The demand for heating, ventilation and cooling products will only increase over time due to higher standards of living, and extreme weather caused by climate change.

Ironically, HVAC systems make up an estimated 4% of greenhouse gas emissions (responsible for global warming) due to energy consumption and refrigerant leaks.

It’s important to purchase units that:

• Only use refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and low ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• Are energy efficient
• Durable and repairable
• Have not been manufactured using forced labour

Eco Choice Aotearoa’s standard for heating and cooling covers the following products:

• Air conditioners or heat-pumps with filters or air purification
• Air purifiers such as ultraviolet air purifiers, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers, activated carbon air purifiers, ionic air purifiers or those which use dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology
• HVAC (encompassing the whole system, including an air purifier)
• Humidifiers (with filters)
• Dehumidifiers (with filters)

Eco Choice Aotearoa takes a lifecycle approach with all its product and service standards; considering the sourcing of raw materials, manufacture, application and end-of-life.

Applicants must have an effective product stewardship scheme in place, or show strong evidence they’re working towards one.

In addition, companies must monitor and report on operational emissions, waste, energy and water usage, and meet the ecolabel’s requirements around modern slavery and social accountability.