OSLO, Norway — William G. Sutton, president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), says the transatlantic partnership between U.S. and European manufacturers of HVACR equipment is "more important and vibrant than ever before."

In a speech at the Eurovent-Cecomaf General Assembly, Sutton said that "as a global industry, we share the common goals of improving consumer comfort, safety, health and productivity worldwide. And in the pursuit of these goals, we face a tremendous range of opportunity, as well as growing and formidable challenges."

He noted that with increasing demand for air conditioning and refrigeration products, "industry representatives from Europe and the U.S. have established strong and prosperous business partnerships. Industry has formed successful political alliances on issues such as refrigerants, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.

"By establishing this common ground, we strengthen the voice of the global industry, and collectively accomplish what is nearly impossible to accomplish alone."

Sutton said that "thanks to innovative manufacturers and dedicated associations and coalitions, air conditioning and refrigeration plays a vital role in improving the quality of life in homes, the workplace, schools, hospitals, industrial plants and institutions throughout the world.

"Whether national, regional, global, or issue specific, numerous industry organizations are working toward the common goal of improving the standard of living and quality of life for our citizens. And while each organization plays an important role in furthering the goals and priorities of the global industry, collectively, these organizations serve to strengthen the global voice and dramatically improve the effectiveness of our industry."

In his speech, Sutton noted the various roles of organizations such as Eurovent-Cecomaf, the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), the Trans-Atlantic Business Dialogue (TABD), the International Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers Associations (ICARMA), and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).

"The air conditioning and refrigeration industry worldwide has faced the challenge of CFC phaseout," said Sutton. "We have transformed the issue into an opportunity to improve the quality of life by restoring the ozone layer, while reducing energy consumption through efficiency gains from replacement equipment using non-CFC refrigerants."

"Now that CFC substitutes have been found, EPEE, TABD, and ICARMA generate a better understanding that these refrigerants, if used in well engineered and efficient systems with strict adherence to responsible use during installation and servicing, have a minimal effect on global warming."

Publication date: 05/26/2003