General information
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are chemical compounds commonly used in the foam, refrigeration, and air conditioning sectors that destroy the protective ozone layer and contribute to climate change. It is essential to reduce and phase out the use of HCFCs in industry practices. Currently, the most common alternatives to HCFCs are hydrofluorocarbons, (HFCs), which are non-ozone-depleting substances (ODS), but still have high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
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The refrigeration systems in a supermarket account for between 30% and 60% of the electricity consumption. In order to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of retail refrigeration systems, sector stakeholders (supermarket owners/ managers, technology providers, maintenance service providers, and consultants) need to make some decisions.
Montreal Protocol & Climate Change
Kigali Amendment
Aiming at protecting the climate and the ozone layer, in October of 2016, during the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in Kigali/Rwanda, over 170 countries agreed to amend the Protocol. The Kigali Amendment aims for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by cutting their production and consumption. Given their zero impact on the depletion of the ozone layer, HFCs are currently used as replacements of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), however, they are powerful greenhouse gases. With the Kigali Amendment, the Montreal Protocol will be an even more powerful instrument against global warming. The amendment will enter into force on 1 January 2019, provided they have ratified it by at least 20 parties. The goal is to achieve an over 80% reduction in HFC consumption by 2047. The impact of the amendment will avoid up to 0.5 °C increase in global temperature by the end of the century.
Projects
The National Ozone Unit within the Department is responsible for the execution of all Montreal Protocol-related projects.
2010 - 2030
Hydrochloroflurocarob (HCFC)
Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP)
The implementation of the Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) is to Monitor consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) through the importation of refrigerants mainly used in the refrigeration & air-conditioning sector.
Belize only imports HCFCs and most of its importations are of HCFC-22 and a very small percentage of HCFC-141b for flushing purposes in the refrigeration and air conditioning servicing sector.
2020 - 2021
Energy Demand & Consumption Response Project
This project aims to obtain relevant information affecting the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The information is required to establish equipment quality and relative conclusion in desirable power consumption based on application installation and control. The energy consumption quality is based on application location, installation, and equipment quality hence setting parameters for the industry to make necessary changes in the practices of refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
2020-2022
Implementing Enabling Activities for the Ratification of the Kigali Amendment.
The implementation of the enabling activities to allow the early ratification of the Kigali Amendment and to help the National Ozone Unit to fulfil Belize’s initial obligations with regard to HFC phase-down in line with the Kigali Amendment, in line with the ExCom Decision 79/46.