Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The HVAC/R sector in Europe is undergoing significant transformation driven by climate policy, technological innovation, and increasing digitalization of industrial services. This study examines the sustainability and digital transformation of the Slovak business-to-business (B2B) HVAC/R market in the context of EU F-gas regulation and emerging workforce constraints. The research applies a qualitative–interpretive design supported by structured secondary-data analysis, a review of European and Slovak regulatory frameworks, comparative benchmarking against selected European markets, and exploratory semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. The analysis indicates that regulatory pressure associated with the phase-down of fluorinated greenhouse gases, rising demand for energy-efficient systems, and the growing role of digital communication channels are reshaping procurement behaviour and market competition. At the same time, the sector faces structural barriers, particularly the limited availability of certified technicians and uneven digital adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises. The findings suggest that firms integrating transparent sustainability communication, environmental performance indicators, and digital engagement strategies can strengthen their competitive positioning within the evolving European HVAC/R ecosystem.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su18073489
Institution: University of Žilina
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7148515265