86 / 248
BEAM P
LUS FOR
N
EW
B
UILDINGS
M
ATERIALS
A
SPECTS
(M
A
)
V
ERSION
1.2
M
A
P2 U
SE OF
N
ON
-CFC B
ASED
R
EFRIGERANTS
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 65
3
M
ATERIALS
A
SPECTS
3.P
P
REREQUISITE
M
A
P2 U
SE OF
N
ON
-CFC B
ASED
R
EFRIGERANTS
E
XCLUSIONS
None.
O
BJECTIVE
Reduce the release of chlorofluorocarbon into the atmosphere.
R
EQUIREMENT
Using non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in HVAC&R
systems.
A
SSESSMENT
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 are being used in the
HVAC&R systems.
B
ACKGROUND
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 Montreal
Protocol 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, the usage and emissions of
CFCs has reduced.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) has developed
and implemented regulations for management of ozone depletion
substances (ODSs) in the United States. The regulations include
programs that ended the production of ODSs and require the
manufacturers to label products either containing or made with
chemicals that have significant ODSs.
In Hong Kong, the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap. 403) 1989
[1] gives effect to Hong Kong’s international obligations to control the
manufacture, import and export of ozone depleting substances. Ozone
Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants) Regulation 1994 [2] requires
the conservation of controlled refrigerants used in large scale
installations and motor vehicles. 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 slows the ozone depletion
and global climate change. Non-CFC building equipment has standard
specification. New non-CFC HVAC&R equipment is cost and energy
effective. Selecting non-CFC HVAC&R equipment may increase
energy saving and equipment efficiencies.
1
Environmental Protection Department. A Concise Guide to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance.
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/laws_regulations/comp_guides/files/cgto_olpo_eng.pdf2
Environmental Protection Department. A Concise Guide to the Ozone Layer Protection (Controlled Refrigerants)
Regulation.
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/laws_regulations/comp_guides/files/cgt_olp_cr_eng.pdf