BEAM Plus Existing Buildings

64 / 188

BEAM PLUS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS MATERIALS ASPECTS (MA)
V ERSION 1.2 MA P1 USE OF NON -CFC BASED REFRIGERANTS
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 46
3 MATERIALS ASPECTS 3.P PREREQUISITE
MA P1 USE OF NON-CFC BASED REFRIGERANTS
EXCLUSIONS Building using split-units and / or window units.
OBJECTIVE Reduce the release of chlorofluorocarbon into the atmosphere.
REQUIREMENT Using no chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in HVAC&R
systems.
ASSESSMENT The Client shall submit a report by a suitably qualified person giving
details of the HVAC&R system installed and demonstrating that no
chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants used in HVAC&R systems.
BACKGROUND Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the major contributory substances of
serious ozone depletion. The reaction between a CFC and an ozone
molecule in the earth’s stratosphere contributes to catalytic destruction of
ozone. Due to ozone depletion, increased UV exposure leads to
increases in skin cancer (e.g. Malignant Melanoma and Cortical
Cataracts), damage to plants, and reduction of plankton population in the
ocean’s photic zone.
In 1985, the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered, causing worldwide
concern. In 1987, representatives from 43 nations signed the
to limit CFC usage. At Montreal, the participants agreed to
freeze production and phase-out use of CFCs. Since the adoption and
strengthening of the Montreal Protocol has led to reductions in the usage
and emissions of CFCs.
The U. as developed and
implem epletion substances
(ODSs) lude programs that
ended nufacturers to label
products either containing or made with chemicals that have significant
ODSs.
In Hong Kong, the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap. 403) 1989
gives effect to Hong Kong’s international obligations to control the
manufacture, import and export of ozone depleting substances [ 1 ].
Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants) Regulation 1994
requires the conservation of controlled refrigerants used in large scale
installations and motor vehicles [2]. Ozone Layer Protection (Products
Containing Scheduled Substances) (Import Banning) Regulation 1993
prohibits the import of portable fire extinguishers containing halons and
other controlled products from a country or place which is not a party to
the Montreal Protocol unless the Authority considers that it complies with
the requirements of the Protocol.
Banning the usage of CFCs in refrigerants slow the ozone depletion and
global climate change. Non-CFC building equipment has standard
specification. New non-CFC HVAC&R equipments is cost and energy
effective. Selecting non-CFC HVAC&R equipments may increase energy
saving and equipment efficiencies.
1 Environmental Protection Department. A Concise Guide to the Ozone Layer Protection Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance.
2 Environmental Protection Department. A Concise Guide to the Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants)
Regulation