Time, Labor, and R-22 May Quickly Run Short Due to Accelerated HCFC Step-Down Schedule
Refrigerant solutions essential to help meet the new, accelerated terms of the Montreal Protocol, which will eventually phase out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) R-22, will be the focus of the DuPont Refrigerants exhibit at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration (AHR) Expo – the world’s largest heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration trade show event – in New York City at the Javits Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2008. Visitors at the show can find DuPont at booth 1259.
"In about 100 weeks we expect that the HVAC&R industry will experience an increasingly tight supply of R-22, as well as available labor to support the transition to alternatives," said Diane Iuliano Picho, global business manager, DuPont Refrigerants. "Implementing immediate reclamation and recovery practices and proactively transitioning to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) alternatives such as DuPont™ ISCEON® refrigerants is critical for equipment owners and contractors. Transitioning to alternatives now, rather than retrofitting in an emergency, is environmentally responsible and just makes good business sense."
DuPont offers the broadest portfolio of cooling technologies designed to lead the industry toward more sustainable environmental and performance solutions. These include DuPont™ ISCEON® refrigerants, a complete family of easy-to-use, non-ozone-depleting HFC retrofit refrigerant blends, and DuPont™ Suva® HFC refrigerants.
In September 2007, the Montreal Protocol was revised to accelerate the phaseout of R-22 and other HCFCs as a means of further protecting the ozone layer. Under the new terms of the Montreal Protocol, developed nations are obligated to meet the accelerated schedule through reduced production and consumption of HCFCs. Within the United States, the HVAC&R industry must attain 75 percent reduction of HCFCs by 2010 versus the original consumption cap of 65 percent. Retrofitting existing equipment now with easy-to-use, cost-effective and non-ozone depleting alternatives, such as DuPont™ ISCEON® refrigerants, is one way equipment owners and contractors can transition away from HCFCs and minimize an anticipated R-22 shortfall or any potential business disruption, including expected labor shortages as the 2010 phaseout deadline approaches. Stepped up efforts to encourage greater participation in R-22 reclamation and recycling is another area of emphasis for the company.
DuPont representatives will participate in two key presentations at the ASHRAE Winter Meeting. Mack McFarland, chief atmospheric scientist, DuPont Fluoroproducts, will be part of a panel addressing issues updates on climate change, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 11:00 a.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 10:30 a.m., Barbara Minor, engineering fellow, DuPont Fluorochemicals, will speak about next generation refrigerants with low global warming potential, which are in development for mobile air conditioning.
DuPont Fluorochemicals is a leading global supplier of refrigerants, using science and technology, market knowledge and global reach to provide sustainable materials and solutions to enhance personal comfort, enable food preservation, improve industrial processing and reduce environmental footprints.
DuPont – one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 18 years ago – has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue as well as research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
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01/14/2008
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