GHG Emissions, Industrial, Solar  -  May 10, 2024

AAON Incorporates RE, Geothermal

AAON, Inc., a manufacturer of HVAC products, continues to work toward reducing GHG emissions by 10% by 2025 and maintain that approximately 36% of its total energy consumption is derived from renewable sources.

The company’s Exploration Center located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a net-zero facility powered by solar and geothermal energy. Now fully operational, The Exploration Center’s roof is coated with a highly reflective material, promoting lower temperatures and extending its lifespan. The center also boasts geothermal wells equipped with over nine miles of piping and is lit entirely by high-efficiency LED lights. 

AAON’s high-efficiency heat pumps provide heating and cooling with zero carbon emissions, and 432 solar panels have been activated on the building, generating about 240 kW of solar energy. 

As part of its design, the infrastructure can support up to 800+ kW of solar generation. In addition, the company established an effective energy-sharing system with The NAIC lab, an R&D lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This system transfers “waste” heat energy between buildings through water loops and utilizes excess solar electricity, thereby eliminating the need for batteries.

In 2023, the company saw a 6.43% increase in emissions over 2022 and a 4.78% increase over the baseline year of 2020. 

AAON is continuing to invest in operational efficiencies to reduce its emissions and projects to reduce emissions. The company reports progress toward the environmental goal of 80% of its products being non-fossil-fuel-consuming by 2030.

The company's AAON Alpha Class air source heat pumps were engineered for higher efficiency and lower emissions. Additionally, the company adopted refrigerant R-454B, with a low Global Warming Potential of 466, to replace R-410A refrigerant ahead of EPA mandates.

"I am proud of the progress we are making in positioning the company for long-term sustainability. We will continue to lead the industry in developing the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment in the world for an economical cost. This has always been at the forefront of the Company. Just as important, is reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, advancing our inclusion and diversity efforts, and improving our corporate governance. At AAON, we strive to be the best stewards of society by leveraging our resources and abilities to make the world a better place," said Gary Fields, AAON CEO, in a statement.