Holmes said that the improvements provide many benefits to societies around the globe, and protect the environment for future generations.

“All around the Earth, there is strong and growing interest in equipment that improves the way people live,” he said. “Technology improvements in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment can make our lives more comfortable.”

One key idea Holmes got across was the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from everyday use.

“The phaseout of CFC chillers drove manufacturers to produce units that rely on approved alternative refrigerants such as hydrochlorofluoro-carbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluoro-carbons (HFCs),” he said. “In the United States alone, these new chillers are saving seven billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually [and avoiding] production of four million tons of carbon dioxide. And, they reduce operating costs for building owners and enhance return on investment.”

He also pointed out that developed nations, like the United States, are already preparing for the phaseout of HCFC-22. For long-term use, “HFCs offer solutions to global warming concerns, energy efficiency, and energy costs without endangering workers or requiring extensive equipment modifications or relocations.”

Publication date: 03/26/2001