ASHRAE, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction, has released a new suite of sustainability tools designed to enhance the environmental and operational performance of refrigerating and air-conditioning (RAC) plants. The Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability checklists and guidance sheets are freely available, user-friendly resources aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable maintenance practices.
As RAC systems grow more complex with the advent of new technologies and refrigerants, proper operation and maintenance remain a significant challenge. The newly developed tools offer practical guidance for navigating these changes, helping bridge the gap between system design and day-to-day performance.
“These tools provide practical guidance that connects design intent with operational outcomes,” said Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP, and ASHRAE President for 2025–26. “By helping RAC professionals assess and improve sustainability across key performance areas, we’re empowering the industry to make data-informed decisions that benefit the environment, their workforce, and their bottom line.”
Initially created with field technicians in mind, the tools have broader applications for the wider industry:
- Plant managers can evaluate their operations across eight critical sustainability metrics—including refrigerant emissions, energy use, and maintenance routines—using the findings to lower costs and improve performance.
- Equipment suppliers can train customers in preventive maintenance techniques that enhance efficiency, compliance, and equipment longevity.
- Consulting engineers can integrate the tools into project documentation and training programmes to ensure a consistent link between design objectives and operational realities.
In addition to offering guidance on equipment maintenance and performance tracking, the toolkit also provides recommendations on life-cycle investment planning and key performance indicators to determine when equipment upgrades are justified.
The launch forms part of a broader collaboration between ASHRAE and UNEP to promote responsible cooling practices in line with the global objectives of the Montreal Protocol.
ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) is a global professional society of over 50,000 members across 132 countries.
