UH Mānoa’s Net-Zero Push: What It Means for Oahu Property Managers and Business Owners

Alltemp
Jul 17
3 min read

Marble entrance sign for the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa beside a pedestrian pathway and roadway, with lush green trees and campus buildings in the background.

Oahu is on the brink of a major shift in how we think about energy use—and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa is leading the way. The campus is undergoing a transformation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035, and while that might sound like a distant goal, the steps being taken today are already sending ripples across the island's commercial sector.

What’s Happening at UH Mānoa?

The University of Hawaii has committed to eliminating fossil fuel use and dramatically increasing energy efficiency. At the heart of this effort: cooling systems, refrigeration loads, and HVAC modernization. From rooftop solar to the expansion of energy “wheeling” (sharing renewable energy between buildings), the focus is clear—reduce demand and increase system efficiency.

But here’s the catch: as of mid-2025, the campus has only achieved about 12% of its renewable energy goal, meaning a lot of infrastructure changes are still to come—many of which involve HVAC overhauls, building retrofits, and intelligent energy monitoring.

Why This Matters to Business Owners and Property Managers

What UH Mānoa does today sets a benchmark for the rest of Oahu—especially for commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and hospitality spaces. Here's how it impacts your operations:

01. Sustainability Expectations Are Rising

Whether you lease office space or manage a retail center, more tenants and customers are evaluating properties based on environmental impact. Efficient AC systems and refrigerants aligned with clean energy goals can boost your building’s value and marketability.

Three outdoor residential HVAC units installed alongside a beige house with brown shutters, surrounded by green grass, shrubs, and a concrete walkway

02. Energy Bills Are Only Going Up

Hawaii's electricity rates are some of the highest in the nation. Buildings that don’t optimize cooling and refrigeration will continue to see rising operating costs, especially during peak summer months. Energy-efficient systems are no longer a “nice-to-have”—they’re becoming a competitive necessity.

03. Compliance and Incentives Are Changing

As net-zero targets become policy-driven, city and state regulations may soon require performance standards on commercial HVAC systems. Getting ahead of these mandates not only ensures compliance but opens the door to rebates, tax incentives, and green building certifications.

How Alltemp Can Help

At Alltemp, we’re already helping property managers and business owners across Oahu prepare for this shift—with solutions that align with both environmental goals and financial priorities:

High-Efficiency HVAC & Refrigeration Upgrades

We specialize in energy-smart systems designed for Hawaii's climate, including variable-speed mini-splits, rooftop units, and central cooling systems that reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Net-Zero-Ready Refrigerant Solutions

Our technicians are trained in low-GWP refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B, ensuring that your system complies with 2025 EPA mandates and remains serviceable for years to come.

Preventive Maintenance with Smart Monitoring

Pairing our Preventive Maintenance plans with our remote monitoring technology allows you to spot inefficiencies early, reduce downtime, and control energy costs across all your properties.

Custom Recommendations for Rebates & Green Upgrades

We help you navigate Hawaii Energy’s rebate programs and offer tailored recommendations on how to integrate energy-saving systems that make financial and operational sense for your business.

What You Can Do Today

Whether you manage a retail center, hotel, or commercial office space, now’s the time to take proactive steps:

Schedule a system evaluation with Alltemp
Ask us about refrigerant compliance and energy audits
Upgrade to monitoring-enabled AC systems that report performance in real time

Bundle services with our Preventive Maintenance plans for discounted service rates and priority support

UH Mānoa’s net-zero push isn’t just a campus initiative—it’s the future of building management across Hawaii. Smart HVAC and refrigeration upgrades are becoming essential, not optional.

Alltemp is here to help you navigate this transition confidently—with expert guidance, compliant technology, and proactive support designed for the demands of the islands.