Government introduces regulations to reduce environmental impact.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced plans to manage synthetic refrigerants and decrease emissions caused by greenhouse gases in heating and cooling products. Regulations will support a product stewardship scheme for these substances, found in heat pumps, cold stores, and vehicles.
The move is part of New Zealand's second emissions reduction plan, which outlines measures to meet the country's climate change target for this decade and transition towards net-zero emissions. Product stewardship involves producers, brand owners, importers, retailers, or consumers taking responsibility for reducing environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle.
A voluntary scheme called Cool-Safe, run by The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants since 1993, will be mandatory once regulations take effect. This includes onshore destruction and tracking of synthetic refrigerants across their life cycle. Those involved in the industry must meet specific training standards to sell or recover these substances.
The new scheme aims to significantly reduce emissions caused by leaks from poor equipment installation and management, as well as improper disposal. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds welcomed this initiative, stating it will protect the environment, decrease emissions, and ensure a healthier future for communities.