EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
The two-day programme saw various
interesting presentations, panels, and
debates on the best way forward for
South Africa and our industry, particularly
with regards to moving towards natural
refrigerants and how government
and industry can work together. Many
important industry stakeholders from all
over the country were in attendance,
including training providers, national
government, association representatives,
equipment suppliers and manufacturers.
GOING NATURAL
The message from René Schieritz of the
Southern African German Chamber
focused the 2019 theme for World
Environmental Day on Air Pollution, with its
social media slogan, ‘#BeatAirPollution’,
aptly calling for action to combat this
global crisis.”
World Environmental Day is designated
and recognised globally on 5 June to
encourage us all to consider how we can
change our everyday lives to reduce
the amount of air pollution we produce
and counter its contribution to global
warming and its effects on our own
health. One way of achieving this goal is
by considering how to reduce or ‘phase
down’ the F-gases in our refrigeration and
air-conditioning industries.
Grant Laidlaw of ACRA/ SAIRAC during the pilot study brainstorming session.
Presenters from HEAT and GIZ, from left: Katharina Arndt (GIZ GmbH), Jascha Moie (HEAT
GmbH), and Edgar Timm (HEAT GmbH).
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of Commerce and Industry was to the
point: “The water crisis in the Western
Cape speaks volumes as to the impact of
climate change on the economy and our
daily lives. The RAC sector has a vital role
to play in mitigating climate change.”
The price advantage of HCFC
refrigerants was referred to by Marius
la Grange, president of the South
African Institute of Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning (SAIRAC). Unfortunately,
HCFCs have an ozone depleting
potential (ODP) and HFCs a global
warming potential (GWP), which are both
damaging to the environment. Natural
refrigerants in the form of CO 2 with a GWP
of only 1 and ammonia with a zero GWP,
are viable options.
Ammonia is a very efficient refrigerant
and been used for many years, mainly
in industrial applications. Proper training
minimises the potential safety hazards
COLD LINK AFRICA •
SEPTEMBER 2019