Denmark and Austria have won the right to maintain their current strict rules on the use of fluorinated gases.

Known as F-gases, these have a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide and are widely used in residential and commercial air-conditioning equipment.

The EU's proposed F-Gas Regulation aims to restrict the use of fluorinated gases. But countries such as Denmark and Austria already have much stricter laws in place.

The European Commission and individual EU governments are concerned that inconsistent rules on F-gases in different member states would disrupt the EU's internal market, keeping products allowed in one member state locked out from other markets.

An agreement was reached through the EU's Conciliation Committee which will allow Austria and Denmark to keep their stricter laws and also enable other EU member states, such as Sweden, to adopt stronger national laws if they desire. The move is seen as an important step in reducing greenhouse gases and in enabling the EU to meets its Kyoto targets.

Source

Building Sustainable Design