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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga
The Copperbelt University
P.O BOX 21692
Kitwe.
The Project Coordinator
The Copperbelt University
School of Mines and Mineral Sciences
Environmental Engineering Department
P.O Box 21692
Kitwe.
Dear Sir,
RE: THESIS ON ASSESSING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF REFRIGERANTS AT
THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY.
I hereby present my fifth year project in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the
award of the Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering.
This project report attempts to determine the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant
utilization at the Copperbelt University.
I hope and pray that this report will meet your expectations.
Thank you.
Author’s Signature
…………………………………
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DECLARATION
I, Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga, do hereby declare that this project is my own work and
that to the best of my knowledge, it has not been presented before for any academic
purposes at this university or any other institution. All the sources of information used in
this work have been duly acknowledged.
Student: Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga
Signature: …………………………..
Date: ………………………………..
Supervisor: Dr. G. Kasali
Signature: ………………………….
Date: ……………………………….
Supervisor: Prof. O. Shumba
Signature: ………………………….
Date: ……………………………….
iii
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my late grandmother Mrs. Nancy Joyce Nachilongo Songolo. You
had always told me to put God first and encouraged me a lot when it came to academics.
I would have really loved for you to be here to witness and rejoice to the completion of
my first degree. Thank you for all the wise and spiritual words that have made me the
person I am today. You will forever be missed and may your soul rest in eternal peace.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My greatest acknowledgement goes to our gracious God for the opportunity to reach this
far in life, especially for the good health and strength to carry out the project successfully.
I would like to thank my parents Mr. Christopher P. Mapulanga and Mrs. Maria M.S.
Mapulanga for the endless encouragement, support and for this priceless gift –
EDUCATION. What more would I ask for?
I would also like to thank my supervisor Dr. G. Kasali for his tireless guidance
throughout every stage of my project. Professor O. Shumba and Ms. W. Munthali, thank
you so much and God bless you all.
My fiancé, Lt George Mungwa, the love, encouragement, support and confidence you’ve
always had in me that has helped me rise to greater heights. Thank you for always being
there for me. Wishing you God’s grace even as we start our journey together.
To my grandfather Mr. John N. Songolo, brothers, sisters and all my relatives, I would
like to say thank you for being there for me.
Aunt Mabel and Edwin, you have always given me the best advice and been there to help
me get back up on my feet and carry on with life. Thank you, especially for believing in
me. You are the best and God bless you both.
To my friends Annuciata, Faith, Jacob, Chongo, Jannet,Katende,Makambe, Mukuka,
Muma, Mariah, Mr. E. Machiko, Ndabase, Pamela (Kanamayo), Trisina and the entire
Environmental Engineering 5th
year class of 2014 – Thank you for all the help and
support rendered.
To my roommates Chibwe (Chibz), Chongo (Cho-) and Janice (Jayo), thanks a lot for the
good times we spent together. God bless your studies and stay on campus.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ........................................................................................... i
DECLARATION................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION...................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................... v
LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................viii
LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................. ix
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................. x
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................... xi
CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................. 1
1.0 INTODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Brief background....................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Problem statement..................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Problem justification ................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Hypothesis................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Main objective........................................................................................................... 4
1.5.1 Specific objectives.................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 5
2.0 REFRIGERANTS AS OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES................................... 5
2.1 Refrigerants as GHGs in connection to global warming........................................... 5
2.2 The impacts of refrigerants on human health............................................................ 6
2.3 Carbon footprint of refrigerant utilization at other university institutions................ 7
2.4 The Montreal protocol in phasing out refrigerants.................................................... 7
vi
2.5 The Kyoto protocol ................................................................................................... 8
2.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.................................... 8
2.7 Refrigerant phase out plan in Zambia ....................................................................... 9
2.7.1 Programmes designed to assist in the phase-out of ODS’ in Zambia ................ 9
2.8 Alternatives to the Refrigerant Ozone Depleting Substances ................................. 10
CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................................................... 12
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA .......................................................................... 12
3.1 Data collection methods.......................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Primary data collection..................................................................................... 13
3.1.1.1. Stratified sampling.................................................................................... 13
3.1.1.2 Physical Survey.......................................................................................... 14
3.1.1.2.1 Inspection of Air – Conditioners and Refrigerators for Manufacturer
Labels ................................................................................................................. 15
3.1.1.3 Interviewer Administered Questionnaire Survey....................................... 17
3.1.1.4 Interviewee administered questionnaire survey......................................... 17
3.1.2 ......................................................................................Secondary data collection
17
3.2 Limitation in data collection ................................................................................... 17
3.3 Data analysis ........................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................. 19
4.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Stratified sampling .................................................................................................. 19
4.2 Physical survey of devices ...................................................................................... 20
4.3 Inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels............. 21
4.4 Refrigerator use in hostels....................................................................................... 24
vii
4.5 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions...................................................................... 25
4.5.1 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Air-Conditioners)................................ 25
4.5.2 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Refrigerators) ...................................... 27
CHAPTER FIVE .............................................................................................................. 28
5.0 DISCUSSION............................................................................................................. 28
5.1 Physical survey........................................................................................................ 28
5.2 Inspection of air-conditioners.................................................................................. 28
5.3 Refrigerator use in hostels....................................................................................... 28
5.4 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions...................................................................... 28
CHAPTER SIX................................................................................................................. 29
6.0 CONCLUSION........................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER SEVEN .......................................................................................................... 30
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................ 30
8.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 31
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 32
Appendix 1 – Questionnaire for refrigerator utilizers....................................................... 32
Appendix 2: Annual Leakage rate factors ........................................................................ 35
Appendix 3: HCFC’s, HFCs and PFCs Global Warming Potentials............................... 36
Appendix 4: ZEMA Ozone depleting substances phase out plan..................................... 37
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Overview map of Kitwe ...................................................................................... 2
Figure 2: Overview map of Copperbelt University ............................................................ 3
Figure 3: The Copperbelt University................................................................................ 12
Figure 4: Overview map showing the buildings which were sampled ............................. 12
Figure 5: The Main Library was one of the buildings sampled........................................ 14
Figure 6: Photo showing an old and non-functional air-conditioner at the school of
Engineering....................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 7: One of the fully functional A/C installed at Z221 laboratory at the school of
Mines and Mineral Sciences ............................................................................................. 15
Figure 8: Manufacturer label on external component of A/C containing refrigerant R22 16
Figure 9: Manufacturer label showing refrigerant R134a contained in a Nikura fridge-
freezer refrigerator ............................................................................................................ 16
Figure 10: Photo of refrigerators taken during the inspection in one of the rooms in B -
Hostel................................................................................................................................ 16
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Quantity of air-conditioners................................................................................ 19
Table 2: Physical Survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners ............................. 20
Table 3: Male hostels inventory on refrigerators.............................................................. 21
Table 4: Female hostels inventory on refrigerators .......................................................... 21
Table 5: Refrigerants used in air-conditioners.................................................................. 23
Table 6: Refrigerant distribution in refrigerators.............................................................. 24
Table 7: Refrigerator use in male hostels ......................................................................... 25
Table 8: Refrigerator use in female hostels ...................................................................... 25
Table 9: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners ..................... 26
Table 10: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from refrigerators......................... 27
x
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
1. AIR-CON - Air Conditioners
2. A/C – Air- Conditioner
3. CBU – Copperbelt University
4. CFCS - Chlorofluorocarbons
5. CO2 – Carbon Dioxide
6. ECZ – Environmental Council of Zambia
7. GHGs – Green House Gases
8. GWP - Global Warming Potential.
9. HCFC - Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
10. HFC - Hydrofluorocarbon
11. IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
12. ODS – Ozone Depleting Substances
13. RAC - Refrigerators and Air – Conditioners
14. tCO2– Tonnes of carbon dioxide
15. UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
16. ZEMA - Zambia Environmental Management Agency
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ABSTRACT
The use of refrigerants in domestic, commercial and industrial cooling devices, chillers
and mobile air conditioners have an impact on health. The leakage of a refrigerant can
cause diseases such as loss of coordination and irritation of airways and it can lead to the
increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and in turn contribute to global warming.
This project was undertaken to determine the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant
utilization at the Copperbelt University. The project focused on quantifying the types and
number of devices using refrigerants at Copperbelt University, determining the quantity
and types of greenhouse gases contained in the respective refrigeration devices, assessing
the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with refrigerant and recommendations
on greenhouse gas reduction measures for refrigerant utilization
The selected buildings installed with refrigerators and air–conditioners were sampled and
these included the administrative offices, schools and their respective departments and
student hostels. The data collected from the sampled buildings were analyzed and the
carbon footprint was calculated.
The results obtained show that the emissions from the air-conditioners was higher than
those from refrigerators. Air-conditioners were emitting 52.87572 CO2-eq MT and
refrigerators were emitting 0.27113 CO2-eq MT with the school of business and the
buffalo hostel contributing the most emissions, 7.1145 CO2-eq MT and 0.07224 CO2-eq
MT respectively.
The refrigerant R 22 was the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioners as
compared to the refrigerant R 410a. There were 247 air-conditioners found and of these
228 contained R 22 and only 19 contained R 410a. The building with the most number of
air-conditioners was the university library and administration offices which had 44 air-
conditioners while the hostel with the most number of refrigerators was Buffalo hostel
with 112 refrigerators. The university should consider replacing air-conditioners using R
22 with those using R-410a because it has been banned and is being phased out.
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTODUCTION
This project seeks to aid in the creation of a sustainable green university by measuring
and evaluating the level of its carbon emissions from operations such as refrigerant
utilization. This can be referred to as the carbon footprint of the institution. Measuring the
carbon footprint of an institution is an important step towards raising awareness of the
personal and institutional contribution to its carbon footprint and to global climate
change.
A carbon footprint can be broadly defined as a measure of the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions that are directly and indirectly caused by an activity or are accumulated over
the life stage of a product or service, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (Wiedmann
and Minx, 2007).
According to intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), there are a total of 18
greenhouse gases with different global warming potentials, but under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto protocol, only the
following gases are considered for the purposes of carbon accounting, with others being
regulated elsewhere (IPCC 1990, UNFCCC, 1997):
a) Carbon dioxide, CO2
b) Methane, CH4
c) Nitrous oxide, N2O
d) Hydrofluorocarbons, HFCs
e) Perfluorocarbons, PFCs
f) Sulphur dioxide, SF6
Cooling and refrigeration systems involve the use of refrigerants for their operations.
A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and
refrigeration cycle. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas
and back again. Many working fluids have been used for such purposes. Fluorocarbons,
especially chlorofluorocarbons, were frequently used in the 20th
century, but they are
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being phased out because of their ozone depletion effects. Other common refrigerants
used in various applications are ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and non-halogenated
hydrocarbons such as propane (Siegfried and Henrici, 2002).
New refrigerants were developed in the early 21st century that are safe to humans and to
the environment, but their application has been held up by regulatory hurdles due to
concerns over toxicity and flammability (Rosenthal et al, 2011).
This research will help determine the carbon footprint of the university in relation to the
use of devices containing refrigerants and give a clearer view of the opinions and
attitudes of students concerning their use.
1.1 Brief background
The Copperbelt University is located in Kitwe district on the Copperbelt province in
Zambia. It lies on the latitude 12°48'21.38"S and longitude 28°14'21.29"E of the map of
Zambia.
The figures below show topographical maps of the location of the Copperbelt University
extracted from google earth.
Figure 1: Overview map of Kitwe
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Figure 2: Overview map of Copperbelt University
At the time that the university was established it can be assumed that the use of cooling
systems was very minimal as compared to the present date meaning that there could have
been lesser carbon emissions then.
The use of cooling systems at the university has increased over the past ten to fifteen
years due to the ready availability and affordability of the devices on the market and the
gradual increase in the number of students residing on compass. It is for this reason that
there is currently at least one cooling or refrigeration device in every room at the student
hostels and administrative offices leading to the possible carbon emission increase. This
is due to the refrigerant gases contained in the devices which are dissipated during use.
The refrigerants that are currently of use at CBU are, the R22 (HCFC-22) which is found
in air conditioners and R134a refrigerators found in offices, classrooms, laboratories and
student hostels (Kasali, 2014).
1.2 Problem statement
Refrigerators and air conditioners are being used in almost all the buildings at the
Copperbelt University for refrigeration/freezing and space-cooling purposes. The devices
contain refrigerants which are known to have ozone depletion effects and have the
highest global warming potential (GWP).
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1.3 Problem justification
The success of this project will provide the Copperbelt University with information that
will help come up with ways of reducing the carbon footprint of the university attributed
to refrigerant use.
1.4 Hypothesis
The use of refrigerators and air conditioners at the university may lead to an increase in
the carbon footprint of the university.
1.5 Main objective
This project is aimed at determining the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant
utilization at the Copperbelt University.
1.5.1 Specific objectives
 To quantify the types and number of devices using refrigerants at the Copperbelt
University.
 To determine the quantity and types of greenhouse gases contained in the
respective refrigeration devices.
 To assess the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with refrigerant use
at the Copperbelt University.
 To make recommendations on greenhouse gas reduction measures for refrigerant
utilization.
5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 REFRIGERANTS AS OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
Historically, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment utilized various Ozone
Depleting Substances (ODSs), primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However, in the Montreal Protocol, these ODSs are
being phased out of manufacture and use in the United States. Hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs) and, to a lesser extent, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are used as substitutes for the
regulated ODSs.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (2008) of the USA, HFC emissions
from the refrigeration and air conditioning sector result from the manufacturing process,
from leakage and service over the operational life of the equipment, and from disposal at
the end of the useful life of the equipment. These gases are said to have 100-year space
residence time global warming effects.
2.1 Refrigerants as GHGs in connection to global warming
The impact of refrigeration and air-conditioning installations on climate change has been
principally through energy consumption and the past emissions of CFCs. Now, more
efficient installations and new- generation fluids such as HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)
contribute to a 60% reduction in the global warming impact of refrigeration in the United
States. As such, the refrigeration industry is one of the sectors that has made most
progress in this area.
Substituting CFCs with low leakage HFC systems that have improved efficiency will
mean a net reduction in the effect on the global climate. This is the result of a pragmatic
and responsible approach towards sustainable refrigeration that respects both the safety of
the user and the environment.
Refrigeration equipment consumes electricity, produced in general by burning fossil fuel
that emits CO2 (carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. This gas is the main contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions that could lead to global warming and climate change.
6
Poorly designed, badly maintained installations or refrigeration units abandoned at the
end of their life without recovering or recycling the refrigerant fluid can lead to emissions
into the atmosphere. These emissions are known as the “direct” effect. The substantial
progress made in sealing modern units and in recycling fluids has brought about a
considerable reduction in these emissions.
2.2 The impacts of refrigerants on human health
R-134a is a commercial refrigerant also known as tetrafluoroethane, which is most
commonly found in refrigerators and automobile air conditioners. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency, the chemical has low acute toxicity levels and
presents a low risk to humans exposed to it in small amounts. The majority of hazards
associated with this inert gas arise through inhalation over time or in large amounts. The
other effects include;
(i) Asphyxiation symptoms: According to the National Refrigerants website,
inhalation of R-134a reduces oxygen by 12 -14 percent and can cause symptoms
of asphyxiation. These symptoms include blurred vision, choking, shortness of
breath, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, convulsions and loss of consciousness
into coma or death. Symptoms worsen as exposure to the chemical increases.
These effects develop overtime as R-134a has a low occurrence of acute
reactions.
(ii) Loss of coordination and irritation of airway: A loss of coordination can occur
with inhalation of R-134a because of lack of oxygen reaching the brain. The
inhalation of the chemical also can cause irritation and frostbite in airways, nasal
passages and surrounding skin areas. If the solution is in a mist form, it can settle
in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract and cause gas buildup. This may not be
immediately life threatening, though it causes a good deal of discomfort.
(iii)Heart problems: Excessive inhalation of R-134a has been shown to cause
cardiac arrhythmia according to the National Refrigerants website. This condition
can be life threatening as sudden bio-electrical problems with the heart can cause
arrest and sudden death. Arrhythmia also can cause a stroke or embolism. Those
7
experiencing heart arrhythmia may experience chest pain on par with a heart
attack.
(iv)Tumor growth: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, benign
tumor growth has been shown in land animals exposed to large amounts of R-
134a. While the EPA stresses that the tumor growth was not cancerous, it is still
a potential hazard for workers that come into frequent contact with the refrigerant
as even benign tumors can press against vital organs and cause health problems.
2.3 Carbon footprint of refrigerant utilization at other university institutions
University institutions such as the university of Maryland eastern shore and auburn
university have carried out carbon footprints of their universities using similar methods as
the one to be used in this study.
So far, it appears that there are currently no Universities in Zambia that have calculated
their carbon footprints apart from The Copperbelt University which has been making an
effort to raise awareness towards the personal and institutional contribution to its carbon
footprint and to global climate change since 2013.
2.4 The Montreal protocol in phasing out refrigerants
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to
the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer) is an
international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of
numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for
signature on September 16th, 1987, and entered into force on January 1st, 1989, followed
by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has undergone eight revisions, in
1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna),
1997 (Montreal), 1999 (Beijing) and 2007 (Montreal).
According to Environmental Protection Agency, R-22 is being phased out of production
and importation under the Montreal Protocol, an environmental treaty ratified by every
country in the world designed to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of ozone
depleting substances. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program has
already listed numerous refrigerants with improved environmental, health and safety
8
profiles and continues to evaluate other refrigerants that can be used to replace R-22 and
other ozone-depleting substances.
2.5 The Kyoto protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement on global warming made under the United Nations
Conference on climate change in Kyoto, Japan 1997. The purpose of this agreement was
to address the climate change issue by the reduction of the greenhouse gases. In order for
it to become law, the Protocol should be ratified by no less than 55 countries.
In 1999, it was signed by 84 governments (UNFCCC, 2005). The Annex I countries,
which were responsible for 55% of CO2 emissions in 1990,signed it setting their targets
to reduce the overall emissions by 5.2%, and the CO2 emissions by 13.7%, against the
1990’s benchmark. These targets should have been met by 2012 (DEFRA, 2005).
2.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
This is an international agreement which was launched in 1992, to address the climate
change issue. The United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change was ratified
by 188 countries, which commit to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by the year
2000, to levels lower than the ones of the year 1990. However, a more detailed policy
should be developed that requires a higher reduction of gas emissions. That was the
reason for the establishment of the Kyoto Protocol (DEFRA, 2005). The countries that
agreed to comply with the Convention have to collect and share their greenhouse gases
records and their policies at a national level. These countries have to evolve strategies to
achieve the targets posed by Convention, to adapt to the expected consequences, and to
become familiar with the climate change effects through collaboration. Another
responsibility resulting from the agreement is to support financially and technologically
the developing countries.
Negotiations and all decisions are taken in an annual intergovernmental conference
known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). Until now 19 COPs have taken place with
the twentieth forthcoming in December 2014. Moreover, the COP has the responsibility
of assuring the on-going effort in addressing the issues covered for the climate change. In
addition, COP is in charge of reviewing the Convention implementation, evaluating the
9
Parties’ compliance in parallel with the Convention and examining the impacts of the
existing policy applications. Its task also includes the appraisal of national
communications as well as emissions records by the Parties. As a result, the outcomes
from the reports are evaluated and continuous progress is ensured (UNFCCC, 2005).
The UK is one of the countries that has successfully fulfilled the Convention objectives
and reduced CO2 emissions between the period of 1990 to 2000 by 8.7%, while the
emissions of overall greenhouse gases decreased by 15.3% (DEFRA, 2005).
2.7 Refrigerant phase out plan in Zambia
Zambia recognized the need to protect the Ozone layer and joined the United Nations
member states at the meeting convened in Vienna to discuss the issue further to find ways
of alleviating the problem of the ozone layer. This is in response to the growing scientific
consensus that man-made (CFCs) and Halons are ultimately responsible for the depletion
of the Ozone Layer. The government created the National Ozone Unit to coordinate and
monitor the implementation of the country programme to phase-out ozone depleting
substances.
In re-affirming its commitment, the Zambian government ratified the Vienna Convention
and its Montreal Protocol in January, 1990, and is one of the countries categorized under
Article 5(1) whose consumption levels are less than 0.3 kg per capita. Later in 1994
Zambia as Party to the Montreal Protocol also ratified the London Amendments to the
Protocol. Basing on this, Zambia has developed and established ODS regulations to
control the consumption and monitor the usage of the ODSs. The law is assisting Zambia
to reduce the use of ODS, leading to a complete phase-out, in order to save the ozone
layer for the benefit of the community in Zambia and globally.
2.7.1 Programmes designed to assist in the phase-out of ODS’ in Zambia
Management of environment and natural resources is one of the priority areas of the
Zambian Government. Zambia through ZEMA formally the Environmental Council of
Zambia (ECZ) manages, monitors and protects the environment and natural resources
against effects resulting from the modification of ozone layer from the stratospheric air
pollution.
10
Zambia is a low-volume consuming (LVC) country of ODS whose calculated level of
consumption is less than 0.3 kg per capita at 22.12 metric tonnes per year according to
the baseline data obtained in 1991. However, with the liberalized economy and the
sprouting of new industries and other factors there was an increase in the level of ozone
depleting substances consumption.
(i) Refrigeration Management Plan
Zambia is also implementing the Refrigeration Management Plan (RMP) in
cooperation with a bilateral partner the Germany Technical Cooperation (GTZ) to
manage CFC- refrigerants in most parts of Zambia. This is a comprehensive
programme which embodies such projects like the training of refrigeration air
conditioning technicians, training of Customs Officers, development of legislation
and control regulations and the inventory of ODSs to update the database.
(ii) CFC refrigerants study
Zambia conducted a baseline assessment on CFC consumption in 1991. The
baseline assessment indicated Zambia CFC consumption to be about 22.12 metric
tonnes per year. In 1996 a survey to determine the current amount of ODSs used
in Zambia on both CFCs and methyl bromide was conducted. The results
indicated the consumption to be 35.67 and 44.0 tonnes per year of CFCs and
Methyl Bromide, respectively.
2.8 Alternatives to the Refrigerant Ozone Depleting Substances
According to Environmental Protection Agency (2014) of Ireland, HCFCs have been
used as refrigerant gases since the complete phase out of the older CFC refrigerants. The
most commonly used HCFC refrigerant is known as R22 and has been in widespread use
in applications in many economic sectors. However, all HCFCs are to be completely
banned after 31 December 2014 in Ireland and in Zambia the freeze will take effect after
1 January 2016 and a complete phase out by 1 January 2040. Scientists through the
Ozone friendly technology have developed a number of chemicals for industrial
processes and equipment for refrigeration and air conditioning. These are as follows:
11
(i) Refrigerants
It has been demonstrated that alternative to R-22 for domestic refrigeration
could either be HFC-134a or HC-600a. The leading alternative refrigerant
contender to HCFC-22 for air-conditioning is HFC blends R-410A and R-
407C, while large capacity (>100 kW) equipment use HFC-134a.
Most ships are likely to use alternative refrigerant R-407C and R-404A and
Truck Containers is HFC-134a, this include Buses and Railcar conditioners.
Most of the current Mobile Air Conditioners refrigerant use HFC-134a or R-
404A or 410A. All new vehicles produced since 1995 have been equipped
with HFC-134a.
Other refrigerant options, are Ammonia (NH3, R- 717), Carbon dioxide (CO2,
R- 744), Hydrocarbons and blends (HC-290, HC-600a, HC-127 etc.),
Hydrofluorocarbons and blends (HCF-152a, R-400, R-500), Water (H2O, R-
718).
12
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
The study was carried out at the Copperbelt University of which selected buildings
installed with refrigerators and air – conditioners were sampled.
Figure 3: The Copperbelt University
Figure 4: Overview map showing the buildings which were sampled
13
3.1 Data collection methods
The collection of data was done using two methods. These were primary and secondary
methods of data collection.
3.1.1 Primary data collection
Primary data collection involved stratified sampling, physical survey in which air-
conditioners and refrigerators were inspected for manufacturer labels and interviewer
administered and interviewee administered questionnaire surveys.
3.1.1.1. Stratified sampling
This involved the sampling of buildings installed with air-conditioners and refrigerators.
The following buildings were targeted;
 Administration Offices
i. Academic office
ii. Main administration block
iii. Dean Of Students
iv. Computer center
v. Site six
 The University main library
 The Seven Schools and their respective departments;
i. School Of Business
ii. School Of Built Environment
iii. School Of Engineering
iv. School Of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
v. School Of Mines and Mineral Sciences
vi. School Of Natural Resources
vii. School of Centre for Long Life Education
 The University Clinic
 Commercial outlets;
i. Ecobank
ii. Invest trust Bank
 Student hostels (Antelope, Buffalo, Giraffe, Mwembeshi, Rhino and Zebra
Hostels)
14
3.1.1.2 Physical Survey
A Physical survey was carried out in order to count or quantify the number of air-cons
installed at each of the buildings sampled. Photographs of buildings installed with air–
conditioners were taken as it also assisted in counting the air-cons.
Figure 5: The Main Library was one of the buildings sampled
Figure 6: Photo showing an old and non-functional air-conditioner at the school of
Engineering
External components of Air
conditioners at CBU
administration and main
library Block
15
Figure 7: One of the fully functional A/C installed at Z221 laboratory at the school
of Mines and Mineral Sciences
3.1.1.2.1 Inspection of Air – Conditioners and Refrigerators for Manufacturer
Labels
The inspection of air- conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels on either
their internal or external components was performed in order to find out the type of
refrigerant contained in each appliance and the initial refrigerant charge contained from
the date of manufacture. This is shown in the pictures that were taken during the
inspection below.
16
Figure 8: Manufacturer label on external component of A/C containing refrigerant
R22
Figure 9: Manufacturer label showing refrigerant R134a contained in a Nikura
fridge-freezer refrigerator
Figure 10: Photo of refrigerators taken during the inspection in one of the rooms in
B -Hostel
17
3.1.1.3 Interviewer Administered Questionnaire Survey
This is involved face to face interviews with students residing in the hostels in order to
collect data such as the number of refrigerators in each of their rooms, the age of their
refrigerators, the refrigerant type and refrigerant charge of their devices.
3.1.1.4 Interviewee administered questionnaire survey
Questionnaires were issued out to those students who did not have time to participate in
the face to face interviews but offered to answer the questionnaires in their own time.
3.1.2 Secondary data collection
This involved researching about the chemistry of refrigerants, formulae to calculate
carbon dioxide emissions, the effects of refrigerants on both the environment and on
human health, the impacts of refrigerants on global warming and climate change and the
global warming potentials of each refrigerant from written sources such as journals,
articles, books and the internet.
3.2 Limitation in data collection
The research was successfully carried out but with a number of limitations here and there.
The limitations to my research included the following;
 The major limitation of the project was that quite a number of air-conditioners are
mounted too high on some buildings and some air-cons and refrigerators had
either no manufacturer labels or the labels were faded, hence my inability to
collect some of the data.
 Obtaining information from some students was difficult as some refused to be
interviewed.
3.3 Data analysis
The data collected was analyzed in order to calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent
emissions for both the air-conditioners and refrigerators.
The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for specific devices of each block were
calculated using the method below;
18
1. A list of all equipment that relies on refrigerant gas was made. It included air
conditioners, refrigerators and commercial refrigeration systems.
2. The labels on each of these units were inspected in order to find the recommended
recharge capacity, in kilograms / grams. Recharge capacity represents the total
amount of refrigerant that the unit can hold. For example, a large air conditioner
may have a recharge capacity of 50 kilograms. This information can be found on
the label stuck on the equipment, or in the equipment manual.
3. The global warming potential of each of these refrigerants was determined. The
Climate Registry provides the global warming potential for common refrigerants
(http://www.epa.gov/ozone/geninfo/gwps.html). For example, carbon dioxide has
a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, while R22a has a GWP of 1,700.
4. The labels on each unit were reviewed once more to identify the annual leakage
rate (ALR). If this information cannot be found, EPA Victoria suggests using an
ALR of 0.9 for air conditioners and chillers, 0.23 for commercial refrigerators,
and 0.16 for industrial refrigeration systems.
5. The values for each unit were used in the following formula to calculate carbon
dioxide equivalent emissions in kilograms:
CO2 = Refrigerant * Recharge capacity * Leakage Rate/annum * Number of
years from installation date * GWP.
So an air conditioner with a 50 kilogram recharge rate using R22a would be
calculated as: kilograms of CO2= 50 x 0.9 x 1,700, or 76,500 kilograms.
6. This formula was repeated for all units that utilize refrigerants. The CO2
emissions for all units can be added together to find the total carbon emissions in
kilograms.
7. To convert the kilograms to tons, the values can simply be multiplied by 1000 to
get equivalent values in tonnes.
More details about the values for the leakage rate per annum of both air-conditioners
and refrigerators are shown in the appendix.
19
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESULTS
This chapter contains the findings and analyses of the findings of this study. The findings
are presented in the order that they were obtained
4.1 Stratified sampling
The data collected from the sampling showed that there was a total number of 247 air-
conditioners and 457 refrigerators from the buildings sampled. Their distribution is
shown in the tables below.
In Table 1 it is evident that the university library and administration offices had the
highest number of air conditioners installed while the new site six offices and school of
built environment had the lowest.
Table 1: Quantity of air-conditioners
LOCATIONS QUANITY OF AIR CONDITIONERS
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22
SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2
SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE LONG EDUCATION 15
ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES 32
SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES 28
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES 12
THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 44
COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES 6
K- CLASSES 4
UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8
DEAN OF STUDENTS 4
FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12
NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2
ECO BANK 3
INVEST TRUST BANK 4
DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN CORNER) 6
TOTAL 247
20
4.2 Physical survey of devices
From the physical survey that was conducted, it was observed that there are two types of
devices that use refrigerants for their operation at the university. These were air-
conditioners and refrigerators (Commercial and Household).
The physical survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners was carried out and 247
air conditioners were found at the buildings sampled (Administration offices, University
Library, the seven schools and their respective departments, University clinic and
commercial outlets) and of them all, 208 were functional while 39 of them were non-
functional. The results from the survey are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Physical Survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners
LOCATIONS QUANITY OF AIR
CONDITIONERS
NUMBER OF
FUNCTIONAL
NUMBER OF NON-
FUNCTIONAL
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22 16 6
SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2 2 0
SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE LONG
EDUCATION
15 15 0
ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8 8 0
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11 9 2
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND
NATURAL SCIENCES
32 24 8
SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL
SCIENCES
28 22 6
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES 12 12 0
THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24 21 3
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
44 38 6
COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES 6 6 0
K- CLASSES 4 0 4
UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8 8 0
DEAN OF STUDENTS 4 4 0
FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12 8 4
NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2 2 0
ECO BANK 3 3 0
INVEST TRUST BANK 4 4 0
DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN
CORNER)
6 6 0
TOTAL 247 208 39
21
Table 3 shows the results that were obtained from the three male hostels that were
sampled. Antelope hostel had the highest number of refrigerators in use despite it having
the same number of rooms as Rhino hostel.
Table 3: Male hostels inventory on refrigerators
MALE HOSTELS NUMBER OF
ROOMS/HOSTEL
TOTAL NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS/HOSTEL
Antelope 94 73
Mwembeshi 48 54
Rhino 94 59
Table 4 shows that in the female hostels, Buffalo hostel had the highest number of
refrigerators in use despite it having the same number of rooms as Zebra hostel.
Table 4: Female hostels inventory on refrigerators
FEMALE HOSTELS NUMBER OF
ROOMS/HOSTEL
TOTAL NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS/HOSTEL
Buffalo 103 112
Giraffe 48 66
Zebra 103 93
A total number of 457 refrigerators were found in the in all six hostels and all of them
were in use and fully functional.
4.3 Inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels
The inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels was
performed in order to find out the types of refrigerants contained in the respective
devices. The results obtained showed that the refrigerants found in the devices were;
22
i. HCFC R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane) in air conditioners.
ii. HFC R-410A (blend of R-32 and R125) in air conditioners, where; HFC R-32 is
Difluoromethane and HFC R-125 is Pentafluoroethane
iii. HFC R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) in refrigerators.
iv. HC R600a (Isobutane) in refrigerators.
Table 5 below shows the type of refrigerants contained in the air-conditioners and the
number of air-conditioners using those refrigerants. After inspecting each device for
refrigerant type, it can be said that there were more air-conditioners using R 22 as
compared to those using R 410a. The distribution of these refrigerants in the respective
devices is as follows;
23
Table 5: Refrigerants used in air-conditioners
BUILDING REFRIGERANT
REFRIGERANT
CHARGE
(MTonnes)
NUMBER OF
AIR
CONDITIONERS
Carbon
Emissions C02-
eq (MTonnes)
SCHOOL OF CENTRE FOR LONG LIFE
EDUCATION R 410a 0.00298 15 4.59954
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES R 22 0.0153 44 6.09093
THE ACADEMIC OFFICE R 22 0.01602 24 4.92884
CLINIC R 22 0.00384 10 2.38374
COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES R 22 0.00453 6 0.84762
DEAN OF STUDENTS R 22 0.00272 4 0.9996
K - CLASSES R 22 0.00122 4 1.49328
ST - LECTURE ROOMS R 22 0.00172 8 2.80704
DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN
CORNER) R 22 0.00471 6 2.01164
ECOBANK R22 0.00204 3 0.35904
INVEST TRUST BANK R 22 0.00296 4 0.13668
FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES R 22 0.00172 12 1.3158
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING R 22 0.00943 11 2.82846
SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT R 22 0.00339 2 0.58783
SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL
SCIENCES R 410a 0.00121 4 0.296201
R 22 0.01656 22 4.61274
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS R 22 0.00891 22 7.1145
SCHOOL OF MATHS AND SCIENCE R 22 0.0099 32 6.89979
NEW SITE SIX OFFICES R 22 0.00148 2 0.030192
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES R 22 0.00562 12 2.53225
24
The following results were obtained from the inspection of the type refrigerants contained
in refrigerators.
The results in table 6 show that R 134a was the highest refrigerant used in refrigerators
and its emissions were more than those from the refrigerant R600a which was contained
in only ten of the 457 refrigerators found in the six hostels that were sampled.
Table 6: Refrigerant distribution in refrigerators
HOTEL REFRIGERAN
T
RERIGERANT
CHARGE
(MTonnes)
NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS
USING
REFRIGERANT
CARBON
Emissions C02- eq
(MTonnes)
Antelope R 134a 0.415 73 0.04066
Mwembes
hi
R 134a 0.401 46 0.02479
R 600a 0.186 8 0.00001
Rhino R 134a 0.52 59 0.03976
Buffalo R 134a 0.56 112 0.07224
Giraffe R134a 0.325 64 0.03699
R 600a 0.088 2 0.000005
Zebra R 134a 0.482 93 0.05669
4.4 Refrigerator use in hostels
Interviewer administered questionnaire and interviewee administered questionnaire
survey was carried out in order to find out the number of refrigerators per room of each
hostel. The number of refrigerators per room was also noted. Reference to the appendix
for more details may be made.
The table below shows the results obtained from the male hostels. Antelope hostel had
the most refrigerators and each hostel had a maximum number to two refrigerators per
room.
25
Table 7: Refrigerator use in male hostels
HOSTEL ANTELOPE MWEMBESHI RHINO
NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS IN HOSTEL
73 54 59
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS PER ROOM
2 2 2
The results from the female hostels in Table 8 shows that Buffalo hostel had the most
refrigerators with a maximum of three refrigerators in some rooms. The other two hostels
only had two refrigerators per room in each hostel.
Table 8: Refrigerator use in female hostels
HOSTEL B UFFALO GIRAFFE ZEBRA
NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS
IN HOSTEL
112 66 93
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS PER ROOM
3 2 2
4.5 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions
The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for both air-conditioners and refrigerators was
found after analyzing the data. The results that were obtained are shown in the tables
below.
4.5.1 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Air-Conditioners)
The total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners was calculated and
found to be 52.87572CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes) with the highest emissions coming
from the school of business. The overall results are shown in Table 9 below.
26
Table 9: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners
BUILDING NUMBER
OF A/C
NUMBER OF
FUNCTIONAL
NUMBER OF NON-
FUNCTIONAL
CO2-eq emissions
(MTonnes)
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22 16 6 7.1145
SCHOOL OF BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
2 2 0 0.58783
SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE
LONG EDUCATION
15 15 0 4.59954
ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8 8 0 2.80704
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11 9 2 2.82846
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS
AND NATURAL SCIENCES
32 24 8 6.89979
SCHOOL OF MINES AND
MINERAL SCIENCES
28 22 6 4.90895
SCHOOL OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
12 12 0 2.53225
THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24 21 3 4.92884
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND
ADMINISTRATION
44 38 6 6.09093
COMPUTER CENTREOFFICES 6 6 0 0.84762
K- CLASSES 4 0 3 1.49328
UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8 8 6 2.38374
DEAN OF STUDENTS 4 4 0 0.9996
FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12 8 4 1.3158
NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2 2 0 0.03019
ECO BANK 3 3 0 0.35904
INVEST TRUST BANK 4 4 0 0.13668
27
DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD
(AMERICAN CORNER)
6 6 0 2.01164
TOTAL EMISSIONS 52.87572
4.5.2 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Refrigerators)
The total carbon dioxide emissions from refrigerators were calculated and found to be
0.27113CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes) with the highest emissions coming from Buffalo
hostel. The results are shown in the table below.
Table 10: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from refrigerators
HOSTEL NUMBER OF
REFRIGERATORS
CO2 eq emissions
(MTonnes)
ANTELOPE 73 0.04066
BUFFALO 112 0.07224
GIRAFFE 66 0.03699
MWEMBESHI 54 0.02479
RHINO 59 0.03976
ZEBRA 93 0.05669
TOTAL EMISSIONS 0.27113
28
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 DISCUSSION
This chapter presents a discussion of the results that were obtained from the study. The
results are discussed in the order that they were obtained.
5.1 Physical survey
The building with the highest number of air-conditioners was the university library and
administration offices and the hostel with the highest number of refrigerators was the
Buffalo hostel. During the survey, it was noticed that there were quite a number of non-
functional air-conditioners that were still installed. These non-functional air-conditioners
could lead to an increase in carbon equivalent emissions due to the fact that the gases
contained are not recovered hence all the gases are emitted with time.
5.2 Inspection of air-conditioners
The refrigerants that were in high usage at the university were R22 and R134a in air-
conditioners and refrigerators respectively. It was also noticed that of the 247 air-
conditioners, only 19 are using R 410a and of the 457 refrigerators, only 10 were using
R600a.
5.3 Refrigerator use in hostels
The response from the questionnaires showed that there are some rooms in the hotels that
had a maximum of three refrigerators such as the Buffalo hostel that had a total of 112
refrigerators. This explains why Buffalo hostel was emitting 0.07224CO2-eq emissions
(MTonnes).
5.4 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions
The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of air-conditioners were higher than those from
refrigerators despite the refrigerators being more in number than the air-conditioners.
This was due to the high global warming potentials of the refrigerants contained in air-
conditioners and the existence of non-functional air-conditioners which are still installed
at the university.
29
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 CONCLUSION
1. The objectives of the study were accomplished and it was found that two types of
devices were using refrigerants, these being air-conditioners and refrigerators.
2. There were four types of greenhouse gases contained in the devices and these
were R 22 and R410a in air-conditioners and R 134a and R 600a in refrigerators.
It was also found that there are more air-conditioners using the refrigerant R 22
than those using R 410a and more refrigerators using R 134a than R 600a.
3. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were determined and found to be
53.14685 CO2-eq MT with the emissions coming from both air-conditioners and
refrigerators.
4. Considering the results obtained, it can be said that air-conditioners are currently
contributing more towards the carbon footprint of the university than
refrigerators. This can be seen from the comparison between 247 air-conditioners
which were found to be emitting 52.87572 CO2-eq MT and the 457 refrigerators
which were emitting 0.27113 CO2-eq MT with the school of business and the
buffalo hostel contributing the most emissions, 7.1145 CO2-eq MT and 0.07224
CO2-eq MT respectively.
30
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Having carried out the study successfully with a few challenges, the following
recommendations were made:
1) The university should consider replacing the purchase of air-conditioners using
the refrigerant R 22 with air-conditioners using R-410a because it has been
banned and is being phased out.
2) The use of air-conditioners using R 410a and refrigerators using R 134a and
R600a will help in reducing the carbon footprint of the university.
3) CBU should consider investing in green building technology so that the use of air
conditioners is reduced.
4) CBU must come up with a strategy and policy that will help the university attain a
lower carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant utilization.
31
8.0 REFERENCES
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2005): Climate change:
Action to tackle global warming, Action being taken to tackle climate change [online].
Available from: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
(2005) Essential background [online]. Available from:
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/items/2877.php [Accessed on: 23rd August 2005]
Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Leaders, United States, May 2008.
Greenhouse gas inventory protocol core module guidance. Direct HFC and PFC
Emissions from Use of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment.
Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Leaders, Ireland, April 2014. Refrigerant
alternatives.
George Kasali 2014. Approaches for Carbon Footprint Assessment of Refrigerants,
Agriculture, Wastewater and Paper for Copperbelt University. “Research workshop on
Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Copperbelt University”. Presented at a workshop in
Ndola, Coppeerbelt Zambia on 3rd
– 4th
March, 2014.
Siegfried Haaf, Helmut Henrici “Refrigeration Technology” in Ulmann’s Encyclopedia
of Industrial Chemistery, 2002, Wilely-VCH.
UNFCCC (1997). The Kyoto Protocol to the Convention on Climate Change. Bonn
UNFCCC Secretariat.
Wiedmann, T and J Minx (2007): A definition of ‘Carbon footprint’. Durham, ISA-
Research and Consulting.
32
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Questionnaire for refrigerator utilizers
Select your preferred answer by ticking or writing your answer in the spaces provided.
1. Gender?
(i) Male ( ii) female
2. Occupation
(i) Employee (ii) Student
3. Do you have a refrigerator(s) in your office?
(i) Yes (ii) No
4. If your answer was yes in the previous question, how many are they?
(i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) 4 (v) 5
5. Is it a freezer, bar fridge or fridge-freezer? If two or three of the options apply, tick
both or all that apply.
(i) Freezer (ii) Bar fridge (iii) Fridge-freezer
6. How many are functional?
(i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) All of them (v)
None
7. How many refrigerators are dysfunctional?
(i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) All of them (v) None
8. In what year did you buy your freezer or how old could it be?
(i) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old
(iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know
9. In what year did you buy your bar fridge or how old could it be?
(i) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old
(iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know
33
10. In what year did you buy your fridge-freezer or how old could it be?
(ii) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old
(iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know
11. How many refrigerators have been re-gassed?
(i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv)All of them (v) None
12. What is the refrigerant used in your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or
side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box provided
below.)
Refrigerant -
13. What is the refrigerant used in your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the
back or side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box
provided below.)
Refrigerant -
14. What is the refrigerant used in your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label at the back
or side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box provided
below.)
Refrigerant -
15. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at
the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
(i) Weight (ii) Capacity
16. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the
label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided
below.)
(ii) Weight (ii) Capacity
17. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label
at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
(iii) Weight (ii) Capacity
18. What is the refrigerant input of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or
side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Refrigerant input -
19. What is the refrigerant input of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the
back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Refrigerant input -
20. What is the refrigerant input of your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label at the back
or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Refrigerant input -
34
21. What is the power input (W) of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or
side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Power input (W) -
22. What is the Power input of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back
or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Power input (W) -
23. What is the power input of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or
side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.)
Power input -
35
Appendix 2: Annual Leakage rate factors
36
Appendix 3: HCFC’s, HFCs and PFCs Global Warming Potentials
Chemical
Atmospheric
Lifetime (years)
GWP Use
HCFC-22
(CHClF2)
12.0 1700 Air-conditioners
HFC-32
(CH2F2)
270
264
260
12,240
11,700
12,000
Byproduct of HCFC-22 used in very-
low temperature refrigeration blend
and component in fire suppression.
Also used for plasma etching and
cleaning in semiconductor production.
HFC-41
(CH3F)
2.4
3.7
2.6
90
150
97
Not in use today.
HFC-43-10mee
(C5H2F10)
15.9
17.1
15
1,610
1,300
1,500
Cleaning solvent
HFC-125
(C2HF5)
29
32.6
29
3,450
2,800
3,400
Blend component of numerous
refrigerants and a fire suppressant.
HFC-134
(CHF2CHF2)
9.6
10.6
9.6
1,090
1,000
1,100
Not in use today.
HFC-134a
(CH2FCF3)
14
14.6
13.8
1,320
1,300
1,300
One of the most widely used
refrigerant blends, component of other
refrigerants, foam blowing agent, fire
suppressant and propellant in metered-
dose inhalers and aerosols.
HFC-143
(C2H3F3)
3.5
3.8
3.4
347
300
330
Not in use today.
HFC-143a
(C2H3F3)
52
48.3
52
4,400
3,800
4,300
Blend component of several
refrigerant blends.
HFC- 410a
(53±2% CHClF2 ·13+.5,-
1.5% C2H4F2 ·34±1% C2HF4Cl)
8.514 1725
Blend component of several
refrigerant blends. Used in
refrigerators
HFC- 600a
C4H10
12 ± 3 4 Used as a refrigerant in refrigerators.
37
Appendix 4: ZEMA Ozone depleting substances phase out plan

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Assessing CFU's Carbon Footprint from Refrigerants

  • 1. i LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga The Copperbelt University P.O BOX 21692 Kitwe. The Project Coordinator The Copperbelt University School of Mines and Mineral Sciences Environmental Engineering Department P.O Box 21692 Kitwe. Dear Sir, RE: THESIS ON ASSESSING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF REFRIGERANTS AT THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY. I hereby present my fifth year project in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering. This project report attempts to determine the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant utilization at the Copperbelt University. I hope and pray that this report will meet your expectations. Thank you. Author’s Signature …………………………………
  • 2. ii DECLARATION I, Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga, do hereby declare that this project is my own work and that to the best of my knowledge, it has not been presented before for any academic purposes at this university or any other institution. All the sources of information used in this work have been duly acknowledged. Student: Naomi Suwilanji Mapulanga Signature: ………………………….. Date: ……………………………….. Supervisor: Dr. G. Kasali Signature: …………………………. Date: ………………………………. Supervisor: Prof. O. Shumba Signature: …………………………. Date: ……………………………….
  • 3. iii DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my late grandmother Mrs. Nancy Joyce Nachilongo Songolo. You had always told me to put God first and encouraged me a lot when it came to academics. I would have really loved for you to be here to witness and rejoice to the completion of my first degree. Thank you for all the wise and spiritual words that have made me the person I am today. You will forever be missed and may your soul rest in eternal peace.
  • 4. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS My greatest acknowledgement goes to our gracious God for the opportunity to reach this far in life, especially for the good health and strength to carry out the project successfully. I would like to thank my parents Mr. Christopher P. Mapulanga and Mrs. Maria M.S. Mapulanga for the endless encouragement, support and for this priceless gift – EDUCATION. What more would I ask for? I would also like to thank my supervisor Dr. G. Kasali for his tireless guidance throughout every stage of my project. Professor O. Shumba and Ms. W. Munthali, thank you so much and God bless you all. My fiancé, Lt George Mungwa, the love, encouragement, support and confidence you’ve always had in me that has helped me rise to greater heights. Thank you for always being there for me. Wishing you God’s grace even as we start our journey together. To my grandfather Mr. John N. Songolo, brothers, sisters and all my relatives, I would like to say thank you for being there for me. Aunt Mabel and Edwin, you have always given me the best advice and been there to help me get back up on my feet and carry on with life. Thank you, especially for believing in me. You are the best and God bless you both. To my friends Annuciata, Faith, Jacob, Chongo, Jannet,Katende,Makambe, Mukuka, Muma, Mariah, Mr. E. Machiko, Ndabase, Pamela (Kanamayo), Trisina and the entire Environmental Engineering 5th year class of 2014 – Thank you for all the help and support rendered. To my roommates Chibwe (Chibz), Chongo (Cho-) and Janice (Jayo), thanks a lot for the good times we spent together. God bless your studies and stay on campus.
  • 5. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL ........................................................................................... i DECLARATION................................................................................................................ii DEDICATION...................................................................................................................iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................... v LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................viii LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................. ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................. x ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................... xi CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................. 1 1.0 INTODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Brief background....................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Problem statement..................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Problem justification ................................................................................................. 4 1.4 Hypothesis................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 Main objective........................................................................................................... 4 1.5.1 Specific objectives.................................................................................................. 4 CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 5 2.0 REFRIGERANTS AS OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES................................... 5 2.1 Refrigerants as GHGs in connection to global warming........................................... 5 2.2 The impacts of refrigerants on human health............................................................ 6 2.3 Carbon footprint of refrigerant utilization at other university institutions................ 7 2.4 The Montreal protocol in phasing out refrigerants.................................................... 7
  • 6. vi 2.5 The Kyoto protocol ................................................................................................... 8 2.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.................................... 8 2.7 Refrigerant phase out plan in Zambia ....................................................................... 9 2.7.1 Programmes designed to assist in the phase-out of ODS’ in Zambia ................ 9 2.8 Alternatives to the Refrigerant Ozone Depleting Substances ................................. 10 CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................................................... 12 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA .......................................................................... 12 3.1 Data collection methods.......................................................................................... 13 3.1.1 Primary data collection..................................................................................... 13 3.1.1.1. Stratified sampling.................................................................................... 13 3.1.1.2 Physical Survey.......................................................................................... 14 3.1.1.2.1 Inspection of Air – Conditioners and Refrigerators for Manufacturer Labels ................................................................................................................. 15 3.1.1.3 Interviewer Administered Questionnaire Survey....................................... 17 3.1.1.4 Interviewee administered questionnaire survey......................................... 17 3.1.2 ......................................................................................Secondary data collection 17 3.2 Limitation in data collection ................................................................................... 17 3.3 Data analysis ........................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................. 19 4.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................... 19 4.1 Stratified sampling .................................................................................................. 19 4.2 Physical survey of devices ...................................................................................... 20 4.3 Inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels............. 21 4.4 Refrigerator use in hostels....................................................................................... 24
  • 7. vii 4.5 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions...................................................................... 25 4.5.1 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Air-Conditioners)................................ 25 4.5.2 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Refrigerators) ...................................... 27 CHAPTER FIVE .............................................................................................................. 28 5.0 DISCUSSION............................................................................................................. 28 5.1 Physical survey........................................................................................................ 28 5.2 Inspection of air-conditioners.................................................................................. 28 5.3 Refrigerator use in hostels....................................................................................... 28 5.4 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions...................................................................... 28 CHAPTER SIX................................................................................................................. 29 6.0 CONCLUSION........................................................................................................... 29 CHAPTER SEVEN .......................................................................................................... 30 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................ 30 8.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 31 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 32 Appendix 1 – Questionnaire for refrigerator utilizers....................................................... 32 Appendix 2: Annual Leakage rate factors ........................................................................ 35 Appendix 3: HCFC’s, HFCs and PFCs Global Warming Potentials............................... 36 Appendix 4: ZEMA Ozone depleting substances phase out plan..................................... 37
  • 8. viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Overview map of Kitwe ...................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Overview map of Copperbelt University ............................................................ 3 Figure 3: The Copperbelt University................................................................................ 12 Figure 4: Overview map showing the buildings which were sampled ............................. 12 Figure 5: The Main Library was one of the buildings sampled........................................ 14 Figure 6: Photo showing an old and non-functional air-conditioner at the school of Engineering....................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 7: One of the fully functional A/C installed at Z221 laboratory at the school of Mines and Mineral Sciences ............................................................................................. 15 Figure 8: Manufacturer label on external component of A/C containing refrigerant R22 16 Figure 9: Manufacturer label showing refrigerant R134a contained in a Nikura fridge- freezer refrigerator ............................................................................................................ 16 Figure 10: Photo of refrigerators taken during the inspection in one of the rooms in B - Hostel................................................................................................................................ 16
  • 9. ix LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Quantity of air-conditioners................................................................................ 19 Table 2: Physical Survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners ............................. 20 Table 3: Male hostels inventory on refrigerators.............................................................. 21 Table 4: Female hostels inventory on refrigerators .......................................................... 21 Table 5: Refrigerants used in air-conditioners.................................................................. 23 Table 6: Refrigerant distribution in refrigerators.............................................................. 24 Table 7: Refrigerator use in male hostels ......................................................................... 25 Table 8: Refrigerator use in female hostels ...................................................................... 25 Table 9: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners ..................... 26 Table 10: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from refrigerators......................... 27
  • 10. x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 1. AIR-CON - Air Conditioners 2. A/C – Air- Conditioner 3. CBU – Copperbelt University 4. CFCS - Chlorofluorocarbons 5. CO2 – Carbon Dioxide 6. ECZ – Environmental Council of Zambia 7. GHGs – Green House Gases 8. GWP - Global Warming Potential. 9. HCFC - Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 10. HFC - Hydrofluorocarbon 11. IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 12. ODS – Ozone Depleting Substances 13. RAC - Refrigerators and Air – Conditioners 14. tCO2– Tonnes of carbon dioxide 15. UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 16. ZEMA - Zambia Environmental Management Agency
  • 11. xi ABSTRACT The use of refrigerants in domestic, commercial and industrial cooling devices, chillers and mobile air conditioners have an impact on health. The leakage of a refrigerant can cause diseases such as loss of coordination and irritation of airways and it can lead to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and in turn contribute to global warming. This project was undertaken to determine the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant utilization at the Copperbelt University. The project focused on quantifying the types and number of devices using refrigerants at Copperbelt University, determining the quantity and types of greenhouse gases contained in the respective refrigeration devices, assessing the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with refrigerant and recommendations on greenhouse gas reduction measures for refrigerant utilization The selected buildings installed with refrigerators and air–conditioners were sampled and these included the administrative offices, schools and their respective departments and student hostels. The data collected from the sampled buildings were analyzed and the carbon footprint was calculated. The results obtained show that the emissions from the air-conditioners was higher than those from refrigerators. Air-conditioners were emitting 52.87572 CO2-eq MT and refrigerators were emitting 0.27113 CO2-eq MT with the school of business and the buffalo hostel contributing the most emissions, 7.1145 CO2-eq MT and 0.07224 CO2-eq MT respectively. The refrigerant R 22 was the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioners as compared to the refrigerant R 410a. There were 247 air-conditioners found and of these 228 contained R 22 and only 19 contained R 410a. The building with the most number of air-conditioners was the university library and administration offices which had 44 air- conditioners while the hostel with the most number of refrigerators was Buffalo hostel with 112 refrigerators. The university should consider replacing air-conditioners using R 22 with those using R-410a because it has been banned and is being phased out.
  • 12. 1 CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTODUCTION This project seeks to aid in the creation of a sustainable green university by measuring and evaluating the level of its carbon emissions from operations such as refrigerant utilization. This can be referred to as the carbon footprint of the institution. Measuring the carbon footprint of an institution is an important step towards raising awareness of the personal and institutional contribution to its carbon footprint and to global climate change. A carbon footprint can be broadly defined as a measure of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are directly and indirectly caused by an activity or are accumulated over the life stage of a product or service, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (Wiedmann and Minx, 2007). According to intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), there are a total of 18 greenhouse gases with different global warming potentials, but under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto protocol, only the following gases are considered for the purposes of carbon accounting, with others being regulated elsewhere (IPCC 1990, UNFCCC, 1997): a) Carbon dioxide, CO2 b) Methane, CH4 c) Nitrous oxide, N2O d) Hydrofluorocarbons, HFCs e) Perfluorocarbons, PFCs f) Sulphur dioxide, SF6 Cooling and refrigeration systems involve the use of refrigerants for their operations. A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again. Many working fluids have been used for such purposes. Fluorocarbons, especially chlorofluorocarbons, were frequently used in the 20th century, but they are
  • 13. 2 being phased out because of their ozone depletion effects. Other common refrigerants used in various applications are ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and non-halogenated hydrocarbons such as propane (Siegfried and Henrici, 2002). New refrigerants were developed in the early 21st century that are safe to humans and to the environment, but their application has been held up by regulatory hurdles due to concerns over toxicity and flammability (Rosenthal et al, 2011). This research will help determine the carbon footprint of the university in relation to the use of devices containing refrigerants and give a clearer view of the opinions and attitudes of students concerning their use. 1.1 Brief background The Copperbelt University is located in Kitwe district on the Copperbelt province in Zambia. It lies on the latitude 12°48'21.38"S and longitude 28°14'21.29"E of the map of Zambia. The figures below show topographical maps of the location of the Copperbelt University extracted from google earth. Figure 1: Overview map of Kitwe
  • 14. 3 Figure 2: Overview map of Copperbelt University At the time that the university was established it can be assumed that the use of cooling systems was very minimal as compared to the present date meaning that there could have been lesser carbon emissions then. The use of cooling systems at the university has increased over the past ten to fifteen years due to the ready availability and affordability of the devices on the market and the gradual increase in the number of students residing on compass. It is for this reason that there is currently at least one cooling or refrigeration device in every room at the student hostels and administrative offices leading to the possible carbon emission increase. This is due to the refrigerant gases contained in the devices which are dissipated during use. The refrigerants that are currently of use at CBU are, the R22 (HCFC-22) which is found in air conditioners and R134a refrigerators found in offices, classrooms, laboratories and student hostels (Kasali, 2014). 1.2 Problem statement Refrigerators and air conditioners are being used in almost all the buildings at the Copperbelt University for refrigeration/freezing and space-cooling purposes. The devices contain refrigerants which are known to have ozone depletion effects and have the highest global warming potential (GWP).
  • 15. 4 1.3 Problem justification The success of this project will provide the Copperbelt University with information that will help come up with ways of reducing the carbon footprint of the university attributed to refrigerant use. 1.4 Hypothesis The use of refrigerators and air conditioners at the university may lead to an increase in the carbon footprint of the university. 1.5 Main objective This project is aimed at determining the carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant utilization at the Copperbelt University. 1.5.1 Specific objectives  To quantify the types and number of devices using refrigerants at the Copperbelt University.  To determine the quantity and types of greenhouse gases contained in the respective refrigeration devices.  To assess the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with refrigerant use at the Copperbelt University.  To make recommendations on greenhouse gas reduction measures for refrigerant utilization.
  • 16. 5 CHAPTER TWO 2.0 REFRIGERANTS AS OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES Historically, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment utilized various Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs), primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However, in the Montreal Protocol, these ODSs are being phased out of manufacture and use in the United States. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and, to a lesser extent, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are used as substitutes for the regulated ODSs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (2008) of the USA, HFC emissions from the refrigeration and air conditioning sector result from the manufacturing process, from leakage and service over the operational life of the equipment, and from disposal at the end of the useful life of the equipment. These gases are said to have 100-year space residence time global warming effects. 2.1 Refrigerants as GHGs in connection to global warming The impact of refrigeration and air-conditioning installations on climate change has been principally through energy consumption and the past emissions of CFCs. Now, more efficient installations and new- generation fluids such as HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) contribute to a 60% reduction in the global warming impact of refrigeration in the United States. As such, the refrigeration industry is one of the sectors that has made most progress in this area. Substituting CFCs with low leakage HFC systems that have improved efficiency will mean a net reduction in the effect on the global climate. This is the result of a pragmatic and responsible approach towards sustainable refrigeration that respects both the safety of the user and the environment. Refrigeration equipment consumes electricity, produced in general by burning fossil fuel that emits CO2 (carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. This gas is the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions that could lead to global warming and climate change.
  • 17. 6 Poorly designed, badly maintained installations or refrigeration units abandoned at the end of their life without recovering or recycling the refrigerant fluid can lead to emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions are known as the “direct” effect. The substantial progress made in sealing modern units and in recycling fluids has brought about a considerable reduction in these emissions. 2.2 The impacts of refrigerants on human health R-134a is a commercial refrigerant also known as tetrafluoroethane, which is most commonly found in refrigerators and automobile air conditioners. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the chemical has low acute toxicity levels and presents a low risk to humans exposed to it in small amounts. The majority of hazards associated with this inert gas arise through inhalation over time or in large amounts. The other effects include; (i) Asphyxiation symptoms: According to the National Refrigerants website, inhalation of R-134a reduces oxygen by 12 -14 percent and can cause symptoms of asphyxiation. These symptoms include blurred vision, choking, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, convulsions and loss of consciousness into coma or death. Symptoms worsen as exposure to the chemical increases. These effects develop overtime as R-134a has a low occurrence of acute reactions. (ii) Loss of coordination and irritation of airway: A loss of coordination can occur with inhalation of R-134a because of lack of oxygen reaching the brain. The inhalation of the chemical also can cause irritation and frostbite in airways, nasal passages and surrounding skin areas. If the solution is in a mist form, it can settle in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract and cause gas buildup. This may not be immediately life threatening, though it causes a good deal of discomfort. (iii)Heart problems: Excessive inhalation of R-134a has been shown to cause cardiac arrhythmia according to the National Refrigerants website. This condition can be life threatening as sudden bio-electrical problems with the heart can cause arrest and sudden death. Arrhythmia also can cause a stroke or embolism. Those
  • 18. 7 experiencing heart arrhythmia may experience chest pain on par with a heart attack. (iv)Tumor growth: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, benign tumor growth has been shown in land animals exposed to large amounts of R- 134a. While the EPA stresses that the tumor growth was not cancerous, it is still a potential hazard for workers that come into frequent contact with the refrigerant as even benign tumors can press against vital organs and cause health problems. 2.3 Carbon footprint of refrigerant utilization at other university institutions University institutions such as the university of Maryland eastern shore and auburn university have carried out carbon footprints of their universities using similar methods as the one to be used in this study. So far, it appears that there are currently no Universities in Zambia that have calculated their carbon footprints apart from The Copperbelt University which has been making an effort to raise awareness towards the personal and institutional contribution to its carbon footprint and to global climate change since 2013. 2.4 The Montreal protocol in phasing out refrigerants The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for signature on September 16th, 1987, and entered into force on January 1st, 1989, followed by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has undergone eight revisions, in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 (Montreal), 1999 (Beijing) and 2007 (Montreal). According to Environmental Protection Agency, R-22 is being phased out of production and importation under the Montreal Protocol, an environmental treaty ratified by every country in the world designed to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of ozone depleting substances. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program has already listed numerous refrigerants with improved environmental, health and safety
  • 19. 8 profiles and continues to evaluate other refrigerants that can be used to replace R-22 and other ozone-depleting substances. 2.5 The Kyoto protocol The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement on global warming made under the United Nations Conference on climate change in Kyoto, Japan 1997. The purpose of this agreement was to address the climate change issue by the reduction of the greenhouse gases. In order for it to become law, the Protocol should be ratified by no less than 55 countries. In 1999, it was signed by 84 governments (UNFCCC, 2005). The Annex I countries, which were responsible for 55% of CO2 emissions in 1990,signed it setting their targets to reduce the overall emissions by 5.2%, and the CO2 emissions by 13.7%, against the 1990’s benchmark. These targets should have been met by 2012 (DEFRA, 2005). 2.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change This is an international agreement which was launched in 1992, to address the climate change issue. The United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change was ratified by 188 countries, which commit to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by the year 2000, to levels lower than the ones of the year 1990. However, a more detailed policy should be developed that requires a higher reduction of gas emissions. That was the reason for the establishment of the Kyoto Protocol (DEFRA, 2005). The countries that agreed to comply with the Convention have to collect and share their greenhouse gases records and their policies at a national level. These countries have to evolve strategies to achieve the targets posed by Convention, to adapt to the expected consequences, and to become familiar with the climate change effects through collaboration. Another responsibility resulting from the agreement is to support financially and technologically the developing countries. Negotiations and all decisions are taken in an annual intergovernmental conference known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). Until now 19 COPs have taken place with the twentieth forthcoming in December 2014. Moreover, the COP has the responsibility of assuring the on-going effort in addressing the issues covered for the climate change. In addition, COP is in charge of reviewing the Convention implementation, evaluating the
  • 20. 9 Parties’ compliance in parallel with the Convention and examining the impacts of the existing policy applications. Its task also includes the appraisal of national communications as well as emissions records by the Parties. As a result, the outcomes from the reports are evaluated and continuous progress is ensured (UNFCCC, 2005). The UK is one of the countries that has successfully fulfilled the Convention objectives and reduced CO2 emissions between the period of 1990 to 2000 by 8.7%, while the emissions of overall greenhouse gases decreased by 15.3% (DEFRA, 2005). 2.7 Refrigerant phase out plan in Zambia Zambia recognized the need to protect the Ozone layer and joined the United Nations member states at the meeting convened in Vienna to discuss the issue further to find ways of alleviating the problem of the ozone layer. This is in response to the growing scientific consensus that man-made (CFCs) and Halons are ultimately responsible for the depletion of the Ozone Layer. The government created the National Ozone Unit to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the country programme to phase-out ozone depleting substances. In re-affirming its commitment, the Zambian government ratified the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol in January, 1990, and is one of the countries categorized under Article 5(1) whose consumption levels are less than 0.3 kg per capita. Later in 1994 Zambia as Party to the Montreal Protocol also ratified the London Amendments to the Protocol. Basing on this, Zambia has developed and established ODS regulations to control the consumption and monitor the usage of the ODSs. The law is assisting Zambia to reduce the use of ODS, leading to a complete phase-out, in order to save the ozone layer for the benefit of the community in Zambia and globally. 2.7.1 Programmes designed to assist in the phase-out of ODS’ in Zambia Management of environment and natural resources is one of the priority areas of the Zambian Government. Zambia through ZEMA formally the Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) manages, monitors and protects the environment and natural resources against effects resulting from the modification of ozone layer from the stratospheric air pollution.
  • 21. 10 Zambia is a low-volume consuming (LVC) country of ODS whose calculated level of consumption is less than 0.3 kg per capita at 22.12 metric tonnes per year according to the baseline data obtained in 1991. However, with the liberalized economy and the sprouting of new industries and other factors there was an increase in the level of ozone depleting substances consumption. (i) Refrigeration Management Plan Zambia is also implementing the Refrigeration Management Plan (RMP) in cooperation with a bilateral partner the Germany Technical Cooperation (GTZ) to manage CFC- refrigerants in most parts of Zambia. This is a comprehensive programme which embodies such projects like the training of refrigeration air conditioning technicians, training of Customs Officers, development of legislation and control regulations and the inventory of ODSs to update the database. (ii) CFC refrigerants study Zambia conducted a baseline assessment on CFC consumption in 1991. The baseline assessment indicated Zambia CFC consumption to be about 22.12 metric tonnes per year. In 1996 a survey to determine the current amount of ODSs used in Zambia on both CFCs and methyl bromide was conducted. The results indicated the consumption to be 35.67 and 44.0 tonnes per year of CFCs and Methyl Bromide, respectively. 2.8 Alternatives to the Refrigerant Ozone Depleting Substances According to Environmental Protection Agency (2014) of Ireland, HCFCs have been used as refrigerant gases since the complete phase out of the older CFC refrigerants. The most commonly used HCFC refrigerant is known as R22 and has been in widespread use in applications in many economic sectors. However, all HCFCs are to be completely banned after 31 December 2014 in Ireland and in Zambia the freeze will take effect after 1 January 2016 and a complete phase out by 1 January 2040. Scientists through the Ozone friendly technology have developed a number of chemicals for industrial processes and equipment for refrigeration and air conditioning. These are as follows:
  • 22. 11 (i) Refrigerants It has been demonstrated that alternative to R-22 for domestic refrigeration could either be HFC-134a or HC-600a. The leading alternative refrigerant contender to HCFC-22 for air-conditioning is HFC blends R-410A and R- 407C, while large capacity (>100 kW) equipment use HFC-134a. Most ships are likely to use alternative refrigerant R-407C and R-404A and Truck Containers is HFC-134a, this include Buses and Railcar conditioners. Most of the current Mobile Air Conditioners refrigerant use HFC-134a or R- 404A or 410A. All new vehicles produced since 1995 have been equipped with HFC-134a. Other refrigerant options, are Ammonia (NH3, R- 717), Carbon dioxide (CO2, R- 744), Hydrocarbons and blends (HC-290, HC-600a, HC-127 etc.), Hydrofluorocarbons and blends (HCF-152a, R-400, R-500), Water (H2O, R- 718).
  • 23. 12 CHAPTER THREE 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA The study was carried out at the Copperbelt University of which selected buildings installed with refrigerators and air – conditioners were sampled. Figure 3: The Copperbelt University Figure 4: Overview map showing the buildings which were sampled
  • 24. 13 3.1 Data collection methods The collection of data was done using two methods. These were primary and secondary methods of data collection. 3.1.1 Primary data collection Primary data collection involved stratified sampling, physical survey in which air- conditioners and refrigerators were inspected for manufacturer labels and interviewer administered and interviewee administered questionnaire surveys. 3.1.1.1. Stratified sampling This involved the sampling of buildings installed with air-conditioners and refrigerators. The following buildings were targeted;  Administration Offices i. Academic office ii. Main administration block iii. Dean Of Students iv. Computer center v. Site six  The University main library  The Seven Schools and their respective departments; i. School Of Business ii. School Of Built Environment iii. School Of Engineering iv. School Of Mathematics and Natural Sciences v. School Of Mines and Mineral Sciences vi. School Of Natural Resources vii. School of Centre for Long Life Education  The University Clinic  Commercial outlets; i. Ecobank ii. Invest trust Bank  Student hostels (Antelope, Buffalo, Giraffe, Mwembeshi, Rhino and Zebra Hostels)
  • 25. 14 3.1.1.2 Physical Survey A Physical survey was carried out in order to count or quantify the number of air-cons installed at each of the buildings sampled. Photographs of buildings installed with air– conditioners were taken as it also assisted in counting the air-cons. Figure 5: The Main Library was one of the buildings sampled Figure 6: Photo showing an old and non-functional air-conditioner at the school of Engineering External components of Air conditioners at CBU administration and main library Block
  • 26. 15 Figure 7: One of the fully functional A/C installed at Z221 laboratory at the school of Mines and Mineral Sciences 3.1.1.2.1 Inspection of Air – Conditioners and Refrigerators for Manufacturer Labels The inspection of air- conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels on either their internal or external components was performed in order to find out the type of refrigerant contained in each appliance and the initial refrigerant charge contained from the date of manufacture. This is shown in the pictures that were taken during the inspection below.
  • 27. 16 Figure 8: Manufacturer label on external component of A/C containing refrigerant R22 Figure 9: Manufacturer label showing refrigerant R134a contained in a Nikura fridge-freezer refrigerator Figure 10: Photo of refrigerators taken during the inspection in one of the rooms in B -Hostel
  • 28. 17 3.1.1.3 Interviewer Administered Questionnaire Survey This is involved face to face interviews with students residing in the hostels in order to collect data such as the number of refrigerators in each of their rooms, the age of their refrigerators, the refrigerant type and refrigerant charge of their devices. 3.1.1.4 Interviewee administered questionnaire survey Questionnaires were issued out to those students who did not have time to participate in the face to face interviews but offered to answer the questionnaires in their own time. 3.1.2 Secondary data collection This involved researching about the chemistry of refrigerants, formulae to calculate carbon dioxide emissions, the effects of refrigerants on both the environment and on human health, the impacts of refrigerants on global warming and climate change and the global warming potentials of each refrigerant from written sources such as journals, articles, books and the internet. 3.2 Limitation in data collection The research was successfully carried out but with a number of limitations here and there. The limitations to my research included the following;  The major limitation of the project was that quite a number of air-conditioners are mounted too high on some buildings and some air-cons and refrigerators had either no manufacturer labels or the labels were faded, hence my inability to collect some of the data.  Obtaining information from some students was difficult as some refused to be interviewed. 3.3 Data analysis The data collected was analyzed in order to calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for both the air-conditioners and refrigerators. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for specific devices of each block were calculated using the method below;
  • 29. 18 1. A list of all equipment that relies on refrigerant gas was made. It included air conditioners, refrigerators and commercial refrigeration systems. 2. The labels on each of these units were inspected in order to find the recommended recharge capacity, in kilograms / grams. Recharge capacity represents the total amount of refrigerant that the unit can hold. For example, a large air conditioner may have a recharge capacity of 50 kilograms. This information can be found on the label stuck on the equipment, or in the equipment manual. 3. The global warming potential of each of these refrigerants was determined. The Climate Registry provides the global warming potential for common refrigerants (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/geninfo/gwps.html). For example, carbon dioxide has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, while R22a has a GWP of 1,700. 4. The labels on each unit were reviewed once more to identify the annual leakage rate (ALR). If this information cannot be found, EPA Victoria suggests using an ALR of 0.9 for air conditioners and chillers, 0.23 for commercial refrigerators, and 0.16 for industrial refrigeration systems. 5. The values for each unit were used in the following formula to calculate carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in kilograms: CO2 = Refrigerant * Recharge capacity * Leakage Rate/annum * Number of years from installation date * GWP. So an air conditioner with a 50 kilogram recharge rate using R22a would be calculated as: kilograms of CO2= 50 x 0.9 x 1,700, or 76,500 kilograms. 6. This formula was repeated for all units that utilize refrigerants. The CO2 emissions for all units can be added together to find the total carbon emissions in kilograms. 7. To convert the kilograms to tons, the values can simply be multiplied by 1000 to get equivalent values in tonnes. More details about the values for the leakage rate per annum of both air-conditioners and refrigerators are shown in the appendix.
  • 30. 19 CHAPTER FOUR 4.0 RESULTS This chapter contains the findings and analyses of the findings of this study. The findings are presented in the order that they were obtained 4.1 Stratified sampling The data collected from the sampling showed that there was a total number of 247 air- conditioners and 457 refrigerators from the buildings sampled. Their distribution is shown in the tables below. In Table 1 it is evident that the university library and administration offices had the highest number of air conditioners installed while the new site six offices and school of built environment had the lowest. Table 1: Quantity of air-conditioners LOCATIONS QUANITY OF AIR CONDITIONERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22 SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2 SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE LONG EDUCATION 15 ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11 SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES 32 SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES 28 SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES 12 THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 44 COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES 6 K- CLASSES 4 UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8 DEAN OF STUDENTS 4 FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12 NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2 ECO BANK 3 INVEST TRUST BANK 4 DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN CORNER) 6 TOTAL 247
  • 31. 20 4.2 Physical survey of devices From the physical survey that was conducted, it was observed that there are two types of devices that use refrigerants for their operation at the university. These were air- conditioners and refrigerators (Commercial and Household). The physical survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners was carried out and 247 air conditioners were found at the buildings sampled (Administration offices, University Library, the seven schools and their respective departments, University clinic and commercial outlets) and of them all, 208 were functional while 39 of them were non- functional. The results from the survey are shown in Table 2 below. Table 2: Physical Survey of buildings installed with air-conditioners LOCATIONS QUANITY OF AIR CONDITIONERS NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL NUMBER OF NON- FUNCTIONAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22 16 6 SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2 2 0 SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE LONG EDUCATION 15 15 0 ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8 8 0 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11 9 2 SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES 32 24 8 SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES 28 22 6 SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES 12 12 0 THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24 21 3 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 44 38 6 COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES 6 6 0 K- CLASSES 4 0 4 UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8 8 0 DEAN OF STUDENTS 4 4 0 FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12 8 4 NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2 2 0 ECO BANK 3 3 0 INVEST TRUST BANK 4 4 0 DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN CORNER) 6 6 0 TOTAL 247 208 39
  • 32. 21 Table 3 shows the results that were obtained from the three male hostels that were sampled. Antelope hostel had the highest number of refrigerators in use despite it having the same number of rooms as Rhino hostel. Table 3: Male hostels inventory on refrigerators MALE HOSTELS NUMBER OF ROOMS/HOSTEL TOTAL NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS/HOSTEL Antelope 94 73 Mwembeshi 48 54 Rhino 94 59 Table 4 shows that in the female hostels, Buffalo hostel had the highest number of refrigerators in use despite it having the same number of rooms as Zebra hostel. Table 4: Female hostels inventory on refrigerators FEMALE HOSTELS NUMBER OF ROOMS/HOSTEL TOTAL NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS/HOSTEL Buffalo 103 112 Giraffe 48 66 Zebra 103 93 A total number of 457 refrigerators were found in the in all six hostels and all of them were in use and fully functional. 4.3 Inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels The inspection of air – conditioners and refrigerators for manufacturer labels was performed in order to find out the types of refrigerants contained in the respective devices. The results obtained showed that the refrigerants found in the devices were;
  • 33. 22 i. HCFC R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane) in air conditioners. ii. HFC R-410A (blend of R-32 and R125) in air conditioners, where; HFC R-32 is Difluoromethane and HFC R-125 is Pentafluoroethane iii. HFC R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) in refrigerators. iv. HC R600a (Isobutane) in refrigerators. Table 5 below shows the type of refrigerants contained in the air-conditioners and the number of air-conditioners using those refrigerants. After inspecting each device for refrigerant type, it can be said that there were more air-conditioners using R 22 as compared to those using R 410a. The distribution of these refrigerants in the respective devices is as follows;
  • 34. 23 Table 5: Refrigerants used in air-conditioners BUILDING REFRIGERANT REFRIGERANT CHARGE (MTonnes) NUMBER OF AIR CONDITIONERS Carbon Emissions C02- eq (MTonnes) SCHOOL OF CENTRE FOR LONG LIFE EDUCATION R 410a 0.00298 15 4.59954 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES R 22 0.0153 44 6.09093 THE ACADEMIC OFFICE R 22 0.01602 24 4.92884 CLINIC R 22 0.00384 10 2.38374 COMPUTER CENTRE OFFICES R 22 0.00453 6 0.84762 DEAN OF STUDENTS R 22 0.00272 4 0.9996 K - CLASSES R 22 0.00122 4 1.49328 ST - LECTURE ROOMS R 22 0.00172 8 2.80704 DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN CORNER) R 22 0.00471 6 2.01164 ECOBANK R22 0.00204 3 0.35904 INVEST TRUST BANK R 22 0.00296 4 0.13668 FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES R 22 0.00172 12 1.3158 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING R 22 0.00943 11 2.82846 SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT R 22 0.00339 2 0.58783 SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES R 410a 0.00121 4 0.296201 R 22 0.01656 22 4.61274 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS R 22 0.00891 22 7.1145 SCHOOL OF MATHS AND SCIENCE R 22 0.0099 32 6.89979 NEW SITE SIX OFFICES R 22 0.00148 2 0.030192 SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES R 22 0.00562 12 2.53225
  • 35. 24 The following results were obtained from the inspection of the type refrigerants contained in refrigerators. The results in table 6 show that R 134a was the highest refrigerant used in refrigerators and its emissions were more than those from the refrigerant R600a which was contained in only ten of the 457 refrigerators found in the six hostels that were sampled. Table 6: Refrigerant distribution in refrigerators HOTEL REFRIGERAN T RERIGERANT CHARGE (MTonnes) NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS USING REFRIGERANT CARBON Emissions C02- eq (MTonnes) Antelope R 134a 0.415 73 0.04066 Mwembes hi R 134a 0.401 46 0.02479 R 600a 0.186 8 0.00001 Rhino R 134a 0.52 59 0.03976 Buffalo R 134a 0.56 112 0.07224 Giraffe R134a 0.325 64 0.03699 R 600a 0.088 2 0.000005 Zebra R 134a 0.482 93 0.05669 4.4 Refrigerator use in hostels Interviewer administered questionnaire and interviewee administered questionnaire survey was carried out in order to find out the number of refrigerators per room of each hostel. The number of refrigerators per room was also noted. Reference to the appendix for more details may be made. The table below shows the results obtained from the male hostels. Antelope hostel had the most refrigerators and each hostel had a maximum number to two refrigerators per room.
  • 36. 25 Table 7: Refrigerator use in male hostels HOSTEL ANTELOPE MWEMBESHI RHINO NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS IN HOSTEL 73 54 59 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS PER ROOM 2 2 2 The results from the female hostels in Table 8 shows that Buffalo hostel had the most refrigerators with a maximum of three refrigerators in some rooms. The other two hostels only had two refrigerators per room in each hostel. Table 8: Refrigerator use in female hostels HOSTEL B UFFALO GIRAFFE ZEBRA NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS IN HOSTEL 112 66 93 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS PER ROOM 3 2 2 4.5 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for both air-conditioners and refrigerators was found after analyzing the data. The results that were obtained are shown in the tables below. 4.5.1 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Air-Conditioners) The total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners was calculated and found to be 52.87572CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes) with the highest emissions coming from the school of business. The overall results are shown in Table 9 below.
  • 37. 26 Table 9: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from air-conditioners BUILDING NUMBER OF A/C NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL NUMBER OF NON- FUNCTIONAL CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes) SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 22 16 6 7.1145 SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2 2 0 0.58783 SCHOOL OF CENTRE OF LIFE LONG EDUCATION 15 15 0 4.59954 ST BLOCK OF CLASSES 8 8 0 2.80704 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING 11 9 2 2.82846 SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES 32 24 8 6.89979 SCHOOL OF MINES AND MINERAL SCIENCES 28 22 6 4.90895 SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES 12 12 0 2.53225 THE ACADEMIC OFFICE 24 21 3 4.92884 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATION 44 38 6 6.09093 COMPUTER CENTREOFFICES 6 6 0 0.84762 K- CLASSES 4 0 3 1.49328 UNIVERSITY CLINIC 8 8 6 2.38374 DEAN OF STUDENTS 4 4 0 0.9996 FORMER SITE SIX OFFICES 12 8 4 1.3158 NEW SITE SIX OFFICES 2 2 0 0.03019 ECO BANK 3 3 0 0.35904 INVEST TRUST BANK 4 4 0 0.13668
  • 38. 27 DAG-HAMMERSKJOELD (AMERICAN CORNER) 6 6 0 2.01164 TOTAL EMISSIONS 52.87572 4.5.2 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (Refrigerators) The total carbon dioxide emissions from refrigerators were calculated and found to be 0.27113CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes) with the highest emissions coming from Buffalo hostel. The results are shown in the table below. Table 10: Total carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from refrigerators HOSTEL NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS CO2 eq emissions (MTonnes) ANTELOPE 73 0.04066 BUFFALO 112 0.07224 GIRAFFE 66 0.03699 MWEMBESHI 54 0.02479 RHINO 59 0.03976 ZEBRA 93 0.05669 TOTAL EMISSIONS 0.27113
  • 39. 28 CHAPTER FIVE 5.0 DISCUSSION This chapter presents a discussion of the results that were obtained from the study. The results are discussed in the order that they were obtained. 5.1 Physical survey The building with the highest number of air-conditioners was the university library and administration offices and the hostel with the highest number of refrigerators was the Buffalo hostel. During the survey, it was noticed that there were quite a number of non- functional air-conditioners that were still installed. These non-functional air-conditioners could lead to an increase in carbon equivalent emissions due to the fact that the gases contained are not recovered hence all the gases are emitted with time. 5.2 Inspection of air-conditioners The refrigerants that were in high usage at the university were R22 and R134a in air- conditioners and refrigerators respectively. It was also noticed that of the 247 air- conditioners, only 19 are using R 410a and of the 457 refrigerators, only 10 were using R600a. 5.3 Refrigerator use in hostels The response from the questionnaires showed that there are some rooms in the hotels that had a maximum of three refrigerators such as the Buffalo hostel that had a total of 112 refrigerators. This explains why Buffalo hostel was emitting 0.07224CO2-eq emissions (MTonnes). 5.4 Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of air-conditioners were higher than those from refrigerators despite the refrigerators being more in number than the air-conditioners. This was due to the high global warming potentials of the refrigerants contained in air- conditioners and the existence of non-functional air-conditioners which are still installed at the university.
  • 40. 29 CHAPTER SIX 6.0 CONCLUSION 1. The objectives of the study were accomplished and it was found that two types of devices were using refrigerants, these being air-conditioners and refrigerators. 2. There were four types of greenhouse gases contained in the devices and these were R 22 and R410a in air-conditioners and R 134a and R 600a in refrigerators. It was also found that there are more air-conditioners using the refrigerant R 22 than those using R 410a and more refrigerators using R 134a than R 600a. 3. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were determined and found to be 53.14685 CO2-eq MT with the emissions coming from both air-conditioners and refrigerators. 4. Considering the results obtained, it can be said that air-conditioners are currently contributing more towards the carbon footprint of the university than refrigerators. This can be seen from the comparison between 247 air-conditioners which were found to be emitting 52.87572 CO2-eq MT and the 457 refrigerators which were emitting 0.27113 CO2-eq MT with the school of business and the buffalo hostel contributing the most emissions, 7.1145 CO2-eq MT and 0.07224 CO2-eq MT respectively.
  • 41. 30 CHAPTER SEVEN 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Having carried out the study successfully with a few challenges, the following recommendations were made: 1) The university should consider replacing the purchase of air-conditioners using the refrigerant R 22 with air-conditioners using R-410a because it has been banned and is being phased out. 2) The use of air-conditioners using R 410a and refrigerators using R 134a and R600a will help in reducing the carbon footprint of the university. 3) CBU should consider investing in green building technology so that the use of air conditioners is reduced. 4) CBU must come up with a strategy and policy that will help the university attain a lower carbon footprint attributed to refrigerant utilization.
  • 42. 31 8.0 REFERENCES Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2005): Climate change: Action to tackle global warming, Action being taken to tackle climate change [online]. Available from: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (2005) Essential background [online]. Available from: http://unfccc.int/essential_background/items/2877.php [Accessed on: 23rd August 2005] Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Leaders, United States, May 2008. Greenhouse gas inventory protocol core module guidance. Direct HFC and PFC Emissions from Use of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment. Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Leaders, Ireland, April 2014. Refrigerant alternatives. George Kasali 2014. Approaches for Carbon Footprint Assessment of Refrigerants, Agriculture, Wastewater and Paper for Copperbelt University. “Research workshop on Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Copperbelt University”. Presented at a workshop in Ndola, Coppeerbelt Zambia on 3rd – 4th March, 2014. Siegfried Haaf, Helmut Henrici “Refrigeration Technology” in Ulmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistery, 2002, Wilely-VCH. UNFCCC (1997). The Kyoto Protocol to the Convention on Climate Change. Bonn UNFCCC Secretariat. Wiedmann, T and J Minx (2007): A definition of ‘Carbon footprint’. Durham, ISA- Research and Consulting.
  • 43. 32 APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Questionnaire for refrigerator utilizers Select your preferred answer by ticking or writing your answer in the spaces provided. 1. Gender? (i) Male ( ii) female 2. Occupation (i) Employee (ii) Student 3. Do you have a refrigerator(s) in your office? (i) Yes (ii) No 4. If your answer was yes in the previous question, how many are they? (i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) 4 (v) 5 5. Is it a freezer, bar fridge or fridge-freezer? If two or three of the options apply, tick both or all that apply. (i) Freezer (ii) Bar fridge (iii) Fridge-freezer 6. How many are functional? (i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) All of them (v) None 7. How many refrigerators are dysfunctional? (i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv) All of them (v) None 8. In what year did you buy your freezer or how old could it be? (i) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old (iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know 9. In what year did you buy your bar fridge or how old could it be? (i) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old (iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know
  • 44. 33 10. In what year did you buy your fridge-freezer or how old could it be? (ii) Year ………….. (ii) Less than 1 year old (iii) 1–5 years old (iv) 5-10 years old (v) More than 10 years old (vi) Don’t know 11. How many refrigerators have been re-gassed? (i) 1 (ii) 2 (iii) 3 (iv)All of them (v) None 12. What is the refrigerant used in your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box provided below.) Refrigerant - 13. What is the refrigerant used in your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box provided below.) Refrigerant - 14. What is the refrigerant used in your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate the refrigerant type in the box provided below.) Refrigerant - 15. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) (i) Weight (ii) Capacity 16. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) (ii) Weight (ii) Capacity 17. What is the capacity (liters) and weight of your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) (iii) Weight (ii) Capacity 18. What is the refrigerant input of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Refrigerant input - 19. What is the refrigerant input of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Refrigerant input - 20. What is the refrigerant input of your bar-fridge? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Refrigerant input -
  • 45. 34 21. What is the power input (W) of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Power input (W) - 22. What is the Power input of your fridge-freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Power input (W) - 23. What is the power input of your freezer? (Kindly check the label at the back or side of your refrigerator and indicate it in the boxes provided below.) Power input -
  • 46. 35 Appendix 2: Annual Leakage rate factors
  • 47. 36 Appendix 3: HCFC’s, HFCs and PFCs Global Warming Potentials Chemical Atmospheric Lifetime (years) GWP Use HCFC-22 (CHClF2) 12.0 1700 Air-conditioners HFC-32 (CH2F2) 270 264 260 12,240 11,700 12,000 Byproduct of HCFC-22 used in very- low temperature refrigeration blend and component in fire suppression. Also used for plasma etching and cleaning in semiconductor production. HFC-41 (CH3F) 2.4 3.7 2.6 90 150 97 Not in use today. HFC-43-10mee (C5H2F10) 15.9 17.1 15 1,610 1,300 1,500 Cleaning solvent HFC-125 (C2HF5) 29 32.6 29 3,450 2,800 3,400 Blend component of numerous refrigerants and a fire suppressant. HFC-134 (CHF2CHF2) 9.6 10.6 9.6 1,090 1,000 1,100 Not in use today. HFC-134a (CH2FCF3) 14 14.6 13.8 1,320 1,300 1,300 One of the most widely used refrigerant blends, component of other refrigerants, foam blowing agent, fire suppressant and propellant in metered- dose inhalers and aerosols. HFC-143 (C2H3F3) 3.5 3.8 3.4 347 300 330 Not in use today. HFC-143a (C2H3F3) 52 48.3 52 4,400 3,800 4,300 Blend component of several refrigerant blends. HFC- 410a (53±2% CHClF2 ·13+.5,- 1.5% C2H4F2 ·34±1% C2HF4Cl) 8.514 1725 Blend component of several refrigerant blends. Used in refrigerators HFC- 600a C4H10 12 ± 3 4 Used as a refrigerant in refrigerators.
  • 48. 37 Appendix 4: ZEMA Ozone depleting substances phase out plan