New Program Gives Shops Recognition for Proper Mobile A/C Environmental Services

New Program Gives Shops Recognition for Proper Mobile A/C Environmental Services

Mobile air conditioning service facilities equipped with the latest tools, equipment and trained technicians now can take the Climate Protection Pledge and be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consumers for environmental leadership.

Source: MACS Worldwide

The Climate Protection Pledge is a pilot program under the Strategic Climate Projects, Climate Protection Partnerships Division of the U.S. EPA. HFC-134a, the refrigerant used in most automotive and light truck air conditioners on the road today, is recognized as a potent greenhouse gas. The mobile air conditioning industry has been working on system designs, service equipment, tools and procedures to reduce refrigerant leaks. The voluntary Climate Protection Pledge program is designed to recognize those automotive service shops which use tools, equipment and best practices to reduce refrigerant emissions.
 
Consumers, even in the midst of the current recession, are concerned about the environment, and respond favorably to companies and service providers who demonstrate that they are environmentally responsible. By taking the Climate Protection Pledge, automotive air conditioning service facilities can do the right thing and get recognition for it.

In order to take the pledge, shops must be properly equipped, including on-site use of the latest generation of refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging equipment. That equipment, which must be certified to SAE International standard J2788, must recovery at least 95% of the refrigerant from an air conditioning system, and recharge the system with the proper amount of refrigerant.

Another important component of the pledge is technician training, and shops taking the pledge are encouraged to have all of their A/C technicians complete a self-study training program focusing on best practices for leak detection, service and repair, equipment maintenance and refrigerant conservation. These practices are designed to promote shop savings and efficiency, consumer satisfaction and environmental protection.

Shops taking the pledge must agree not to promote "top-off" or recharge of leaking A/C systems without first repairing leaks, and must agree to explain the potential A/C system and environmental benefits of having refrigerant leaks repaired.

Shops taking the pledge must also set continuous improvement goals which may include upgrading equipment and tools, training additional technicians in best service practices, implementing tool and equipment maintenance programs or other similar goals.

Shops which meet the criteria for acceptance will be recognized by the U.S. EPA for having taken the Climate Protection Pledge with shop and technician certificates, and other promotional items.

Click here to take the Climate Protection Pledge! Questions? E-mail [email protected].

 

You May Also Like

MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, announced its 120th anniversary, a milestone it said "underscores the association's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers."

MEMA was founded on March 2, 1904, in Cleveland, Ohio, to represent the burgeoning automotive parts manufacturing industry. For the last 120 years, MEMA and its members have been at the forefront of advocacy, innovation and collaboration, the association said.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Becomes UAF Gold Lifetime Trustee

The partnership with UAF is a commitment to the future of the automotive aftermarket, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said.

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

FCS Introduces 18 New Numbers in February

The new release includes 4 shock absorbers and 14 suspension struts.

Other Posts

Philips Releases GoPure Advanced Automotive Air Purifier

It filters out 99% of bacteria and respiratory viruses and fits in the cupholder.

AP Emissions Releases New Part Numbers for February

The 12 new SKUs cover 6 million VIO.

MANN+HUMMEL NA Aftermarket Shows Right to Repair Support

Representatives from MANN+HUMMEL’s North American aftermarket brands recently visited Capitol Hill to express their support for H.R. 906.

Federated Upgrades Car Care Center Program

The enhanced program features updated signage, marketing support, image-enhancing tools, wearables, business management assistance and other information to help with day-to-day shop operations.