Backgrounder

For immediate release
May 8, 2007

ONTARIO PHASING OUT USE OF POTENT OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCE
Part Of The McGuinty Government’s Initiatives For A Greener, Healthier Ontario

Managing energy use is an essential part of solving climate change. Conserving and using green, renewable energy whenever possible helps reduce our emission of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

Today, the Ministry of the Environment announced new improvements to Ontario’s Refrigerants Regulation O. Reg 189/94. The new amendments will phase-out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in large refrigeration equipment and chillers, and ensure surplus stocks are properly handled.

 Ontario has been working with industry to update the regulation since 2003. CFCs are a potent ozone-depleting substance. The new regulatory amendments designate them hazardous waste in 2012.

 Ozone-depleting substances destroy the earth’s protective stratospheric ozone layer and allow higher levels of ultra-violet (UV) radiation to reach the earth.  Higher UV radiation increases health risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and the weakening of the human immune system, and damages crops and building materials. CFCs also contribute to climate change, as they are a potent greenhouse gas.

Warren Heeley of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) comments on the amendments to Refrigerants Regulation O. Reg 189/94: "This a positive step forward for Ontario and our industry. I am pleased to see that the Ministry of the Environment is encouraging extended producer responsibility through seller take-back of refrigerants containing CFCs. These regulations and resulting stewardship programs will ensure that surplus CFC refrigerants will be safely collected, transported and disposed."

The new regulatory improvements also promote increased energy conservation as industry replaces old outdated chillers and large units with more efficient equipment. By partnering these regulatory changes with energy conservation incentive programs such as the Building and Owners Managers Association (BOMA) program, there is an opportunity for more than 50 megawatts (MW) in savings in energy demand across the province.

The BOMA program represents a $75 million investment by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and is part of a larger initiative being led by the OPA to conserve 330 MW of energy in Toronto by 2010.  Funding will be available from the BOMA program for heating and cooling system upgrades, equipment replacement and alternative heating and cooling systems as well as lighting upgrades and conservation measures.
Other steps the McGuinty government is taking to lead by example, clean up Ontario’s air, and protect the ozone layer:

• Switching to the deep lake water cooling system at Queen’s Park – which uses water from Lake Ontario to cool offices – meaning a 90 per cent reduction in electricity used for cooling Queen’s Park
• Using energy from wind or low-impact hydro generation, purchased from Bullfrog power, at the ministry of environment’s head office

 

For further information:
John Steele Ministry of the Environment (416) 314-6666	Sandra Watts Minister’s Office (416) 314-6739
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ene.gov.on.ca

 

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