A refrigerant-tracking database has been launched by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association to enable refrigeration and air-conditioning contractors to meet the requirements of a imminent European Union environmental directive.

The proposed directive – known as the F-gas regulation – is intended to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The directive is due to come into effect from 2008. It will make it the responsibility of the end user to ensure a refrigerant does not leak and that it is returned to the supplier at the end of its life.

The refrigerant database is a voluntary scheme to allow a contractor to create an audit trail from refrigerant supplier to transportation cylinder and on to the plant.

Graeme Fox, vice-chairman of the HVCA’s refrigeration and air-conditioning group, said firms should consider joining the scheme now because “a mandatory refrigerant handling scheme is closer than people think”.

HFCs have a high global warming potential when released into the atmosphere. The proposed EU regulation contains obligations to cut HFC emissions by 8% by 2012.

The scheme was developed by trade body Register of Companies Competent to Handle Refrigerants (REFCOM) and is administered by Welplan. It has been recognised by industry body the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Board.

REFCOM member companies will automatically be accepted into a new national mandatory refrigerant-handling scheme without the need for costly reassessment.

Source

Building Sustainable Design