Serving western Canada's sheet metal industry

In a new position document, ASHRAE outlines its support for research, assessment and strategic growth in the use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, air and water in refrigeration systems and technologies. ASHRAE’s Position Document on Natural Refrigerants can be read at <www.ashrae.org/positiondocuments>.

As the industry searches for alternatives that have low globalwarming potential, natural refrigerants are gaining increased interest. These refrigerants offer the potential to improve the environmental performance of refrigeration systems, according to ASHRAE.

“In light of the current global scenario, ASHRAE’s response to the demand for environmental sustainability is to promote the development of systems that use natural refrigerants, safely, economically and efficiently,” says Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president.

With this position document, ASHRAE demonstrates its commitment to:

• the application of natural refrigerants

• the development of strategic relationships to advance natural refrigerants

• the consideration of natural refrigerants in existing and new guidelines, codes, and standards

• the provision of guidance and education to policy makers and the public

• the creation and dissemination of methods and tools for environmental assessment of refrigeration systems

• the publication of technical information highlighting best practices from a safety, reliability, and efficiency standpoint

• the promotion of authoritative information on natural refrigerants through seminars and publications

For more information please visit <www.ashrae.org>. SMJ