The position paper states that it is a key objective of all members of the RAC Group to deliver to their clients the best possible system performance at the lowest possible cost in terms of energy use. To do so, they regularly design and install systems that make use of refrigerants based on ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, in addition to those based on HFCs.

The paper also makes clear that the refrigeration and some of the air conditioning sector could already operate without HFCs, and that, in the fullness of time, HFCs may be superseded – as has already happened to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is now happening to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). To that extent, the RAC Group is in sympathy with the aspirations of the environmental lobby.

It believes, however, that for the foreseeable future HFCs have a vital role to play in helping users to make the transition from ozone-depleting refrigerant gases (such as the HCFC-based R22, which is already the subject of a phase-out programme owing to its ozone-depleting potential) to more environmentally benign alternatives.

To consider banning HFC use as early as 2011, as part of a scheduled review of the European F-Gas Regulation, is entirely impractical in that it would require wholesale plant replacement programmes which end users simply could not afford to carry out, the RAC Group insists.

“As things stand, HFCs remain the most energy-efficient choice for many applications – for example, in most small to medium-sized air conditioning systems,” the position paper argues. “Refrigerants are currently responsible for just 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions – and some 75% of that figure is accounted for by vehicle air conditioning. “In ten years’ time, when the motor industry has met its phase-out target, HFCs will account for less than 0.5% of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Meanwhile, the refrigeration and air conditioning sector is putting its own house in order so as to minimise the environmental impact of continued HFC use. It has embraced the European F-Gas Regulation and encouraged Government to enforce it rigorously, so that professional standards
are raised and refrigerant leakage brought under control. And it is developing further best practice guidance that goes far beyond the mandatory requirements.

“By 2011, the F Gas Regulation will have been in place for only 18 months. This is not a very long period during which to ascertain whether it is having the desired effect, especially in terms of significant reduction in refrigerant leakage,” the position paper points out.

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