Rheem Exceeds Emissions Goals and Sets New 2035 Sustainability Roadmap
Key Highlights
- Rheem exceeded its emissions goal with a 55% reduction since 2018
- More than 800,000 contractor and plumber training sessions delivered
- New 2035 target includes one million total training sessions
ATLANTA, GA — Rheem has released its 2025 Sustainability Progress Report, announcing it has met or exceeded every goal established under its “A Greater Degree of Good” initiative.
For contractors, the report highlights more than environmental performance—it also outlines continued investment in training, product efficiency and workforce development across the HVAC and water heating markets.
Manufacturer Surpasses Emissions Reduction Goal
Rheem said it exceeded its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, achieving a 55% reduction across global manufacturing operations compared with its 2018 baseline.
The company attributed the gains to refrigerant transitions, expanded renewable energy use, facility modernization and improved leak detection efforts.
For contractors, manufacturing efficiency initiatives can support broader market demand for equipment aligned with sustainability goals and evolving regulations.
“The achievement of our first set of goals marks an important milestone and sets the foundation for the future,” said Chee Wee Gan, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Sustainability, Rheem.
Zero Waste and Renewable Energy Progress Continue
Rheem also reported that all manufacturing sites included in the original 2019 program launch have now achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status.
Additional facilities in Mexico, Europe and the Middle East are operating with on-site renewable energy, while others in South America and Europe use clean power sources.
“By prioritizing innovation, systems redesign and waste reduction at the source, Rheem advanced its infrastructure and increased employee engagement throughout 2025,” said Rodrigo Cedeno, Senior Director, Sustainability and EHS.
Training Investment Supports Contractors and Plumbers
Rheem said it reached its goal of training 250,000 professionals three years ahead of schedule.
Between 2019 and 2025, the company delivered more than 800,000 training sessions for contractors, plumbers and industry influencers covering sustainable products, installation techniques and best practices.
That level of training investment is especially relevant as contractors navigate labor shortages, product transitions and changing efficiency requirements.
Trade School Partnerships and Global Learning Centers Expand Reach
The company added 11 new trade school partnerships in the United States and conducted in-person sessions to provide students with hands-on experience and guidance on regulatory changes.
Internationally, Rheem Middle East & Africa expanded technical training and collaborative events, while a new Innovation Learning Center opened in Auckland, New Zealand.
The center is designed to provide product demonstrations, technical education and insights into emerging energy-efficient technologies.
New 2035 Goals Raise Focus on Efficiency and Workforce Development
Earlier this year, Rheem introduced a new set of 2035 sustainability goals.
Those targets include:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30%
- Optimizing packaging for more sustainable solutions
- Reducing global waste intensity by 10% per unit
- Completing one million training sessions for plumbers and contractors by 2035
For contractors, the training commitment signals continued manufacturer support as the market shifts toward higher-efficiency systems and new technologies.
What It Means for Contractors
As codes tighten and customers seek lower operating costs, contractor demand for training, technical support and efficient equipment continues to rise.
Rheem’s latest report suggests manufacturers increasingly view workforce education and sustainability as linked priorities rather than separate initiatives.
To learn more, visit www.rheem.com/progress.