HC Deb 07 May 1998 vol 311 c444W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage the use of greenfreeze air-conditioning systems by(a) the Government and (b) the private sector. [40549]

Angela Eagle

Hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as the Greenfreeze technology promoted by Greenpeace, are one of a number of refrigerants which may be used in air conditioning systems as an alternative to ozone depleting substances and HFCs. The Government encourage the private sector to sign up to the declaration of intent which it has agreed with the refrigeration industry. This discourages the use of HFCs for any application where a risk of high emissions exists, by promoting the use of safe, reasonably practical, environmentally acceptable and energy efficient alternatives where available.

The Government expect to announce soon a model framework for greening its own operations, which will cover best practice in air conditioning systems.