact of their products. The tool also supports R&D decisions by enabling Swegon to evaluate material choices based on their sustainability performance. Additionally, it facilitates cross-functional collaboration across Swegon’s business units and production sites, ensuring that environmental insights are shared and applied consistently throughout the organization.
"Working with One Click LCA has been a positive experience. Their team communicates in a fast and friendly manner, and they show a strong understanding of customer needs.” - Oskar Thomasson, Sustainability Officer, Swegon Group
Implementing circular strategies in HVAC, whether through material choices, upgrades, or reuse, demands trusted lifecycle data. One Click LCA’s EPD Generator enables manufacturers to deliver third-party-verified declarations aligned with EN 15804 and ISO 14025, including for refurbished and second-life systems.
Customized modeling ensures EPDs reflect actual embodied impacts, while automation features like API integration and batch generation streamline documentation at scale. EPDs can also be published to Materials Compass, supporting visibility in procurement and compliance workflows.
This helps HVAC manufacturers meet buyer expectations, regulatory requirements, and carbon reduction goals — with consistent, verifiable data across their product lines.