March 13, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute have announced a public-private partnership that promotes the environmentally responsible use of fluorocarbon refrigerants in the annual manufacture of more than 8 million residential and commercial air conditioning units and refrigeration systems.
The initiative will minimize emissions of two chemicals or “working fluids” in air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act because they deplete the ozone layer. Hydrofluorocarbons have become widely used as substitutes for ozone depleting refrigerants and do not deplete the ozone layer, but are strong greenhouse gases—up to 3,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
The plan contains specific strategies for reducing emissions during all stages of production, including delivery, storage, the transfer of refrigerants and system charging, testing, and refrigerant recovery.
For more information on the new initiative, visit EPA .
