It is simple mathematics. We can only emit 990 billion tonnes of CO2 between 2012 and 2100 if we want to keep the rise of global temperature to less than 2 degrees. HFC phase-down and a direct transition to natural refrigerants can help eliminate 5-8 billion tonnes of CO2e.
Adopting AC technology that is both cost-effective and energy-efficient could save over 192 terawatt-hours per year by 2020-the same amount of energy as produced by 64 medium-sized power plants.
Appliances are rated with energy stars based on power efficiency. Energy efficiency of an appliance is improved by 10-30 per cent with the use of low GWP alternatives. Each star rating signifies a reduction in power consumption by around 6-8 per cent. For example, a 1-star refrigerator will consume nearly 750 units (kWh) of electricity a year. That comes to over two units a day. Whereas a 5-star rated refrigerator will consume only a little over 300 units a year, less than one unit a day. Therefore, low GWP alternatives will have climate and energy benefits.
Godrej is the first and only company in India that makes 100 per cent environment friendly refrigerators with help from GIZ-a German Federal Government enterprise. These refrigerators are 100 per cent free of chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons and HFCs. Godrej is also registered in the Bureau of Energy Efficiency as a participant in the Energy Standards and Labelling Programme. Its split ACs are 5-star rated. It uses naturally available hydrocarbon technology.