Global warming is a reality for which we all must take responsibility. As the leader of a company which produces chillers for air conditioning and refrigeration systems around the world, I know that some of the refrigerants we use in our systems – and the overall efficiency of these systems – contributes to the problem. However, I’m encouraged by the arrival of low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) technologies that address these environmental concerns. One such solution – HFO-1234ze – marketed by Honeywell under its Solstice® brand – is readily available.

HFO-1234ze has been a genuine breakthrough and we are now using it in many of our chillers. Non-ozone-depleting and mildly flammable, it has a LGWP of less than 1 and is safe for intended use. HFOs are highly efficient, which adds to its minimal warming profile with reduced indirect emissions, and has the potential to deliver significant cost savings. Another benefit is that this HFO uses the same technical footprint of its predecessor – the familiar HFC-134a – making it easy to incorporate into new chiller designs and reducing the training requirements for engineers and technicians.

Most of our customers use chillers within large infrastructure such as data centres, hotels, supermarkets, shopping centres, hospitals, production lines and manufacturing facilities. They tend to be part of responsible, multi-national organisations. The HFO platform is a welcome development; its advantages allow these customers to focus on innovations in other areas of their business and supports their corporate social responsibility efforts.