ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) applauded the decision of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol (MP) to work toward an amendment in 2016 to include HFC refrigerants in the treaty’s purview, with a goal of working toward a schedule to phasedown their use across the globe. AHRI said it has long supported including HFCs in the phasedown plan under the MP.

“Even as other MP signatories have debated the original North American Proposal to include HFCs, AHRI’s member companies — including refrigerant producers and original equipment manufacturers — have been proactively researching potential alternatives to HFCs to ensure that air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers have access to appropriate refrigerants,” said Stephen Yurek, AHRI president and CEO.

AHRI noted that it is currently managing a research program, known as the Low-Global Warming Potential Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program (Low-GWP AREP), which has been underway since 2011. Subsequent to the results of the program, AHRI established a committee to investigate flammable refrigerants that are being considered as alternatives to high-GWP refrigerants such as HFCs.

“This is a revolutionary agreement and we are looking forward to being part of the process of developing an amendment in 2016,” said Yurek.

Publication date: 11/7/2015

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!