Low GWP Alternative Refrigerant Learning

A set of free newly updated learning materials are now available from the REAL Alternatives 4 LIFE project. The English versions of nine modules have been developed by a team of international experts as part of an EU co-funded project to address climate change and support the rapid move to alternatives to high GWP refrigerants.

 The fifteen organisation strong team of project partners – trainers, universities and trade associations across the EU – carried out a thorough review of the contents of existing learning materials that were originally developed in 2014.  The review led to the introduction of a new module focusing on Safety and Risk Assessment to highlight precautions needed when handling flammable, toxic and high pressure low GWP refrigerants.  The materials now include the booklets as below available as free downloads from www.realalternatives4life.eu:

1. Introduction to Alternative Refrigerants - safety, efficiency, reliability and good practice
2. Safety and Risk Management
3. System design using alternative refrigerants
4. Containment and leak detection of alternative refrigerants
5. Maintenance and repair of alternative refrigerant systems
6. Retrofitting with low GWP refrigerants
7. Checklist of legal obligations when working with alternative refrigerants
8. Measuring the financial and environmental impact of leakage
9. Tools and guidance for conducting site surveys

To help raise skills levels and awareness across the whole of the EU the materials are going to be translated into an additional 12 different EU languages over the coming months and will be supported by a free e-learning site which has more interactive resources and links. The site is currently being updated and will also offer 13 language versions.   

About REAL Alternatives

REAL Alternatives for LIFE promotes best practice in training for low GWP alternative HFOs, R32, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide and ammonia across Europe – ensuring they are used safely, efficiently, reliably and cost-effectively.  It addresses critical barriers currently preventing more widespread take in the industry by increasing awareness, experience and knowledge levels.  The project is also spreading knowledge about the availability of training for low GWP refrigerants with a presence at some of the most important national, EU and global environmental summits, conferences and events.

 Contact Project Manager Raluca Sisiu, Institute of Refrigeration [email protected] or see the existing project website at www.realalternatives4life.eu for updates.

08-03-2018