Around 8 % of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to refrigeration/air conditioning technology. A quarter of this is due to the release of climate-damaging refrigerants. The refrigerants currently used in air conditioning units are fluorinated or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons (HFCs), which are harmless to the ozone layer but have a high global warming potential.
The use of these fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) is regulated in the so-called EU F-Gas Regulation in order to significantly reduce the marketing and use of these climate-damaging substances. However, there is also a flourishing black market for HFC refrigerants, which works against the EU targets.
Prior1 is committed to sustainability. Therefore, the use of climate-damaging refrigerants and their replacement with HFO refrigerants is not justifiable for the company. Instead, Prior1 relies on natural refrigerants, such as water, propane,CO2 or ammonia, and will only offer refrigeration systems with these refrigerants from 2023. This decision brings with it a whole range of technical and commercial challenges. Those responsible in companies are aware that there may be business disadvantages, but are willing to accept this.
