Montreal Protocol meeting highlights Australian refrigerant stewardship as envy of the world
- PostedPublished 16 December 2024
Australia’s reputation as a global leader in lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM) took centre stage at the United Nations Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP) and the Thirteenth Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention (COP) in Bangkok.
Among the delegation was Ian Stangroome, a director of VASA and a board member of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA), whose presence as an observer enabled him to build a vivid picture of Australia’s achievements and its influence on the global refrigerant industry.
Reflecting on Australia’s participation, Stangroome said, “Certainly, Australia is well out in front in that process. Countries were very interested in how we achieved it. How was money raised to make things happen?” His observations underscored Australia’s leadership in implementing a robust, industry-driven refrigerant management framework that other nations now view as a benchmark.
As a director of VASA and a member of the RRA board, he has been deeply involved in advancing refrigerant management practices.
“Certainly, the Australian delegation was given good airtime,” Stangroome remarked.
“The collaboration between industry and government was pivotal to our success, and it was acknowledged openly during the meetings.”
He described the disparity between countries just beginning their LRM journeys and those with mature systems like Australia’s.
“Some are just starting on that journey. Even putting in some basic forms of recovery and reclamation processes seems daunting.”
Stangroome noted that Australia’s model – funded through an import levy and built on a culture of collaboration – was a subject of keen interest.
“It was made very clear that the parties would have loved it if we had a step-by-step process for them to follow,” he said, joking that now Cool Mavericks is complete, VASA was ready to publish another book.
“But what we have was developed over decades of discussion and collaboration – it didn’t happen overnight. We didn’t have this magical plan, it happened over many, many years of discussion, collaboration and involvement with industry, and we ended up with what we’ve got, which although not perfect, seems to be one of the best programs in the world.”
Australia’s journey in lifecycle refrigerant management began over three decades ago with a voluntary initiative that evolved into a co-regulated, industry-led stewardship model. This framework now ensures that refrigerants are recovered, reclaimed, and responsibly disposed of at the end of their lifecycle.
“Globally, the parties would have walked away thinking those Aussies are doing it pretty well,” said Stangroome.
He highlighted how Australia’s proactive maintenance approach and investment in technician training have set it apart, creating an adaptable system that minimises environmental impact while supporting industry growth.
Refrigerants Australia and RRA emphasised the importance of shared responsibility within the supply chain.
RRA chair Greg Brooker said: “Our commitment ensures that policymakers can make informed, practical decisions that truly serve the industry and the environment.”
What could we do better?
Include all refrigerants in regulatory frameworks
Ian Stangroome noted that Australia’s LRM framework has not consistently included all types of refrigerants. He said the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water now seemed to acknowledge the missed opportunity in not initially incorporating every refrigerant in the regulatory model, and that a comprehensive approach would better ensure environmental protection across the board.
End-of-life equipment management
Ian Stangroome emphasised the importance of a structured process for refrigerant handling when equipment’s lifecycle ends. He highlighted that if Australia could further refine and strengthen its end-of-life refrigerant management practices, the country would be “very, very well” positioned in global LRM efforts. This includes ensuring that all refrigerants, regardless of GWP, are responsibly managed and disposed of.
Tackling new refrigerants and PFAS concerns
Ian Stangroome mentioned the challenges with newly introduced refrigerants such as R1234yf and substances associated with PFAS. Given the potential unknowns around these newer substances, Australia might benefit from a cautious approach, continuing to recover and destroy all refrigerants until they are better understood.
Formal documentation for knowledge sharing
Given the global interest in replicating Australia’s LRM model, Ian Stangroome suggested that creating a step-by-step outline or formal documentation could be beneficial. Although the current approach was developed organically over decades, a structured guide could help refine internal practices while supporting other countries interested in adopting similar models.
Challenges in replicating Australia’s model
Despite widespread admiration for Australia’s LRM system, Stangroome observed that many nations face significant challenges in replicating its success.
“Some countries are just starting to think about recovery and reclamation,” he said. “Even putting in basic forms of these processes seems daunting.”
He noted that funding was a common obstacle for many nations and agreed that an Australian style import levy might face resistance in countries with domestic manufacturing or strong industry lobbies.
“There’s also the issue of resources – some countries simply don’t have the capacity to prioritise refrigerant management over other pressing challenges,” he said, pointing out that delegations from nations engaged in conflict and recovering from natural disasters were represented at the meetings.
While some delegates expressed frustration at the pace of progress in their own countries, Stangroome emphasised that Australia’s system is a result of decades of effort and collaboration, which was a central theme in Australia’s presentations at COP/MOP 2024.
Stangroome said Annie Gabriel, assistant director of the Mercury, Ozone and Climate Protection Section at the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, had highlighted during the meeting how government and industry partnerships have enabled Australia to create policies that are practical and enforceable.
He said Ms Gabriel had explained that this collaborative relationship enables Australia to take an iterative approach to policymaking and developing workable regulations.
This culture of dialogue and incremental improvement contrasts with the regulatory approaches of other regions, such as Europe, which Stangroome observed from his time at the meeting as not hesitant to choose the stick over the carrot and agreed that such measures can sometimes lead to unintended consequences like refrigerant smuggling.
He said Ms Gabriel had emphasised during a speech at the meeting that finding a balance was important and that Australia’s model of industry engagement was an example of how balance can be achieved.
RRA general manager Kylie Farrelley said she and the Refrigerants Australia executive director Greg Picker had invited their respective boards to COP/MOP24, who were on the ground with an Australian delegation from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water as well as Australian Refrigeration Council CEO Glenn Evans.
Also from Australia were A-Gas group sustainability compliance manager Elvira Nigido who participated in the LRM workshop in Bangkok with Farrelley (both were on the LRM taskforce within the United Nations Environment Programme Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP), and TEAP member Dr Helen Tope AO.
Expert Group managing director Peter Broadribb whose organisation produces the government-commissioned Cold Hard Facts refrigerant report, was also in Bangkok and was at the meeting to deliver the results of a report into refrigerant leakage rates with Greg Picker, who also presented alongside Grosvenor Engineering Group chair and CEO Nicholas Lianos on the topic of leak rates and how preventative maintenance can save money and enhance the customer experience.
Attending this meeting as a delegation from Refrigerant Reclaim Australia has been invaluable,” said Farrelley.
“Lifecycle refrigerant management is an emerging topic on the global stage, and it was important for the RRA delegation to witness how countries worldwide are now beginning to embrace practices that Australia has been implementing for some time.
“The meeting provided a unique opportunity for RRA board members to contribute to the dialogue, share experiences, and gain fresh insights from others. Engaging in these discussions allows us to stay at the forefront of sustainable refrigerant practices while reinforcing RRA’s role in advancing these initiatives globally.”
Insights from Refrigerant Leakage Research
Refrigerants Australia presented key findings on refrigerant leakage, revealing significant progress in reducing leakage rates since 2000. This was particularly evident in stationary and mobile air-conditioning systems, where improved manufacturing and skilled installation have driven steady declines. Leakage in commercial refrigeration, while reduced, remains higher at 15 per cent annually.
Presenting the research results in Bangkok, Refrigerants Australia executive director Greg Picker described the findings as “robust evidence that good manufacturing practices and competent refrigerant management is both achievable and essential to reducing environmental impact”.
The presentation’s core message was that regular maintenance and high manufacturing standards are pivotal to achieving these outcomes.
Australia’s ability to back its policies with concrete data was lauded as a key strength, further solidifying its leadership role on the global stage.
The future of refrigerant management
Looking ahead, Australia needs to enhance its LRM framework to include all refrigerant types and improve end-of-life processes for equipment that uses refrigerants, which is a major source of emissions.
This will require ongoing collaboration between industry and government, as well as investment in technician training and public awareness.
Refrigerants Australia executive director Greg Picker, who delivered a presentation on the topic of leakage rates in Bangkok, agrees.
“The next step is ensuring all refrigerants are included in regulatory frameworks,” he said.
“Adopting a proactive maintenance approach can bring multiple benefits – reduced emissions, improved energy performance, and a structured end-of-life process.”
At COP/MOP 2024, the Australian delegation emphasised the importance of global collaboration. Countries were encouraged to adopt Australia’s technical practices and its culture of shared responsibility.
“What sets Australia apart is the sense of shared responsibility within the refrigerant sector,” said Greg. Brooker. “From technicians to policymakers, everyone has a role.”
Australia’s participation in COP/MOP 2024 showcased its status as a global leader in refrigerant management. As nations strive to address the environmental challenges posed by refrigerants, Australia’s model offers inspiration and, potentially, a roadmap for success.
