Arlington, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) today released a General Position Statement on Decarbonization advancing the association as a resource for states and localities grappling with how to successfully, sustainably, and affordably reduce emissions related to the built environment.

The paper notes that, “The air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and water heating industry has a long history of providing innovative, high-quality, energy-saving, affordable products that enhance the comfort, safety, health, and productivity of businesses and people around the world,” and expresses AHRI’s support for “the ongoing, science-based transition to a lower carbon society in which consumer choices for heating, cooling, water heating, and commercial refrigeration are the most energy efficient, environmentally beneficial available anywhere in the world, while maintaining appropriate and adequate levels of safety, health, comfort, and affordability.”

“Our member companies – which have more than 100 years of experience and expertise in product solutions, technology, and innovation – can serve as a valuable resource in helping the nation achieve a lower carbon society,” said AHRI President & CEO Stephen Yurek, who also noted that several AHRI member companies plan to participate in a White House Roundtable on Decarbonization to be held May 17 as part of a multi-day buildings summit.

The statement comes on the heels of the success of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, passed by Congress in 2020, which provides authority to the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the production of high-global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons and establishes a national phase down structure for the refrigerants that are widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. That effort, more than 10 years in the making for the industry, is forecast to ultimately result in a .5- degree reduction in global temperatures over the next 30 years, even as it creates jobs and helps the industry’s global trade posture.