3 Considerations for Sustainable HVAC Manufacturing

Sustainability is at the forefront of many manufacturers’ minds, but particularly for those in the HVAC industry. The cooling equipment sector of the HVAC market contributed 10% of the world’s energy consumption and, with climate change and global warming on the rise, the popularity of these products is only going to increase. Plus, direct carbon emissions from space and water heating in buildings reached an all-time high in 2021, contributing to 80% of emissions produced by the buildings sector. This has been instrumental in the formation of government sustainability regulations, with many governments implementing bans on fossil fuel technologies and pushing for electrification. 

So, while HVAC manufacturers are expected to ramp up their product output to meet demand, they’re also expected to revolutionise their products to meet emissions targets. Some experts have suggested customers are more active than ever in searching for HVAC equipment that is not only energy efficient but has minimal impact on the environment, and 44% of consumers are now more likely to buy from a brand with a clear commitment to sustainability. Many businesses, therefore, are re-evaluating their entire production processes, from fastener sourcing to product development. 

Here are three key sustainability considerations for HVAC manufacturing: 

Sustainable Parts: Cold-formed Industrial Fasteners 

With fasteners making up nearly 50% of a product’s parts, it’s crucial manufacturers prioritise using parts that have been produced using sustainable manufacturing processes. Cold-forming is a tried-and-true manufacturing process that not only produces especially durable parts, but also very minimal waste.  

Here at Optimas, our experienced cold-form fastener manufacturers work with a wide range of materials and finishes to achieve certain resistances and optimise parts for any HVAC manufacturing application. Plus, fasteners are formed in their near-net state, avoiding any excessive use of machines and energy consumption. Here at Optimas, 89% excess material left over after trimming or shaving cold-formed fasteners is recycled, with 0% sent to landfill. Before a part is manufactured, any additive waste produced by prototyping is also recycled. 

Here are a few examples of fasteners we produce for HVAC manufacturing, in a variety of materials and finishes: 

• Truss Head Screws 
• Heavy Hex Nuts 
• Self-drilling Screws  
• Sealing Washers  
• Carriage Bolts  

Sustainable Sourcing: Onshoring and Nearshoring 

Global transportation emissions contribute to 17% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so many businesses are looking to source their fasteners closer to home to reduce their carbon footprint. Onshoring is the practice of sourcing fasteners from one’s home country, while nearshoring is the practice of sourcing parts nearby, e.g. from a neighbouring country. Evidently sourcing parts more locally requires significantly less transportation, resulting in improved emissions rates.  

Onshoring and nearshoring can also help HVAC manufacturers bypass common supply chain issues, like unforeseen customs and shipping charges and extensive lead times. At Optimas, not only are we the only fastener manufacturer with cold-form facilities on both sides of the Atlantic, but we have distribution facilities across the globe, meaning wherever you are, we can help you source your fasteners locally. 

Partnering with a Sustainable Fastener Distributor 

Whilst sourcing fasteners sustainably is key in achieving low carbon emissions, it’s also crucial that HVAC manufacturers partner with a fastener supplier with tangible sustainability targets. Here at Optimas, not only are we dedicated to helping our partners achieve their sustainability targets, but we’re forging ahead with our own. 

All of our UK facilities are powered by renewable energy, equating to 22% of our global energy consumption. Plus, building upon the foundation of our ISO 14001 accreditation, we’ve developed a clear sustainability roadmap for our global facilities, with a target of 70% powered by renewables by the end of 2025. 

It’s clear, then, to achieve truly low carbon emissions HVAC manufacturers have to look beyond their products to their production processes, prioritising using sustainable fasteners, from a local, reliable and eco-friendly distributor. 

Get in touch with us to meet the demand for low-emissions HVAC manufacturing and optimise your production processes.