DETERMINING THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY LEVEL ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY PERCEPTION IN THE HVAC SECTOR

Abstract

The circular economy provides an integrated approach to reducing waste, improving resource productivity, and reshaping production and consumption patterns in line with sustainable development objectives. Given its high energy demand, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) industry represents a particularly important setting where circular transition can generate meaningful environmental gains alongside economic value. This study examines whether and to what extent the organizational sustainability of companies in Türkiye's HVAC sector influences their views on the circular economy. Survey data were obtained online from 157 firms of varying sizes (small, medium, and large). Organizational sustainability was assessed across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, while circular economy perception was measured with multidimensional measurement scales. Following reliability analyses and confirmatory factor analysis, the hypotheses were tested using multiple regression and ANOVA. The results indicate that each sustainability dimension is positively and significantly associated with circular economy perception, with economic sustainability emerging as the strongest predictor. Moreover, sustainability levels and circular economy perceptions differ significantly by firm size and years in operation, suggesting that tailored policy instruments and firm-level support mechanisms are needed to accelerate circular adoption in the HVAC sector.