Industry Input Required to Improve Operation of F Gas Regulations in the UK - 11/5/2010
The EU Commission has launched the F-Gas Regulation Review, as mandated by Article 10 of the Regulation. This states that “By 4 July 2011, the Commission shall publish a report based on the experience of the application of this Regulation and may make proposals for revision of the Regulation”.
The purpose of this review is straightforward – to assess and evaluate the success of the F-Gas Regulation to date.
The EU Commission will, as part of this process:
- Review international and national markets and policies on all F-Gases;
- Assess the effectiveness of the current Regulation;
- Identify technically feasible, effective, efficient and consistent options for further EU action;
- Analyse the economic, social and environmental impacts of identified options.
To ensure the views and experience of UK industry are recognised, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) will be collating industry comment on operation of the F-Gas Regulation in the UK. A UK industry position paper will then be presented to UK Government.
“ACRIB’s intention is to develop an industry position on what the review should take into account in order to improve the way the Regulation operates in the UK. This will be an important opportunity for those affected by the F-Gas Regulation in the UK to make their views known,” said Mike Nankivell, Chairman of the ACRIB F Gas implementation group.
The assessment and evaluation process will include:
- Assessment of impact on emissions and projected emissions plus cost effectiveness.
- Assess whether additional F-Gases should be added.
- Evaluate Training & Certification Programmes.
- Assess need for new emission control standards.
- Evaluate effectiveness of containment measures.
- Assess/propose modifications to the reporting requirements by producers.
- Assess best environmental practices concerning prevention and minimisation of emissions.
- Summarise development of technology regarding foams.
- Assess if alternatives to sulphur hexafluoride in sand casting.
- Assess if inclusion of further products and equipment containing F-Gases is technically feasible & cost effective, taking account of energy efficiency.
- Assess if the Regulation provisions concerning global warming potential of F-Gases should be amended taking account of technological and scientific developments and need to respect industrial product planning timescales.
- Assess the need for further action in light of existing and new international commitments regarding reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Where necessary will make appropriate proposals for revision of relevant provisions of Regulation.
Further information will be published in the UK trade press and on www.acrib.org.uk over the next few months.