Examining the Lack of Female Representation in HVAC and Climate Tech during Women’s History Month

The 2024 AHR Expo in Chicago, held in conjunction with the ASHRAE winter conference this January, showcased the latest advancements in the HVAC industry. However, amidst the large crowds and innovative displays, a familiar concern remained evident: the persistent underrepresentation of women in the field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics out of 367,900 Americans in the HVAC industry, only 1.4% were women. With decarbonization a hot topic in the HVAC industry, it’s worth mentioning the closely related field of Environmental Science, where only 38.3% are women. This lack of diversity within these crucial sectors fighting climate change and shaping the future of healthy indoor environments necessitates a deeper examination. Two key questions emerge: what factors contribute to this underrepresentation, and how can we bridge this gap to create a more inclusive and representative future for these fields?

History of Women in HVAC and Air Quality

While often overshadowed, several pioneering women have significantly impacted the HVAC industry, leaving an undeniable mark on its development. Women like Alice H. Parker, the inventor of a central heating system using natural gas, played crucial roles in shaping the future of HVAC.

Similarly, women's contributions to the climate and air quality have been historically overlooked like Margaret Ingles, the first female Mechanical Engineer in the US and a leader in air quality research. Another prime example is inventor and environmentalist, Mary Walton who helped tame pollution during the Industrial Revolution. In 1879, she patented a system for pumping air through water tanks to help trap pollutants, which significantly reduced air pollution in Manhattan. Overshadowed by the later research of John Tyndall, is Eunice Foote, a physicist, inventor, and women's rights advocate demonstrated and wrote about the concept now known as the Greenhouse Effect in 1856.

Industry Challenges Today

Despite the early and continued contributions from women in the industry, air quality and climate issues disproportionately impact women due to socioeconomic factors like limited access to resources and decision-making power. Not only are women underrepresented in established organizations, but efforts to address the imbalance through activism and startup companies also face significant challenges. Just 15% of venture capital funding in climate tech and just 2% of all VC funds go to companies with at least one female founder.

Stereotypes and unconscious bias paint the HVAC industry as physically demanding and male-dominated, discouraging women from entering the field. This lack of visibility makes it difficult for young girls to envision themselves in these roles, perpetuating the cycle of underrepresentation. Limited early education outreach highlighting STEM pathways further disadvantages women by influencing their academic and career choices away from these critical sectors. Furthermore, unwelcoming work environments and a lack of support systems like mentorship programs and parental leave policies can make it challenging for women to thrive once they enter the field.

Bridging The Gap

Bridging the gender gap in the HVAC and Climate Tech industries, and indeed all sectors, begins with a clear acknowledgment of the existing inequities. This recognition must be followed by sustained, collaborative efforts on multiple fronts to create meaningful change.

Cultivating a culture of inclusion within companies through sensitivity training, unconscious bias awareness programs and diverse hiring practices can ensure that women feel welcome and supported in the workplace.

Fostering educational pathways for women in STEM fields through scholarships, targeted outreach programs, and mentorship opportunities can inspire them to pursue careers in HVAC and Climate Tech.

Lastly, acknowledging and supporting women dedicated to the industry through financial and programmatic support will empower and enable them to innovate and tackle critical challenges in their fields.

“It’s going to take collaboration, connection, compassion, creativity, all of these things that fall within this realm of the feminine, regardless of gender identity.” Katharine K. Wilkinson

Jo Norris - Co-Founder and CEO at Carbon Reform

We would be remiss in not highlighting our female leader in this article about supporting women in the industry. Jo Norris is the CEO and Co-founder at Carbon Reform, and a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Prior to Carbon Reform, Jo led research & development building sustainable technology for surface water - she helped design an autonomous robot to dissolve algae blooms in lakes. She completed 3 years of a Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Delaware, where her research focused on functional, biodegradable polymers for heavy metal filtration from water. She holds a masters in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and bachelors degrees in Sustainability Studies and Economics from Hofstra University. At Carbon Reform, Jo is the technical founder, leading product development and R&D alongside her co-founder and COO Nick Martin. They are working to democratize access to carbon capture technology, in the context of the built environment. Carbon Reform has developed a modular carbon capture appliance that cleans indoor air and scrubs CO2, turning it into a useful mineral, while making indoor air safer and healthier for occupants, and saving energy for building owners.