The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers approved an Ozone-Depleting Substances Position Statement and Paper at its 2001 winter meeting in Atlanta. The document commits ASHRAE to take a leading role in addressing ozone-depleting substance use for refrigeration and air conditioning, continuing to conduct research on alternative refrigerants and technologies, as well as assisting in the timely transition to such alternatives.

The paper also describes governmental actions in the United States.

Energy efficiency must be a key consideration in developing new technologies that do not contribute to ozone depletion, the organization stated. ASHRAE supports overall environmentally balanced solutions to atmospheric concerns. Actions taken at the expense of energy efficiency would not represent a balanced approach.

Free copies of the paper can be downloaded at www.ashrae.org beginning in March.

Links

• The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers