The Importance of Considering GWP and Greenhouse Gases

No matter their purpose or type, all refrigeration systems utilise chemicals called refrigerants to control and cool the environment within the cold room fridge or freezer.

The possible impact on the environment for each gas is expressed as their Global Warming Potential or GWP.

But why do we need to consider these greenhouse gases and their GWP in cold room refrigeration systems?

How Do Refrigerants in Refrigeration Systems Affect The Environment?

Some chemicals are considered harmful to the environment, especially common refrigerants.

This can be because they are either a:

• Variety of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – which have demonstrated repeated damage to the Ozone layer, described as the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
• Very potent greenhouse gas – which absorbs infrared radiation and trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that results in global warming affects climate change.

It is possible to limit the effect of refrigerants on the environment, predominantly by choosing the least damaging cold room refrigerant for your system.

What You Need to Consider About Cold Room Refrigeration Systems

In order to limit the amount of impact cold room refrigeration system gasses have on the environment, you should consider:

1) If The Refrigerants Meet F-gas Regulations 2014

The F-gas Regulations 2014 are an example of legislation that controls emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

This legislation limits the amount used, bans the use when better alternatives are available, and prevents emissions by ensuring proper checks, servicing, and gas recovery are carried out.

2) The GWP of Your Chosen Refrigerant

GWP, or Global Warming Potential, defines the relative potency of a greenhouse gas compared to CO² over a specified time interval.

Consider the Environment When Looking for Your Next Refrigeration System Gas

When looking for a new cold room refrigeration system, the refrigerant gas you choose should be as important as the type of refrigeration system you choose.

This is because it affects much more than your business – it can contribute towards the increase or reduction of harmful greenhouse gases.  

If you have any questions or need some help choosing a refrigeration system and refrigerant, our team at UK Cold Room Spares can help. To speak to us, call us on  01886 833 381 or email us at spares@mtcss.co.uk and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.