New Measures to Control Manufacture, Import, and Certain Uses of Hydrofluorocarbons
December 22, 2014
Environment Canada announced that it is moving forward with regulatory measures to limit the growth of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). It has published a Notice of Intent to Regulate Hydrofluorocarbons in the Canada Gazette outlining the scope of the proposed measures for HFCs, which are considered potent greenhouse gases.
Agreement Includes Cooperative Effort to Begin Phasing Down Use of HFC Refrigerants
November 14, 2014
During his visit to China, President Obama issued a joint announcement with President Xi Jinping of China in which each country agreed to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The United States and China will also enhance cooperation to phase down the use of high global warming potential HFC refrigerants.
It’s Time to Get Involved in the Ongoing Development of New Refrigerants
October 20, 2014
The HVACR industry is always exploring new options that may lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly refrigerants to keep facilities — and the people and technology in them — comfortably cool.
AHRI representatives said the HVACR industry is committing $5 billion over the next decade to research and develop new refrigerants and equipment to help accomplish the phasedown.
Contractors hoping for a final word on the newest refrigerants will have to wait — but maybe only a bit longer. Research continues and most of the studies are focusing on low-GWP HFCs and HFOs. But the good news is that what is currently being worked on could well represent the last generation of refrigerants.
HVACR industry associations, manufacturers, end users, and fluorocarbon producers met with senior White House officials to show support and voluntary commitments to phase down HFCs. Industry coalition the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy and the White House hosted the event Sept. 16 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule that would prohibit some hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in select refrigeration applications. Do you agree with this move?
If hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are to have long-term viability, the low-global warming potential (GWP) versions will have to separate themselves from high-GWP types. And the survivors will have to play their part in energy efficiencies, especially in commercial buildings.