The Integration of Sustainable Design and Responsible Project Management in Designing Complex Product Service Systems: A Case Study of Smart HVAC Control System Design

The increasing demand for energy-efficient and intelligent climate control solutions has driven innovations in Smart HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) control systems. The design of such systems that involve complex decision-making processes face challenges in balancing technological advancements, sustainability requirements, and multi-stakeholder needs. This study investigates how Sustainable Design (SD) and Responsible Project Management (RPM), as strategic approaches, are integrated into the design of Smart HVAC control systems. The data analysis employs a Grounded Theory coding strategy to systematically explore six key dimensions shaping this integration: design triggers, interaction facilitation, integrative design strategies, process management, multidisciplinary knowledge exchange, and project performance evaluation. Through a case study of a Smart HVAC control system project in practice, this study develops a structured understanding of how SD and RPM shape the design and development of a Complex Product-Service System (CoPSS). The findings also offer practical insights for R&D engineers, project managers, and policymakers seeking to optimize the design of Smart HVAC systems.