The Consumer
Fluorocarbon refrigerants damage our environment
Did you know that the fluorocarbon refrigerant contained in air conditioners and refrigerators can be extremely harmful to the environment? In fact, 1kg of refrigerant emissions (R410a) has the same greenhouse impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of running your car for six months. That's why Australia has specific laws, to help protect the environment and minimise any further damage to the atmosphere.
Concerns about the depletion of the ozone layer exist because the ozone layer reduces the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's surface. The ozone layer is also an important part of the global atmosphere-climate system in which present day living organisms, including humans, have evolved. Any significant change to this layer can have far-reaching consequences for human health. CFCs and HCFCs, and other ozone depleting substances are directly implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer.
Only use licensed technicians. A technician that holds a Refrigerant Handling Licence has the training and skills to minimise the emissions of these refrigerants to the atmosphere.
It is an offence for anyone else to handle fluorocarbon refrigerants.
Use the ARC authorised business search to find authorised businesses in your area.
Refrigeration and air conditioning accounts for 20% of Australia's energy consumption
The MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) levels are mandatory requirements for certain products (including air conditioners, refrigerators & freezers) manufactured in or imported into Australia and are specified in the relevant Australia Standards. Everyone has a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Choosing an energy efficient appliance is one way to do this while saving money.
Choose an energy efficient appliance. Look for the energy rating label; the more stars it has, the more efficient the product is.
The less energy it uses, the less it costs you to run and the less damage it does to the environment.
Compare appliances to find the most efficient for your needs.
The science & background
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas, found mostly in a layer of the stratosphere 15-30 km above the surface of the earth.
Ozone depleting substances (ODS) are used in many industries. If emitted these substances break down the ozone layer in the strato
Synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) are most commonly used as replacements for some ozone depleting substances. SGGs present no direct risk to the ozone layer but can contribute significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect if emitted to the atmosphere.
The Antarctic ozone hole is a dramatic thinning of ozone in the stratosphere over Antarctica each spring. This damage is due not only to the availability of ozone depleting substances in the stratosphere, but also specific meteorological conditions that facilitate the destruction of ozone over Antarctica.
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