The context
The chlorofluorocarbon (CF) and hydrofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant fluids used in cooling systems today are considered to be powerful greenhouse gases.
To prevent climactic changes and global warming, the European Commission has adopted a roadmap for reducing global emissions by 2050.
This directive, which relates to EU regulation No. 517/2014, is called F-Gas:
- Defines rules regarding containment, use, recovery and destruction of fluorinated greenhouse gases and related measures.
- Defines the conditions for introduce on the market certain products and equipment containing HFCs.
- Imposes conditions on certain specific uses of fluorinated greenhouse gases.
- Sets quantitative limits (quotas) for sell on the market HFCs.
This decree is for all companies that install, maintain and sell equipment containing refrigerant
fluids, as well as those that handle and distribute them.
Prevention & restrictions
Prevention of fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions
All equipment must be designed to prevent accidental discharge of greenhouse gas.
Technical measures are taken upstream to reduce leaks to a minimum.
The equipment must have a leak protection system that alerts the owner or a maintenance provider company in the event of leaks (see (EU) regulation No. 517/2014 specifying the leak monitoring methods).
The F-Gas recommendation on fluorinated fluids imposes:
- Frequent inspections
- Qualification of companies and participants.
“Phase Down” quotas
The program calls for gradual reduction of the fluids available on the market from 2015 to 2030.
HFC quantities are reduced to 21% in 2030.
This restriction will require measures, such as regular leak inspection, along with certification and training of operators.
Calendar for introduction on the market (expressed as TEQ CO2)
Usage restrictions for new equipment
New equipment is subject to application restrictions and HFC fluids to availability quotas.
All HFC fluids put on the market are classified according to Global Warming Potential (GWP).
The refrigeration and air conditioning products we are selling are affected by the following dates:
