Critical of government inaction when it comes to regulating the HVACR industry, the Australian Refrigeration Association (ARA) has prepared a second submission for the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases Management Act Review.
The deadline for submissions closed earlier this month with the Federal Government releasing its final report in early 2016.
ARA president, Tim Edwards, said a second submission was prepared in a bid to put additional pressure on the government.
"We want the government to do more to help the HVACR industry transition to a low GWP future," he said.
"There are hundreds of thousands of individuals in the HVAVCR supply chain that need to be educated about the benefits of using Low GWP HVACR technology.
"The government needs to provide support in the areas of regulation, training and education.
"A vast increase in training, education and communications will be needed to deliver the skills required to use low GWP refrigerants."
The ARA submission calls for a more rapid HFC phasedown and key recommendations include:
A ban on the use of HFC’s in new vapour compression systems with a charge >5 kg by 2025.
Compulsory use of low GWP refrigerants in all new vapour compression systems with a charge <0.150 kg by 2025.
The introduction of a series of mechanisms to deliver minimum energy efficiency benchmarking, skills based refrigeration licensing (as opposed to refrigerant based licensing).
Alignment of WH&S legislation making state and federal WH&S legislation nationally consistent.
The ARA has also called for the introduction of benchmarking for energy efficiency and emissions reduction in all major sectors.
Edwards said there needs to be far greater enforcement of the prohibition on intentional emissions.
"Right now the HVACR industry is based on technologies that are low in energy efficiency and high in direct emissions, this needs to change as a matter of urgency if we are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, said Australia is already making progress towards the global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
He said the original focus of the Montreal Protocol was to phase-out ozone-depleting gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
"That focus has now turned to expanding the Montreal Protocol for the phase-down of HFCs which will be a key part of our approach to addressing climate change," Hunt said ahead of climate talks in Paris which begin next week.
"Australia took a lead role in the reduction of the previous generation of harmful ozone depleting gases and is now working towards phasing-down the domestic use of HFCs by 85 per cent by 2036."
Also this week the Government is working to increase participation in the Carbon Neutral Program through a series of industry roadshows.
“The Carbon Neutral Program certifies organisations, products, services and events and is similar to the 'heart foundation tick'.
“The Carbon Neutral Program is a great way for businesses large and small to be recognised for their climate change commitment," Hunt said.