Trane Technologies' embodied carbon reduction — a new standard

As one of the largest suppliers of HVAC equipment in the world, Trane’s commitment to measure, monitor, and reduce the carbon embedded in their products and supply chain is expected to influence the industry, encouraging broader adoption of similar practices.

Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated during the manufacture, transport, and installation of building materials and systems. For Trane Technologies, this commitment extends across key materials like steel, aluminum, copper, and refrigerants used in its HVAC systems. The company is working with suppliers to shift towards less carbon-intensive methods of production, such as using electric arc furnaces for steel, which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional production methods​.

Trane is setting new industry benchmarks

Trane's influence is substantial, given its scale. Operating in over 100 countries, with a diverse product portfolio that includes the well-known brands Trane® and Thermo King®, the company has long been at the forefront of energy-efficient climate solutions. In addition to its product line, Trane is deeply involved in sustainability initiatives. Trane Technologies' recent commitment to reducing embodied carbon by 40% in its products builds on their Gigaton Challenge, which aims to cut one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from customers' operations by 2030. These initiatives highlight two key points: first, Trane Technologies is setting industry benchmarks, encouraging widespread adoption of carbon reduction practices. Second, sustainability is embedded in their commercial strategy, integrating carbon reduction into products and services to meet evolving market demands.

This new focus on embodied carbon is particularly crucial for the construction and manufacturing industry, which is responsible for over 50% of global carbon emissions. By taking the lead, Trane is pushing the boundaries of what large manufacturers can do to decarbonize their value chains. The company’s 2030 target is aligned with its broader net-zero commitment by 2050, and its intermediate goals are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), making Trane one of the most scientifically driven companies in the sector​.

Trane's actions are expected to inspire other MEP manufacturers and the broader construction industry to follow suit. As the industry faces increasing regulatory pressures and market demand for sustainable products, Trane’s approach demonstrates that reducing embodied carbon is not only a corporate responsibility but also a competitive advantage. Manufacturers that adopt similar sustainability measures can expect to be more resilient to future regulations, maintain market leadership, and meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.

The MEP 2040 Challenge and its impact on manufacturers

The MEP 2040 Challenge calls on MEP engineers and designers to prioritize low-carbon solutions when designing building systems, which in turn places pressure on MEP manufacturers to deliver products with lower embodied carbon. As more engineers begin to specify products that meet stringent carbon reduction targets, manufacturers will need to innovate and offer sustainable alternatives to maintain competitiveness in the market. One Click LCA, through its partnership with the MEP 2040 Challenge, supports this shift by offering tools that allow manufacturers to assess and reduce the carbon footprint of their products. By embracing these tools, manufacturers can better align with the growing demand for transparency and carbon reductions in the MEP industry​.

Decarbonizing beyond MEP manufacturing

Beyond MEP manufacturers, the broader construction and manufacturing industries can also take cues from Trane Technologies’ recent commitment to cut embodied carbon by investing in environmental product declarations (EPDs). EPDs are a transparent document that communicates a product’s environmental impact throughout its life-cycle. EPDs help AEC professionals make informed decisions when selecting materials based on their environmental profile. Trane’s leadership in this area signals a wider shift in market expectations, as companies across the supply chain face increasing pressure to decarbonize. Other manufacturers can take proactive steps by using One Click LCA’s EPD Generator to measure and report embodied carbon, making it easier to implement carbon reduction strategies. This not only helps meet regulatory demands but also provides a market advantage as sustainability becomes a key purchasing factor​.

Trane Technologies' decision to reduce embodied carbon serves as a significant marker for the future of manufacturing, particularly in the construction and MEP sectors. As the demand for low-carbon solutions intensifies, driven by initiatives like the MEP 2040 Challenge, manufacturers will need to adopt sustainable practices to stay relevant. One Click LCA’s suite of tools, from EPD generation to MEP-specific carbon tracking, offers a comprehensive solution to help companies lead the way in decarbonizing their operations and products​.