Worldwide concern for the global climate has emerged with the recognition of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere and with reports of increased average global temperatures. The adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the ongoing international efforts to address this issue are indicators of the heightened level of concern. While some uncertainty remains as to the influence of human activities on climate, a majority of scientific opinion supports the view that some effect already is discernible.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are three GHGs that have important applications as refrigerants, heat transfer fluids, and blowing agents for insulating foams.

Buildings should be evaluated based on their projected energy requirements and emission of refrigerants. HVAC&R systems contribute GHG releases directly and indirectly through energy-related effects and directly through the effect of refrigerant losses.

The release-related contributions to climate change are addressed by minimizing emissions of refrigerants (that have global warming characteristics) from systems or processes into the atmosphere. The lowest release-related impacts can be achieved by incorporating rigorous refrigerant conservation measures during design, manufacture, installation, operation, service, recovery and ultimate disposal.

Energy-related impacts (contribution to carbon dioxide releases) are addressed by reducing the energy consumption of equipment, systems, and buildings and by modifying user behavior.

Both release-related and energy-related effects must be considered in a life-cycle environmental approach. Primary are those factors that affect the energy consumed in the operation of the building during its useful lifetime in addition to the selection of energy-efficient equipment. Contributing factors as part of the design process are choices in building envelope alternatives, types of insulating materials, lighting and daylighting, glazing and fenestration, natural ventilation and energy-recovery opportunities, and operational issues such as temperature control, environmental quality. All of these considerations have an impact on the HVAC&R requirements.

Current climate change concerns stem from the potential for human activities to enhance the greenhouse effect. This enhancement could result in a climate shift beyond any rate experienced in recorded human history.

ASHRAE will take a lead role in addressing the sources of building-related emissions. Doing so, requires that ASHRAE undertake identification, research, development, and dissemination of the technologies, related standards, methods and data to control emissions. The focus must address the entire building including the heating, ventilation, and cooling loads and the systems that provide comfort control.

ASHRAE will take a leadership role in promoting the use of life-cycle, environmental and economic impact assessments in building design and operation. The scientific evidence clearly suggests that responsible, cost-effective measures should be adopted in the building industry. Care must be taken to ensure that near-term economic concerns do not discount long-term environmental impacts.

ASHRAE will continue to emphasize improving energy efficiency/utilization in HVAC&R technology to minimize emission of CO2 from energy use; CO2 dominates the considerably smaller effects of releases of refrigerants that are GHGs. In addition, ASHRAE will continue to encourage the proper handling of all refrigerants to minimize losses to the atmosphere.

ASHRAE recommends that decision-makers consider all environmental impacts prior to taking actions in response to climate change: e.g., it would be counterproductive to require that refrigerant substitutes have low global warming potentials (GWPs), which at the same time may result in higher energy requirements or compromised safety. Integrated assessments and balance are needed in addressing environmental issues to avoid solutions that remedy one problem at the expense of another.

ASHRAE will provide information and technology to support voluntary actions and the development of public policies.

APPROVED BY:

The Climate Change Position Document/Position Statement Committee – 22 June 1999

Technology Council – 23 June 1999

Board of Directors – 24 June 1999

Revision Date: July 20, 1999

©1999 ASHRAE. All Rights reserved.