Temperzone Australia Environmental Policy

Part 1: General statement of policy

Temperzone takes its responsibilities as a member of the corporate community very seriously. This Environmental Policy isn’t just a collection of impressive statements, it is fundamental to the way we do business.

Temperzone is proud of the fact that for many years it has offered some of the most energy efficient products available in the market. They have also led the air conditioning industry in a number of significant environmental, health and safety initiatives including the introduction of R410A refrigerant into both their domestic and commercial products.

In every aspect of its business, Temperzone Australia is actively involved in reducing its impact on both the local and global environment by reducing or eliminating pollution, recycling and increasing energy efficiency. This policy is based on sound economic as well as environmental principles.

More than just a statement of compliance to regulatory requirements, the Temperzone Energy and Environmental Policy is a commitment to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our business.

Part 2: Statement of specific policy and actions:

1. Product Design

Targets

To continually have products available to the market that exceed all current legislated targets.

R&D

Temperzone has an ongoing commitment to research and development in the air conditioning industry. Temperzone has the largest air conditioning R&D facility in the southern hemisphere. Over the last 25 years this has seen energy efficiency improvements of up to 30% - 40% in our products.

The R&D Department is continually researching, testing and trialling new designs and technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce the overall impact on the environment.

We are proud that the optional energy efficiency features we offered in the past are now standard components, not just on our equipment but across the industry.

Refrigerants

Temperzone was the first air conditioning manufacturer in Australia to introduce commercial units with R410A , replacing the ozone depleting R22 refrigerant. R410A has the lowest ozone depleting potential available and also improves energy efficiency. This change required a total redesign of all Temperzone products. All air conditioning equipment now manufactured by Temperzone uses R410A, well ahead of regulatory requirement.

Temperzone submits each product it manufacturers to 4 separate tests to ensure each unit is fully sealed and there is no refrigerant leakage.

Energy Efficient design

Temperzone already has some of the highest efficiency products available in the marketplace and will continue to develop products that surpass all Australian Standards.

As an added advantage high efficiency units cope with higher ambient temperatures, creating a more robust unit for extreme conditions.

MEPS compliance

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are mandatory for air conditioning equipment up to 65kW. All Temperzone equipment in the under 65kW range meets or exceeds MEPS requirements.

Whilst large commercial air conditioning equipment (over 65kW) is not covered by MEPS regulation we have continually applied the same energy efficiency criteria to our large commercial equipment as is mandated by MEPS.

2. Materials

Recycling

98% of the materials used to manufacture Temperzone products are recyclable. This means that Temperzone equipment is almost fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

Local manufacture

Whenever possible, Temperzone’s policy is to buy Australian made products creating a low energy footprint on both materials and products.

Only Australian made steel is used and well as copper tubing, when available.

3. Transportation

Temperzone has reduced and will continue to reduce transport costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions by;

  • Manufacturing locally in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Shipping export products directly overseas.
  • Establishing a network of warehouses in all states across Australia, which enables most energy efficient transportation.

4. Manufacturing Process

Natural Gas vs LPG

Natural gas has replaced LPG on the factory floor improving both the work and global environment. It is now used when ?? the refrigeration coils, and in the new forklift fleet.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

For the health and wellbeing of own their employees as well as the environment, Temperzone has changed from a chlorinated hydrocarbon based cleaning system in the manufacturing process to a water based one. Waste water coming from this cleaning system is deemed clean enough (class 6) to go in the sewerage system. The chlorinated hydrocarbon based cleaning system which has been replaced whilst still legal, was both an OH&S and environmental hazzard.

Waste Management and recycling

All waste materials from the manufacturing process are recycled, this includes aluminium, steel, copper and refrigerant.

Packaging design is based reducing overall packaging material volume. Some non recyclable material is used but this offset by the significant overall reduction in packaging used. Over 90% of packaging material is recyclable.

Spill Kits in the factory are both an OH&S issue and an important measure to ensure no pollutants escape if there is a problem.

5. General Business Operations

Temperzone’s new premises in Sydney was purpose built and includes numerous environmental and energy efficiency features.

Lighting

A motion sensor lighting system turns the lights off and on depending on the occupancy.

Through the use of skylights in the roof of the factory area, natural lighting is used when possible. Lux metres are also being installed that will turn down the electric lighting on bright sunny days.

Reducing overall water demand

A water management system has been installed that uses a rainwater catchment and storage tanks for use in the toilet facilities.

Air Conditioning

A Hitachi 3 pipe, heat recovery, VRF system was installed in the building, this is the most energy efficient and economical system available.

Hot Water:

Heat recovered from the air conditioning system is used for producing hot water used in the offices and canteen further reducing the energy demand.

Gardens

Located on a ten acre site, just over 2 acres have been kept as extensively planted and landscaped gardens.

6. Education

While Temperzone continues to develop more environmentally friendly and efficient products, they also realise the importance of educating the market about: The economic and environmental benefits of higher efficiency equipment, and the need to update old equipment (replacing 15-20 year old equipment could mean a 30-40 % increase in energy efficiency).

7. Policy Updates

Temperzone believes our Energy Efficiency and Environmental Policy will be judged much more by what we do than what we say. As with all such policies they are continually evolving. As part of the policy we intend to regularly publish on our website updates of the specific actions taken as a result of implementation of the policy.

 

Related Stories

Enquire Now

At Temperzone, we like to ensure that you are provided with the best information and support. Should you have an enquiry, please make contact. We're always here to help.