Global A/C Leader to Launch Multi-Million Dollar Christchurch Hub

Global air conditioning giant Daikin will open a new multi-million-dollar Christchurch facility designed to stop climate-damaging refrigerants  from entering the waste stream by capturing and reusing gas from retired heat pumps.

The project marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-term investment in New Zealand and reflects mounting pressure on the building and HVAC sectors to reduce emissions linked to heating and cooling systems.

Fluorinated gases — widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration — account for a relatively small portion of the country’s total  emissions but have a disproportionately high warming effect. With New Zealand committed to phasing down high global warming potential  refrigerants by more than 80% by 2037, the industry faces growing expectations to better manage these gases throughout their lifecycle.

Daikin’s new Christchurch logistics and training hub will integrate reclaimed refrigerant directly into its own heating and cooling systems. Through a nationwide network of accredited installers, gas recovered from decommissioned residential and commercial heat pumps will be captured, cleaned and reused rather than vented or destroyed.

This approach supports a more circular model for managing refrigerants — a critical resource underpinning the rapid uptake of high- efficiency heat pump technology. Industry analysis indicates reclaimed refrigerant can reduce supply-related emissions by up to 90%,  depending on the gas type.

Beyond environmental gains, the facility is expected to strengthen sector capability by supporting technician training and improving supply  chain resilience as demand for electrified heating solutions grows.

The fully electric Daikin Park Christchurch will consolidate warehousing, training and sales operations under one roof. The site will also  feature rooftop solar generation, EV charging infrastructure and advanced heat recovery technology designed to improve energy efficiency  and reduce operational emissions.