Gradient

Gradient (formerly Treau)’s mission is to push the HVAC industry toward zero carbon.

Up until recently, cooling the home has meant warming the planet because of the refrigerants used in air conditioners. Commonly-used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, like R410a, are climate super-pollutants. They are over a thousand times more potent than carbon dioxide and accelerate planet warming which, in turn, increases our need for air conditioning.

Gradient is using R32, a next-generation refrigerant that efficiently carries heat and has lower environmental impact. Their technology has eliminated harsh refrigerants and cut their own direct carbon emissions by 68%. Their product is a climate control system based on heat exchanger technology that is 50% more efficient with 75% fewer carbon emissions and is also cheaper and quieter than comparable window units at scale.