Africa, a continent rich in biodiversity and natural resources, is experiencing an escalating environmental concern: the dumping of inefficient and obsolete HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems.
This behaviour not only poses a serious risk to the environment but also undercuts sustainability initiatives and makes the problems faced by African countries worse. Implementation of tailored policies, strategies and modern technologies can aid in energy conservation, cost reduction, economic growth and environmental protection in African nations.
In this exclusive article, we’ll take a closer look at recent data, discuss the effects of ecologically damaging dumping and highlight the pressing need for appropriate disposal methods.
Thermal comfort and indoor air quality are two important things that HVAC systems help with. But obsolete and ineffective systems result in energy waste, higher greenhouse gas emissions and higher utility costs. The sales of outdated HVAC systems to developing nations, notably those in Africa, have become increasingly common as wealthy nations replace their older units with more energy-efficient ones.
Contrary to the global average of 3.4 W/W1, the bulk of HVAC systems supplied in Africa are fixed-speed split units with poor energy efficiency ratios (EERs) ranging from 2.6 to 3.2 W/W.
R-22 refrigerant, an Ozone-Depleting Substance (ODS) with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 1,810 times that of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), is used in almost 40% of the HVAC systems supplied in Africa. Despite the Montreal Protocol’s global phase-out of R-22, some nations continue to permit its sale to nations with no restrictions¹.
China, Turkey, Egypt and India are the leading exporters of low-efficiency and R-22 HVAC systems to Africa. Although these nations have either prohibited or restricted the domestic sale of these items, they still export them to African markets where standards and regulations are lax or inadequate.
In certain African nations, low-efficiency and R-22 components are imported and assembled locally into completed goods for local or regional markets at local assembly facilities.
Numerous environmental issues result from the incorrect disposal of ineffective HVAC systems. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which contribute to ozone depletion and climate change, are among the highly damaging greenhouse gases found in many older systems. These chemicals have the potential to have long-lasting impacts on both the environment and human health if they are released into the atmosphere.
When HVAC systems are disposed of improperly, harmful chemicals and contaminants are released into the environment, endangering the health of people close by. These systems frequently include dangerous elements, including flame retardants, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), heavy metals and refrigerants.
For those who live or work close to the disposal sites, exposure to these compounds due to inappropriate management or disassembly can cause respiratory troubles, skin irritations, neurological abnormalities and other health concerns.
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Modern energy efficiency criteria are not met by outdated HVAC systems, which leads to excessive energy use. African countries already experience energy problems and the adoption of inefficient technologies puts further burden on their limited resources. In addition to the rising energy costs, this hinders attempts to achieve sustainable development goals.
Energy audits in businesses, public spaces and residential buildings can help in the identification of areas with energy inefficiency. Energy audits evaluate the efficiency of insulation, HVAC systems and other elements influencing energy usage. African nations can enhance the performance of their HVAC systems, cut down on energy waste, and save financial costs by identifying and fixing energy inefficiencies.
Let’s look at current data and case studies depicting the dangerous disposal of HVAC systems in Africa to demonstrate the scope of the problem.
A report published by UNEP estimate claims that Africa produces 7 to 8 million tonnes of electronic garbage per year, including old HVAC systems and electrical devices. These figures show the size of the issue and its possible environmental effects. UNEP can dramatically reduce HVAC dumping in Africa by utilising its expertise, resources and networks.
UNEP may assist African nations in implementing sustainable waste management practices and promoting a circular economy approach to HVAC systems through policy development, capacity building, awareness campaigns, technical assistance, regional collaboration and partnerships.
According to the Basel Convention, an international agreement addressing the management of hazardous waste, a sizable amount of electronic waste that arrives in Africa is made up of broken or outdated equipment, including HVAC systems. This practice poses serious dangers to both human health and the environment, especially when ineffective recycling and disposal techniques are used.
The Convention’s emphasis on proper hazardous waste categorisation, documentation and control, in conjunction with regional cooperation and capacity building, can help to lessen the dumping of HVAC systems and promote sustainable waste management practices throughout Africa.
E-waste, such as old HVAC systems, is being more frequently shipped to Ghana. Agbogbloshie, an infamous landfill for electronic garbage in Accra, Ghana, has drawn attention from across the world for its detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
Agbogbloshie accumulates an estimated 215,000 tons of e-waste annually, including HVAC equipment. African nations can create specialised strategies, policies and initiatives to successfully counter HVAC dumping by studying the Ghana case study and learning from its accomplishments and shortcomings.
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Governments, international organisations and manufacturers must work together to address the issue of ecologically hazardous dumping in Africa. Here are some important steps that might help solve the issue:
To regulate the importation and disposal of HVAC systems, African countries ought to draft and enforce firm legislation. These rules should align with global norms, such as the Basel Convention, and should have sanctions for those who engage in unlawful dumping.
Government programs should promote the use of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient HVAC systems. This may be accomplished through awareness campaigns, rebates, and collaborations with manufacturers to offer inexpensive and ecologically friendly substitutes.
The government needs to begin public awareness initiatives to inform people, companies, and organizations about the environmental effects of unlawful dumping and the advantages of eco-friendly HVAC systems. These efforts could emphasize the significance of energy conservation, ethical disposal, and the long-term financial benefits of using energy-efficient equipment.
Tax benefits and subsidies offered by the government are essential for promoting the installation of modern and efficient HVAC systems. Businesses, organisations and individuals who plan to install energy-efficient HVAC systems may be eligible for tax benefits or subsidies from the government. By reducing the upfront costs of acquiring and installing sustainable technologies, these financial incentives can help make them more widely available and commercially feasible.
The enactment of green procurement regulations by the government can make gaining ownership of energy-saving and environmentally friendly HVAC equipment a top priority. Governmental organisations may set an example by establishing guidelines for acquiring equipment and promoting the use of alternatives that are environmentally friendly.
Enlit Africa invites you to join the conversation on 28-30 May 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Below is a list of additional policy suggestions for African nations to stop the ecologically damaging disposal of HVAC systems and encourage the switch to highly effective and environmentally friendly cooling technology.
These suggestions are:
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African nations can bolster their energy security, economic growth and social welfare in addition to protecting their environment and climate from the hazardous dumping of HVAC systems by implementing the aforementioned steps.
It’s critical to set up efficient mechanisms for recycling and disposing of HVAC equipment. The appropriate treatment of outdated systems can potentially be ensured by setting up specialised collecting facilities or collaborating with recycling businesses. The demand for new raw materials can be decreased by salvaging and reusing parts made of metals like copper, aluminium, and others.
It is possible to increase the lifespan of HVAC systems through improved access to repair and maintenance services. Addressing frequent problems and preventing the needless replacement of equipment can probably be accomplished by training local personnel and establishing repair networks.
Old and ineffective HVAC systems that waste money, produce greenhouse gases and guzzle energy are an increasing environmental issue in Africa. It is crucial to understand how the continent is being harmed by this shady activity and what may be done to put a stop to it.
Additionally, the most recent statistics and case studies demonstrate the scope and effects of this issue. There’s a high requisite of understanding how individuals, businesses, and government can assist the switch to high-efficiency, low-GWP cooling solutions in the fight for a greener, cooler Africa. ESI
About the author
Nikhil Kaitwade is Associate Vice President for Market Research at Future Market Insights, ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm Future Market Insights (FMI).
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