The 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol

Australia celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol at a landmark event in Parliament House last week which recognised the successful contribution made by the HVAC&R industry.

Certificates were presented to industry heavyweights Steve Anderson and Michael Bennett for the important role they have played in phasing out ozone depleting substances since the historic signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

Presenting the certificates the parliamentary secretary for sustainability Senator Don Farrell said the Australian Government recognises the efforts made by several Australians for their sustained, long-term commitment to ozone layer protection, for contributing to national leadership on this issue and helping to create a lasting international legacy.

The event was held on September 13, 2012 and follows a call for nominations earlier this year for Australians prominent in the area of ozone protection and implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Nominations were sought from relevant industry, scientific and technical organisations, both domestically and internationally.

Of the nominations received, seven individuals were recommended to receive certificates; two from industry, four from a science or technology background, and one ex-government official.

Refrigerants Australia executive director Steve Anderson was presented with a certificate for "his leadership of Australian industry to phase-out the consumption of ozone depleting substances in advance of Montreal Protocol obligations, and for his initiative in establishing an Australian product stewardship scheme for refrigerants to reduce emissions."

Refrigerant Reclaim Australia CEO Michael Bennett was recognised for"his leadership on, and management of, an Australian product stewardship scheme for refrigerants that has successfully destroyed thousands of tonnes of waste refrigerant, and for his support of research on emissions of ozone-depleting substances in Australia."

It has been 25 years since damage to the Earth’s protective ozone layer sparked unprecedented worldwide action and the signing of the Montreal Protocol. Since then 196 countries have ratified the Montreal Protocol.

Australia was one of the first to ratify the agreement and continues to be a leader in the phase out of ozone depleting substances. In many cases, Australia is well ahead of the Protocol requirements.

For example, Australia will largely phase out consumption of HCFC by 2016, four years ahead of the schedule required under the Protocol.

In doing so, Australia will consume 61 per cent less HCFC in the period to 2020 than permitted under the Montreal Protocol - even after the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed in 2007 to advance HCFC phase out globally.

Australia’s HVAC&R industry has always been an active participant and supporter of the Montreal Protocol and over the years has received recognition for its efforts.

Certificates were awarded to the Association of Fluorocarbon Consumers and Manufacturers of Australia in 1996 as well as Refrigerant Reclaim Australia in 1995.