Enabling Value Recovery of HVAC systems towards Circular Built Environment: Status quo and Challenges

Abstract

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in buildings are extensively studied in the areas of operational efficiency and design for indoor comfort but limited in terms of material efficiency and embodied carbon. Circular economy is found to have immense potential to curb the impending resource depletion and reduce embodied carbon. It is seen that the application of circular principles on HVAC systems has been researched little. This thesis is an attempt to understand the Reuse aspects of HVAC systems in the context of Switzerland. Interviews were conducted amongst experts in construction industry, HVAC industry and circularity. This was complemented by site visits and review of technical papers to understand the status quo, challenges, and opportunities for HVAC Reuse in Switzerland. The insights were analyzed from a product and process perspective of Reuse Potential. The prospects of bringing Circular Design, Data capture technique using computer vision, Product Passport, Reuse Process Modelling, Circular Business models and Including HVAC Manufacturers to Reuse Process Network, as enablers, to enhance reuse potential of HVAC systems, were analyzed through a Design Thinking approach. It is inferred that these enablers have huge potential to enhance HVAC Reuse in Switzerland with deeper discussions and co-development.