Just as times change, the new year brings with it changes and modifications of importance to the industry. In 2008, the focus will be on two key aspects: energy saving and refrigerant substitution. This is not to say that they are new issues, but for two years now, such elements have undoubtedly been the industry's greatest concern, given the global interest in controlling the effects of development on the environment.
In terms of refrigerants, the year will be marked by several pressures to find a new compound that meets the needs of the majority, because although everything seems to indicate that HFCs will continue to gain ground in America, in Europe the terrain seems not to be so easy, because in that region there are more attempts with the issue of global warming. There they will try to consolidate CO2, which comes with force, although in Latin America there is still a lack of consolidation of the use of natural refrigerants. It is also important to start developing legislation that is more demanding with the practices of maintenance and repackaging of compounds.
On the other side is energy saving. In developed countries this has become a major concern about electricity costs; the proof of this is the entry into force of new minimum energy standards for equipment as varied as dishwashers, dehumidifiers, cold rooms and electric motors, among others. This is the result of the signing of the decree on energy independence and security, signed at the end of last December.
This year it will be necessary to analyze which Latin countries are beginning to take both factors seriously, since what has been done so far has been more than anything sporadic efforts by governments. 2008 could be the year of change for our industry, including in Latin America; let us hope so, because it is time to take really serious positions when it comes to the future of the planet.
Julian Arcila Restrepo
Editor
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