R22 phase out
R22 is an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) that is used as a refrigerant. It is one of the most commonly used refrigerants in the UK. Examples of its use include:
- Supermarkets.
- Blast chillers.
- Process coolers.
- Air conditioning systems in offices and other commercial buildings.
- Transport refrigeration.
R22 is also an ozone depleting substance (ODS).
From January 1st 2015, EC regulation EC/1005/2009, which relates to substances that deplete the ozone layer, prohibited the use of HCFCs such as R22 and R408A in any form, even for maintenance, in order to protect the ozone layer.
New equipment using HCFCs was banned in 2001 (2004 for small air-conditioning systems), and the use of virgin HCFCs was banned in 2010, when it also became illegal to manufacture HCFC refrigerants or for suppliers to keep them in stock.
From January 1st 2015, a new restriction prevented the use of re-cycled and reclaimed HCFC. The new regulations do not prohibit continued operation of plant using existing quantities of HCFC refrigerant, but prevents invasive maintenance, replacement or topping up.
More modern refrigeration and air-conditioning systems should already comply with regulations. However, older systems may use HCFCs, and as most refrigeration systems leak to a certain extent, 'doing nothing' will cease to be an option. Many of the better maintained systems will accept 'drop-in' non-ODS refrigerants, such as EC F Gas Regulations compliant HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons, including 417A, 422A, 422D, 424A, 427A, 428A and 434A). However these substitutes generally lead to a drop in efficiency and so the system may need to be supplemented with additional compressor and/or heat exchanger capacity.
Badly maintained equipment or old HCFC systems may not lend themselves to conversion and could need complete replacement with a compliant HFC, hydrocarbon, ammonia or carbon dioxide system. Such an upgrade on a 10,000 sq ft office building could cost the tenant or landlord the equivalent of 30% of the annual rent as well as causing considerable disruption. It is likely therefore that landlords and tenants will be looking at the small print of their leases to establish where liability lies for such costs. In some cases the courts may have to determine who pays.
NB On 15 October 2016 it was announced that 170 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, had agreed that all HFCs should be phased out through an amendment to the Montreal Protocol. See HFC phase out for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning inspection.
- BREEAM Impact of refrigerants.
- CFC.
- Deleterious materials.
- EMEA compressor market 2020 - 2023.
- Greenhouse gases.
- HFC phase out.
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFCs.
- Ozone depleting substances.
- Montreal Protocol.
- R404A phase out.
- Refrigerant.
- Refrigerant selection.
[edit] External references
- DEFRA Information sheet RAC 8 – R22 Phase-out (Aug 2011).
- GB Regulations enforcing EC Regulation 1005/2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
- EC/1005/2009.
- UK Government: EC F Gas Regulations.
- Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. May 2006
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.