CIRCULAR TRANSITION
- Building a lighthouse example as first movers within the industry
- Potential extension to broader buildings-related ecosystem and group of players beyond HVAC in 2026 (incl. data centers)
From challenge to circular transition
CHALLENGE
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for ~50–70% of total building energy consumption
- Retrofits can deliver up to 40% efficiency gains, improved air quality & less maintenance
- End-of-use systems are typically replaced without structured take-back, resulting in lost reuse potential, materials and avoidable costs
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
- Establish circular take-back loops for HVAC products and components - starting with refurbishment of ebm-papst fans via Güntner
- Implement end-to-end workflows to identify and locate units, remove/disassemble, take back, test and grade, refurbish or retrofit
- Validate feasibility, processes and business models (e.g., Cooling-aaS as future scenario)
OUTCOME
- Proof of concept delivered with first fan batches taken back, refurbished and resold
- Transition from pilot to replicable solution initiated, with extension to additional product types and integration into standard operations
- Foundations laid for further circularity use cases with additional partners (incl. industrial retrofit, data centers, retail applications)
Project Partners
