OZONE2 CLIMATE

INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE
November 7, 2013
SMX Convention Center,
Pasay, Metro Manila,
Philippines

BUILDING CODES AND

STANDARDS NEEDED TO
ALLOW FOR NEW
ALTERNATIVE
TECHNOLOGIES
Prepared by:

Engr. Ramon D. Aguilos, PME, FPSME, AA

VICE PRESIDENT, PSVARE
VICE PRESIDENT, PGBI

RDA ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS

CODES & STANDARDS

In the Philippines, we have building codes and

standards just like in other countries. For alternative

technologies to be incorporated in the code, the
National Building Code and the Philippine Mechanical
Engineering Code are the possible building codes that
can include the alternative technologies.

CODES

CODES

STANDARDS

11

STANDARDS

12

STANDARDS

United Architects of
the Philippines (UAP)

Philippine Society of

Integrated Institute of
Ventilating Air-Conditioning
Electrical Engineers
and Refrigerating Engineers
(PSVARE)

13

MANUALS

14

CODES & STANDARDS

The use of alternative refrigerants can be

included in the revision of the standards and

codes but the fastest way will be thru
memorandum circular or policies coming from
government agencies like DENR.

WHICH REFRIGERANTS ?

We all know that high Global Warming Potential (GWP) HFC

refrigerants will be the next one to be controlled or to be
phased out so the question is what will be the next
refrigerants that will be used?
Non HFC?
low GWP HFC?
or both?

HIGH GWP HFC

As stated in the UNEP report, options available to minimize

climate change influence of HFC are as follow:

Alternative methods and process.

Using non HFC substance.

Using low GWP HFC.

PHILIPPINES AS CONSUMER

Our country is not a major
manufacturer of air conditioning
equipment. Our manufacturers
normally buy AC components from
other countries and they assemble it and
sold in the local market.

Our split type air conditioning equipment normally

comes from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China and
Thailand.

PHILIPPINES AS CONSUMER

Our big air conditioning equipment normally are US

Brands but comes from China, Taiwan, Thailand and
Malaysia. Other brands comes from the Asian
countries.
We have local manufacturers but they normally source
out the AC components from Asian countries and
assemble it and sold it in the local market.

REFRIGERANTS

At the moment, one supplier in the Philippines is

already promoting the use of R-32 in their ac
equipment. They are not restricted to do that because,
R-32 is not on the ODS lists.

Although there is a planned reduction in the use of
HCFC, others are still using R-22, R123, and they
have not yet opted to introduce new refrigerants for
their ac equipment.

STANDARD FOR THE USE OF

NEW REFRIGERANTS

A common international standards on safety and use of new

refrigerant should be developed so that developing countries can
utilized it in their own countries.
A common specifications for the alternative refrigerants is also
needed to prevent the use of counterfeit refrigerants.
Retraining of technician in the servicing of the alternative
refrigerants should also be conducted.

STANDARD FOR THE USE OF

NEW REFRIGERANTS

International community should also define what is an

acceptable low GWP refrigerants.

If combustible refrigerants will be utilized, the limit on the

amount of refrigerant should be established.

Ventilation requirement for combustible refrigerants should

also be defined and established.

Define specific application of the alternative refrigerants to be

able to select the appropriate refrigerant.

SUMMARY

The use of alternative refrigerant can be included in the

Standards and Codes or it could be thru memorandum circular
or policy created by a government agency like DENR.

Control measures should also be created for the use of high

GWP, HFC refrigerants in addition to the use of alternative
technologies.

International standards on the use of the alternative

technologies are needed for the safe use of these alternative
refrigerants.

Thank you !