It is a time of angst and opportunity for the refrigeration industry, according to Tim Edwards, the inaugural president of the Australian Refrigeration Association (ARA).
Speaking at the formal launch of the newly formed group in early May at Parliament House in Sydney, Edwards said current standards being applied to the industry were unacceptable.
He said it is an industry that accepts 30 per cent leakage in current systems along with greenhouse emissions that are too high.
“This is an industry that is responsible for about 11 per cent of national GHG emissions,” Edwards said. “I believe we can halve that figure, reduce emissions by 50 per cent in the next 10 to 15 years.
“It is time for us to step up to the challenge by improving system design and efficiency.”
Edwards believes that central to this goal is the introduction of carbon pricing. He said the ARA can distinguish itself from other groups by supporting carbon pricing on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
“The ARA is the only industry group to actually welcome the introduction of carbon pricing,” Edwards said.
While he admits the levy will increase refrigerant prices significantly, he said refrigeration and air conditioning industry stakeholders need to address this issue because it will benefit everyone.
The ARA estimates carbon pricing will contribute to around five per cent annual growth to industry.
“Our industry will actually benefit commercially while at the same time reduce emissions,” Edwards said.
“There is a great deal of work to do to enable the HFC levy to achieve its objectives and the ARA should take a leadership role throughout this transition.
“We aim to assist all participants in the industry because we face a common challenge and opportunity. The transition to better refrigerant emissions management and low GWP refrigerants will increase industry profitability.”
He said refrigeration and air conditioning suppliers can reduce their exposure to the levy by reducing leakage and by adopting proven energy efficient, low GWP solutions.
“To a significant extent the impetus for establishing the ARA derives from the introduction of carbon pricing on HFCs and the impending phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),” he said.
Edwards said the other driver behind the formation of the ARA was the need for greater emphasis on refrigeration issues.
The launch was hosted by Greens Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), John Kaye, who expressed his full support for the ARA.
“It is great to be in the company of people that take global warming seriously,” he said adding that this level of commitment from industry groups is necessary for the survival
of the national economy.
The ARA has also launched its own website at www.ausref.org.au