ASHRAE notes HVAC&R industry's role in Montreal Protocol successes.
Press Release Summary:
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, ASHRAE celebrates the efforts of the HVAC&R industries that have played a role in reducing ozone depletion. ASHRAE has continuously developed ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2004 and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007, and also funded research projects concerning ozone destruction, properties of refrigerants, and evaluation of CFC-alternative refrigerants. It has also written and updated its position document on ozone-depleting substances.
Original Press Release:
ASHRAE Notes HVAC&R Industry's Role in Montreal Protocol Successes
ATLANTA - As this week marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Montreal Protocol, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) celebrates the efforts of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industries that have played a role in reducing ozone depletion.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.
"ASHRAE has played a substantial role in stopping further ozone depletion by helping the industry to transition away from ozone-depleting refrigerants," Kent Peterson, ASHRAE president, said. "The Montreal Protocol has shown that when we do what is right for mankind, our initial burden can turn to benefit. Not only has the Montreal Protocol improved the ozone layer, but it also initiated vast technological improvements in air conditioning equipment."
ASHRAE has continuously developed ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2004, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants as new refrigerants that are better for the ozone have been developed. In particular, ASHRAE has traced the development of HCFCs to replace CFCs, and then HFCs to replace HCFCs as technology improved. Now, there is a movement to use "natural" refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrocarbons such as propane and butane.
ASHRAE-funded research projects have also contributed to the successes of the Montreal Protocol. Research has included projects concerning ozone destruction, properties of refrigerants, and evaluation of CFC-alternative refrigerants.
Since the Montreal Protocol, ASHRAE has written and updated its Position Document on Ozone-Depleting Substances, and the Society is currently writing a position document on natural refrigerants.
Since the energy crisis of the 1970s in particular, ASHRAE has been a leader in energy efficiency. Work has included collaborations with the Clinton Climate Initiative, publications such as the Advanced Energy Design Guide series and the ASHRAE GreenGuide, and making ASHRAE's flagship energy standard that is adopted into building codes, ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, increasingly more energy efficient.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
ASHRAE's position paper on Ozone-Depleting Substances can be found at http://www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments.
