Early last February, the European Commission presented what is known as the Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age. This project is incorporated into the wider Green Deal, the main purpose of which is to help companies reach zero net emissions and climate neutrality.
Smart (or intelligent) cities are urban conurbations that use technology to offer residents a better quality of life and make public services more efficient, while reducing the environmental impact. This process is made possible via the use of high tech systems including sensors, monitoring devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless connectivity and data analysis.
The digital transition is proceeding more slowly in professional firms than in other sectors, where competitiveness is the driving force behind the pursuit of innovation. Although in such a context the digital transition may appear to of limited significance, it is important to note that the data gathered indicates a proactive trend, spurred on by a desire to move with the times.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently put forward a proposal to reduce HFCs by the year 2024. According to the document presented by that organisation, the main objective is to lower US production and consumption of fluorinated gases by 40% compared to previous levels.
The topic of sustainable refrigeration was one of the most hotly debated issues at the annual QualEnergia forum, held in Rome last November. The two-day event hosted professionals, leading cold sector companies, Italian and European NGOs and several representatives of political groups involved in promoting a decarbonised economy.
In light of the fact that propane (R290) heat pumps have already displayed significant performance efficiency as well as remarkable environmentally friendly features, Germany has recently launched a project designed to offer citizens customised solutions in order to substitute traditional heating systems (such as gas or oil) in blocks of flats with this new equipment.
During a recent session of the European Parliament, a proposal was made to introduce a total ban on HFC and HFO refrigerants. The request was put forward by the Vice-Chair of the EU Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), Bas Eickhout.
Recent research designed to forecast the progression of the refrigerants market, has shown that that market is expected to reach a value of 8.4 billion dollars with a CAGR of 6.2% by the year 2027.
A recent UN report has highlighted progress made on the NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) Plans set out by the countries who signed the Paris Agreements are not sufficient to meet targets agreed at European level.
Created as part of the 2007 budget legislation, the Kyoto Fund provides subsidies for those who need to carry out work on specific types of public buildings in order to make them more energy efficient.
The correct installation and maintenance of insulation panels in cold storage chambers ensures that the equipment is fully operational. In order to help professionals in that sector follow proper procedures, a technical guidance note was recently published, designed to prevent any problems or malfunctions.
The CoolLIFE Project was set up on November 8th last year and is a promising initiative included in the European LIFE CET (Clean Energy Transition) programme, the primary objective of which is to meet increased demand for modernisation work related to cooling buildings more effectively.
