New guide from CESA explains what foodservice operators need to know about new EU regulations
As part of the requirements of the Kyoto Protocols, the EU is introducing new regulations to help control fluorinated greenhouse gas (F-Gas) emissions. The European Fluorinated Gases Regulation which came into force in July 2007 is currently being revised, the most important new measure being proposed is the phasing down of the supply of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the most commonly used of the F-Gases. This is part of an initiative that will reduce European HFC supplies to 21% of 2015 levels by 2030.
In order to help operators understand the new directives CESA has put together a guide outlining the new changes to the regulations and the responsibilities of operators and users introduced by them. The main focus of the regulations is to minimise the emission of F-Gases from equipment, through leak reduction, repair, containment and recovery. The responsibility for this lies with caterers, operators and users of catering refrigeration rather than those selling or servicing it.
These responsibilities can be boiled down to setting up a regular schedule of inspections, repairing leaks as soon as possible, ensuring the recovery of F-Gases by certified personnel and the installation of leak detection systems on systems weighing over 300kg.
“The reduction of fluorinated gases is a key part of the Kyoto Protocols,” explains Glenn Roberts, chair of CESA. “This guide explains everything caterers need to know about the timeline the new regulations sets out for the phasing out of these gases”.
The guide is available to download from CESA’s website www.cesa.org.uk
The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) is the authoritative voice of the catering equipment industry, representing over 190 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on CESA visit www.cesa.org.uk