United States.
ASHRAE commended the governments that participated in the adoption of the HFC amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which will result in a global phase of reduction in the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The decision comes from ASHRAE and major U.S. government agencies, associations and construction industry companies launched a multi-million dollar research program that will establish a more robust factual basis on the properties and use of flammable refrigerants.
The research is part of a $5.8 million program funded by ASHRAE, the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Appliance Manufacturers Association (AHAM), the California Air Resources Board (CARB). and Johnson Controls. This program is part of an ongoing global effort to gradually decrease the use of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and the proper identification of climate-friendly alternatives.
"Flammable refrigerants hold great promise for reducing the use of HFCs in refrigerants and thus reducing the environmental impact of air conditioning and refrigeration," said Tim Wentz, President of ASHRAE. "ASHRAE applauds the Kigali Amendment and is pleased to be a research partner for reduction and to better understand how to safely implement flammable refrigerants."
The agreement contemplates the reduction of HFCs equivalent to 80b metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2047 and thus avoid almost half a degree C of global warming. Several ASHRAE members were among those attending the Protocol meetings. Among them were Jim Wolf presidential member of ASHRAE and Bill McQuade Director at-Large of ASHRAE.
"Updating product safety standards and building codes to include A2L refrigerants is essential to the success of this agreement," McQuade said. "Interest in our A2L research program for the parties was very high. In fact, several indicated their interest in becoming a partner and funding additional research in the future."
ASHRAE is a member of the HVACR Workforce Development Foundation, which is dedicated to leading an industry effort to develop and promote educational projects, programs, and partnerships to attract engaged and skilled employees toward a career in HVACR. For more information about the Foundation visit www.careersinhvacr.org.
Source: ASHRAE Colombia Chapter.
