In summary, if you operate any refrigerated or air-conditioning (RAC) equipment which contains Flurinated Greenhouse (F gas) or Ozone Depleting (OD) gases, you must be aware of the legislation surrounding these gases.
Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere. Their effect can be much greater than carbon dioxide. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) are all types of F gas.
Users of stationary refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems are the largest single source of F gas emissions, representing nearly 27% of the 2005 UK total. In terms of emissions, the most significant sectors are supermarket refrigeration, industrial refrigeration and buildings air conditioning.
F gases form part of the Kyoto Protocol’s ‘basket’ of greenhouse gases. Action to contain, prevent and reduce emissions of F gases is being taken by the EU as part of its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. The UK and the EU, are signatories to the protocol and the UK is therefore committed to reducing its emissions.
In 2006, the EU introduced the EU F gas Regulation. The obligations in this regulation are fleshed out by a number of European Commission Regulations that provide extra detail and introduce minimum requirements which must be complied with.
The EU framework has been fully implemented in Great Britain by the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009 (FGG Regulations 2009). Northern Ireland has its own similar regulations.
Full details of Great Britain’s F Gas Regulations can be found here