Beijer Ref is committed to contributing to a sustainable HVAC&R future. As an industry leader in several markets, it is natural that the Group takes a leading role when it comes to driving issues around the development of technology for environmentally friendly and natural refrigerants.
Through our global resources and companies, we are at the forefront of global refrigerant technology and trends, so you can rest assured we have all your equipment needs covered. Together, we can make a real difference to the planet by reducing our impact on the environment.
Environment – Beijer Ref (English)
What is the refrigerant phase down timeline?
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of chemicals primarily used for air-conditioning and refrigeration. When they are built up in the atmosphere, they can increase global warming.
The HFC phase-down was introduced by the Australian government to help Australia achieve its international commitments to the Montreal Protocol. Introduced in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was created to phase-out the production and import of nearly 100 ozone-depleting substances such as HFC refrigerants.
The Australian Government has a goal to combat greenhouse gas emissions so that, by 2036, emissions will be reduced almost 30% from 2005 levels, leading to Australia becoming completely carbon neutral by 2050 (Refrigerants Australia, read more here). An extremely important step in this journey is being dedicated to moves away from the use of substances that had negative impacts on the ozone layer or climate change such as HCFCs which are being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
The HFC phase-down sets an import quota on specified high-GWP refrigerants, based on their cumulative GWP. A quota was introduced in 2018 to reduce usage by 85% in 2036.
What is the GWP?
The Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a rating to measure the ability of a substance to trap heat in the atmosphere. The lower the GWP of a refrigerant, the lower the impact on the environment. Where practical, we should choose the refrigerant type with the lowest GWP.
How do I know if a refrigerant will be obsolete?
Ozone depleting HCFC refrigerants which include R22 and R-123 are being rapidly phased out. If you are looking to replace the R22 in an existing system, there are a number of replacements available such as R407C, R438A or R422D.
A large number of the synthetic refrigerants currently used in refrigeration and air conditioning have a high GWP. High GWP HFCs include refrigerants like R404A, R507 blends and R134a. These represent about 84% of refrigerants in use in Australia, so it is important that their use is phased down in order to reduce and eliminate direct emissions of high GWP refrigerants. There are several alternatives for R404A and R507A including R448A, R449A and R452A. R134a can be replaced with R450A and R513A.
Low GWP alternatives to HFCs include:
-HFCs with lower GWP, such as R32
-Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)
-HFC-HFO blends
-Natural refrigerants
Before replacing, always check with the equipment manufacturer if the equipment is suitable or whether modifications to the unit will be required.
How can I future proof my equipment?
Gas2Go® and the team at Kirby and Beijer Ref Australia are committed to supporting you through the HFC phasedown.
We offer natural refrigerant system solutions through our SCM REF Australia manufacturing business, and our Kirby and Patton equipment is continuously evolving to take lower GWP refrigerants.
We can also help support your business with technical support or training.
The biggest threat is to do nothing. Here are some tips for future-proofing your equipment:
- Most air conditioning and refrigeration equipment may have a lifespan of 5 to 25 years. Make sure the refrigerant used is currently not on the phase down list.
- If you have the choice of using different refrigerants, always select the one with the lowest GWP where possible.
- Make sure that current and future investments in refrigeration and air conditioning are not investments in high-GWP refrigerant-based technologies that may become obsolete that current and future investments in refrigeration and air conditioning are not investments in high-GWP refrigerant-based technologies that may become obsolete