ASERCOM target Environmental, Social and Governance with new working group

ASERCOM, the Association of European Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Manufacturers, has taken a significant step in its commitment to the HVAC&R industry's sustainability. It has announced the formation of its new ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Working Group, a proactive measure to address the importance of ESG topics within the industry.

ASERCOM believes that the industry needs to deepen its understanding of and report on environmental impacts, especially with the introduction of regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Eco Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).  It says that a holistic view of how businesses affect the environment and vice versa, including comprehensive CO2e reporting across all scopes, is required and that the formation of the ESG Working Group signifies their proactive approach to these challenges and opportunities, aiming to harness collective expertise to foster sustainability and innovation within the sector.

Cornelia Jönsson, leader of the ASERCOM ESG Working Group and ESG senior manager at Danfoss Commercial Compressors S.A., said: "The ESG Working Group will initially concentrate on the 'Environmental' aspect of ESG, responding directly to the legislative and market demands Our aim is to empower our members with the knowledge and tools to navigate and excel in this evolving landscape."

The group’s objectives for 2024 are not just aspirations, but clear steps towards a more sustainable industry. They include laying the foundational knowledge for emission accounting, ensuring ASERCOM members are fully informed of new sustainability-related regulations, and developing industry-specific methodologies for calculating emissions, particularly in areas such as scope 3.11 – the use of sold products. These initiatives will reportedly pave the way for standard approaches to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), enabling more transparent and effective communication of product impacts.

"We are at a pivotal moment in our industry's journey towards sustainability. The ESG Working Group represents a collective leap forward in our understanding and management of environmental, social, and governance factors“, says ASERCOM president Marco Masini."  "Together, we can set new standards for sustainability and transparency, driving positive change across the HVAC&R sector," concludes Jönsson.

For more information, visit: www.ASERCOM.org