International
Climate Initiative (IKI)

Almost every tenth refrigerator in Brazil is older than 16 years. The problem is that the old appliances operate with climate-damaging fluorinated gases (F-gases), which not only escape during use, they also enter the atmosphere during conventional disposal. The project is setting up an exemplary recycling system for old refrigerators in Brazil. The most important part of this system is a pilot plant that recycles several thousand refrigerators a year. It recovers the greenhouse gases contained in the cooling circuits and in the insulating foam. Training and qualification measures are carried out for the operation and maintenance of the plant. The project also replaces old appliances with new F-gas-free refrigerators. Subject to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), emission certificates can be obtained through the recycling and the replacement of the old appliances. In addition, the project advises the responsible authorities on the introduction and updating of relevant national standards and norms.