The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) recently called for the early phase-out of HFCs as refrigerants. As those with air conditioning jobs would know, these groups of chemical compounds have proved to have negative effects on the environment such as ozone depletion.

By phasing out HFCs, the UK would be one of the world leaders in making air conditioning jobs environmentally friendly. ?It?s important to look at the actions of the UK Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry in terms of its role in global development,??? explained Eionnuala Walravens, EIA?s global environment campaign coordinator. ?What?s really at stake here is the transition being made in developing countries. They have an opportunity to leapfrog HFC technologies. It?s imperative that Europe embraces low-global-warming-potential technologies. How can we ask them to go green if we refuse ourselves????

However, HFCs advocates within the RAC industry argue that the refrigerants are more efficient than all available alternatives. If the chemical compounds can be successfully contained within properly designed and maintained refrigeration and air conditioning systems, then their GWP will be considerably restricted. In other words, the responsibility of protecting the environment falls on the shoulders of those with refrigeration and air conditioning jobs.

Furthermore, many believe that an early phase-out of HFCs would cause huge upheaval within the RAC industry, particularly at a time when those with air conditioning jobs have just started their training in the containment, prevention and reduction of emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases. It would seem unfair that politicians in the UK and Europe decide to phase out HFCs before determining whether relevant F-Gas regulations are effectively implemented and can really help reduce leakage.

Finally, those with air conditioning jobs still debate on whether HFCs are the most energy efficient refrigerants or easy to contain. According to Eurammon, the European initiative for natural refrigerants, consumers are now looking for refrigeration and air conditioning systems that are sustainable and energy-efficient, with ammonia being acknowledged as the most efficient of all available refrigerants. ?If there is no clear target for HFC phase-out, industry will not invest in new technologies,??? stressed Monika Witt, chairperson of Eurammon.