Brooks Australia CEO, Cathy Brand, explains how HVACR is a great way for businesses to showcase their environmental credentials.
In today’s market, environmental credentials equate to smart business, as well as contributing to corporate social responsibilities. Once viewed as a ‘nice to have,’ environmental credentials are now shaping procurement decisions, influencing investor confidence, and determining long-term competitiveness – and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems play a huge role in curbing a business’ environmental impact through efficient energy use.
Across Australia and globally, regulatory standards are tightening. Energy efficiency requirements are increasing, emissions-reporting frameworks are becoming more rigorous and customers, particularly in commercial and government sectors, are scrutinising supply chains more closely than ever before. Within this landscape, businesses that can clearly articulate and demonstrate their environmental performance are gaining an advantage.
However, environmental responsibility is not just about compliance. It is about resilience.
Energy-intensive industries face rising operational costs, particularly as electricity prices fluctuate and carbon-related policies evolve.
Companies that invest in energy-efficient systems, low-impact manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials are better positioned to protect margins over the long term. Environmental strategy, when embedded properly, reduces risk exposure while unlocking operational efficiencies.
Importantly, sustainability is increasingly influencing brand perception. Customers, including both B2B and end-users, want to partner with organisations that align with their own environmental commitments.
Many large corporations now require suppliers to meet defined sustainability benchmarks before contracts are awarded. Demonstrating credible environmental credentials is no longer a communications exercise; it is a gateway to market access.
This is where transparency becomes critical.
Publishing clear environmental commitments, outlining measurable targets, and reporting progress ultimately builds trust with stakeholders. Businesses that openly communicate their sustainability journey, including both achievements and areas for improvement, signal maturity, reliability and accountability. It also provides sales and partnership teams with tangible proof points that resonate with acquisition managers and decision makers.
For manufacturers and suppliers in the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) sector, the opportunity is particularly significant.
HVACR systems account for a substantial proportion of building energy consumption. Innovations that improve efficiency, reduce refrigerant impact, or extend product lifespan directly contribute to emissions-reduction targets.
Companies that prioritise environmentally responsible design and production are not only contributing to global climate goals but also positioning themselves as future-ready solution providers.
When it comes to product end of life, responsible disposal is equally important. Photoelectric smoke alarms can be placed in normal household waste or taken to a local Community Recycling Centre.
For ionisation smoke alarms, up to two units may be disposed of in household waste at a time; larger quantities should be taken to a Community Recycling Centre to ensure safe handling.
Environmental credentials should not sit in isolation within a marketing department or annual report. They must be embedded across operations, procurement, product development, and leadership strategy. When sustainability becomes part of business decision making at every level, it transitions from a reactive obligation to a proactive growth lever.
For businesses in the climate control industry, the message is clear: environmental performance is now directly linked to commercial performance. Those who invest early, communicate clearly, and embed sustainability into their operating model will be best placed to secure contracts, strengthen partnerships, and build long-term resilience.
About the Author
Cathy Brand is the Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Australia, a leading Australian-owned smoke alarm company. Appointed in January 2023, she brings over 25 years of marketing and leadership experience across New Zealand and Australia.
Since taking the helm, Cathy has guided the company through growth and transformation, driving innovation and fostering a strong team culture. As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated, family-run industry, she continues to break barriers and inspire change.