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As the environmental impact of the building industry continues to grow, sustainable innovation is more important than ever. At Swegon, we’re leading the charge by rethinking what’s possible in HVAC materials. Enter the wooden air handling unit concept—a bold prototype designed to spark conversations and push boundaries in sustainable building solutions.
A Bold Concept for a Sustainable Future
When we launched the GOLD air handling unit in 1994, it was an industry game-changer, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and performance. Today, we’re taking another step forward by challenging conventional materials.
The wooden AHU concept replaces traditional steel casing with cross-laminated timber (CLT), achieving a remarkable 40% reduction in embodied carbon. This prototype demonstrates the potential of alternative materials to transform the environmental impact of HVAC systems.
While this wooden AHU is not for sale, it’s a glimpse into the future—an example of how innovation and sustainability can align to create a more circular, carbon-conscious industry.
The RE:3 Initiative: Reduce, Reuse, Revitalise
This concept is part of our larger RE:3 initiative, which champions circular design principles. Through RE:3, we aim to:
• Reduce: Lower embodied carbon and environmental impact.
• Reuse: Incorporate recycled materials wherever possible.
• Revitalise: Innovate with new solutions to extend product lifecycles and minimise waste.
The wooden AHU is a powerful example of RE:3 in action, demonstrating our commitment to finding alternative solutions that reduce embodied carbon and challenge traditional norms.
Want to understand more about embodied carbon? Standards like TM65 and tools like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide frameworks to evaluate the environmental impact of building materials, including HVAC systems. These resources are critical for driving meaningful change across the industry. Click here to learn more.
Pioneering a New Path in HVAC
“We’ve already introduced recycled steel into our GOLD units to minimise environmental impact,” says Annika Sedwall, Head of Product Management at Swegon. “With this wooden concept, we take a significant step further, aligned with our ambition to lead the industry in reducing embodied carbon.”
Martin Ottersten, PhD, from Swegon’s Innovation and Knowledge Centre, adds: “By rethinking material choices and challenging industry norms, we are driving the future of sustainable building solutions. This concept is a crucial step in testing the limits of what’s possible.”
Join the Conversation
At Swegon, we believe innovation is only valuable if it sparks meaningful discussions. The wooden AHU concept isn’t just a product; it’s an invitation to rethink the role of materials in building sustainability.
By replacing steel with timber, we’ve taken a bold step forward—but this is just the beginning. What else can we achieve by challenging conventional norms and prioritising sustainability?
Learn more about the wooden AHU, TM65, EPDs, and our RE:3 initiative at swegon.com/wood. Together, we can create a more sustainable, circular future for the building industry.
