Trane joins RTU heat pump challenge
8th May 2024
USA: Trane Technologies is to participate in the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Commercial Building Heat Pump Technology Challenge.
This new US initiative aims to help commercial building owners and operators reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs by adopting cost-effective, next-generation heat pump rooftop units.
Fewer than 15% of commercial buildings in the US currently have heat pumps despite their energy efficiency compared with conventional RTUs with natural gas heating.
Trane will partner with the DOE and its national laboratories to create prototypes, test product performance and durability and conduct field trials of new low-emission heat pump rooftop units.
“As the urgent need for clean technologies in addressing climate change becomes increasingly clear, we are proud to partner with the DOE in transforming the way the world heats and cools buildings, while dramatically reducing energy use and carbon emissions in the process,” said Holly Paeper, president, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies.
“As an inaugural partner in the Better Buildings Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator, Trane Technologies is demonstrating a commitment to leadership and collaboration,” added Maria Vargas, director of the DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative.
According to the DOE, the US spends approximately $800bn per year to power buildings, manufacturing plants and homes. On average, between 20% and 30% of the nation’s energy is estimated to be wasted.
The Challenge intends to bring more efficient and affordable rooftop heat pump technologies to market as soon as 2027.
