Sustainability in the HVAC Sector

In recent years, the growing focus on sustainability has had a profound impacton many industrial sectors, including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Given the critical role of air conditioning systems in infrastructures such as data centers—which have traditionally been linked to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—and the exponential growth in demand for data, reducing the environmental impact of these facilities has become essential, especially in light of increasingly stringent regulations.

European Regulations for Sustainability in the HVAC Sector

The European Union, which has always been at the forefront of sustainability policy, has introduced specific regulations for the HVAC sector, regulating the use of refrigerants, the energy efficiency of systems and their environmental impact throughout the life cycle of products.

F-Gas Directive: Containing Global Warming

The F-Gas Directive (which comes into force on January 1, 2025) will be one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the HVAC sector. It mandates the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), synthetic refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), by 2050. It advocates the use of natural, low-GWP alternatives such as propane (R290), isobutane (R600), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Following the transition from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to HFCs, manufacturers are now required to make further progress towards refrigerants that not only have a reduced environmental impact but are also safe, efficient, and suitable for specific applications.

ERP (Ecodesign) Directive: Energy Efficiency and Reduction of Indirect Emissions

The second regulatory pillar is the Ecodesign (ERP) Directive, which sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for HVAC products such as chillers and heat pumps. Sustainability is measured holistically using the TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) index, which combines the direct emissions from refrigerants with indirect emissions from the electricity required to operate the systems.

The F-Gas Directive is closely linked to the Ecodesign Directive. As the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants is reduced, TEWI values are also expected to decrease, encouraging the use of advanced technologies that maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment): Assessing the Environmental Impact of a Product throughout its Lifecycle

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is another way of assessing the environmental sustainability of a product. This tool assesses CO2 emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle, including production, logistics, transport, and final disposal. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of product use, but also promotes a circular economy model, where resources are continuously reused and recycled.

HiRef’s Sustainable Solutions: Innovation and Environmental Responsibility

HiRef is at the forefront of cooling solutions for technological environments such as data centers, actively participating in this "sustainable revolution”. Our solutions are designed with precise guidelines to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency:

• Liquid Cooling: this technology significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional air-cooling systems, increasing operational efficiency and improving thermal management. Liquid cooling is particularly suited to high-density data centers, where temperature control is critical to equipment and performance security.
• Use of Natural and Low-GWP Refrigerants: HiRef uses refrigerants such as R290 and CO2, which are sustainable alternatives to traditional synthetic refrigerants. These natural refrigerants not only reduce environmental impact but also improve system efficiency, contributing to a significant reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions.
• Optimizing Energy Efficiency: our systems are designed to achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption and associated indirect emissions. Thanks to advanced energy control and management technologies, HiRef’s solutions optimize performance based on specific operating conditions.
• Reducing Environmental Impact Across the Production Chain: in the manufacture of our air conditioners, we source raw materials from Italy and Europe to minimize CO2 emissions associated with transportation.
• Material Recovery and Reuse: during decommissioning, we strive to recover as much refrigerant gas as possible and recycle materials used in our products. This not only reduces environmental impact but also supports a more circular and sustainable production model.

At a time when sustainability has become a global priority, HiRef continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation by developing cooling solutions that not only comply with regulations, but also anticipate the needs of a market that is increasingly focused on efficiency and respect for the environment. For us, the adoption of regulations such as the F-Gas Directive, ERP, and LCA is not just an obligation but an opportunity to continuously improve our products and processes.

We are constantly investing in research to develop technologies that not only meet but exceed sustainability standards while offering customized advice and solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and contribute to a greener future. Contact us for personalized advice on achieving your energy sustainability goals.