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F GasesFluorinated Greenhouse Gases Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (“F-gases”) are man-made and are used in a number of different sectors in Northern Ireland. Although F-gases do not damage the ozone layer like the CFCs that they have replaced, they are believed to have a very high Greenhouse Warming Potential, are generally long-lived, and are included in the “basket of gases” under the Kyoto Protocol. With the objective of preventing and reducing emissions of F-gases, Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on Certain Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases came into force on 04 July 2006, followed in 2007 and 2008 by a further ten Commission Regulations (Regulations (EC) Nos. 2007/1516, 2007/1497, 2007/1494, 2008/303-308) The F-gases Regulations for Northern Ireland came into operation on 12th May 2009, thereby implementing the requirements of the EC Regulations. The Regulations aim to minimise emissions of F-gases in Northern Ireland. They will particularly affect those who work with equipment in the following sectors - refrigeration systems, air conditioning (including in motor vehicles), heat pump equipment, F-gas based solvents, high-voltage switchgear, fire protection, as well as chemical manufacturers and suppliers. The Regulations specify enforcement responsibilities and penalties for non-compliance with the Regulations, and set out minimum qualification requirements for those who work with F-gases. The Regulations can be viewed in the attachment below. They can also be viewed on-line at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/sr/sr2009/nisr_20090184_en_1 Final Version of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulation (140kb) Should you require further information on the requirements for your business, please feel free to contact the Department through Roger Irwin at: Planning and Environmental Policy Group E-mail: roger.irwin@doeni.gov.uk |
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