Rheem revealed its vision for sustainability and numerous product innovations at the 2026 AHR Expo. Rheem’s portfolio of 50 global brands, including Rheem Heating & Cooling and Water Heating, features environmentally conscious product solutions for residential and commercial applications.

Rheem’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Peel; Chief Operating Officer, Alex Housten; and Senior Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability, Chee Wee Gan, announced the next chapter in the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability at the AHR Expo with new targets that outline a vision for 2035 and beyond. According to the company, Rheem is advancing its mission to engineer what is best for customers, the industry and the environment by establishing new goals through the company’s A Greater Degree of Good initiative, including:

Rheem’s 2035 Sustainability Goals: 

•    Reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% across the entire lifecycle of Rheem products. 

•    Optimize packaging, ensuring 90% of packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable, or has 50% recycled content. 

•    Maintain zero waste to landfill (ZWTL) status across all factories and extend the initiative to new acquisitions. 

•    Reduce global waste intensity by 10% (ton/unit).   

•    Complete one million trainings for plumbers, contractors and key industry influencers worldwide, covering sustainable product use, refrigerant management, and best practices.  

“I am proud of the work the Rheem team is doing to promote sustainability because it sets a great example for the industry,” said Mike Branson, Rheem Global Air president and 2026 AHRI chairman. “In today’s complex and fast-changing regulatory environment, Rheem now has a track record of surpassing its ambitious sustainability goals. As we head toward 2035, I’m confident that our team will be successful in this next phase of environmental stewardship.”

Industry Leading Education and Innovation

On opening day, Chris Day, Rheem’s vice president of product strategy, marketing and training, shared insights on trends in heat pump technology during an educational session. Day indicated that recent advancements in heat pump technology for Air and Water systems have expanded adoption across North America and are being driven by enhanced adaptability to various applications, increased affordability, and evolving customer expectations. 

At AHR 2026, heem showcased more than 15 new and enhanced products for residential and commercial applications from its brands Friedrich, Gibson, HTPG, IBC, Intertherm and Raypak.