New Zealand is signed up to all the following global legislation impacting on climate change and the environment.

- The UN’s Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the multilateral environmental agreement of 1987 that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). To date, the Protocol is to date the only UN treaty ever that has been ratified every country on Earth - all 198 UN Member States

- the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol which requires the limitation of Hyydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) consumption, so the volumes we are permitted to import will decrease over time.

- the Basel Convention, an international treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between different nations. It requires countries to deal with their waste onshore wherever possible. New Zealand ratified this convention in 1994.

- the Ozone Layer Protection Regulations 1996, which supports the Kigali Amendment through a scheme that limits the import of bulk HFCs.

- the Climate Change Response Act 2002, which makes it an offence to knowingly release a synthetic greenhouse gas while working with equipment containing synthetic refrigerants

- the 2020 Minister for the Environment declaration of synthetic greenhouse gases as a priority product, requiring regulated Product Stewardship.

Synthetic Refrigerants are measured in terms of Ozone Depleting Potential ( ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). The lower the number for ODP and GWP, the better for the planet. And don't forget that some refrigerants are natural.

Mandates like the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment have influenced the type of refrigerant used across New Zealand. HCFCs have significantly reduced in favour of HFCs. Over time, we expect to see these HFCs replaced by HFOs as Kigali takes effect.

As part of the Recovery synthetic refrigerant destruction process, a sample of each cylinder is taken, allowing us to see the types of refrigerants being destroyed.

Certain molecules, such as 143a and R32, are flammable in high enough concentrations. As the proportions of these molecules increase in the mix being collected and destroyed, we'll continue to adapt to maximise recovery and destruction.

As the proportions of these molecules increase in the mix being collected and destroyed, further investment in infrastructure will be required so we can manage the changing risk profile of the operation.

Since 1999, the collective efforts of the HVACR industry recovering refrigerant through Cool-Safe recovery programmes, have prevented the release of 38,551 tonnes of Ozone Depleting gases and 1,437,500 tonnes of Global Warming Potential gases into the atmosphere.