Refrigerants and Their Use

Refrigerants are substances used for cooling and heating, such as in refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning systems, and heat pumps. There are different types of refrigerants, including CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs. Older types like CFCs and HCFCs are being phased out because they damage the ozone layer. Newer refrigerants like HFCs do not harm the ozone layer but still contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Refrigerant units are used by many, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and property managers. Users must perform regular leak checks, carried out by certified personnel. These checks occur annually or every six months, depending on the refrigerant’s impact on the climate. The results are reported annually to the
municipality.

Efficient management of refrigerants is crucial for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. In Kungsbacka municipality, approximately 300 refrigerant reports are handled each year. To streamline the process and reduce the workload, an automated solution is being developed. This solution will automate several steps, such as case registration, billing, and reminders.

Automation and digitalization of refrigerant management promote technological innovation within municipal administration. This can lead to further improvements in other municipal processes and contribute to creating sustainable and healthy living environments.

Creating Value in the Urban Development Process

By streamlining the management of refrigerants, municipalities can save time and resources, freeing up capacity for other important community projects. Automated systems reduce the risk of human error and ensure that environmental issues are addressed quickly, protecting both the environment and public health.

Moreover, a uniform and efficient handling of refrigerant reports can inspire further digitalization within municipal administration. This can lead to better service for citizens, faster processing times, and increased transparency. In this way, it contributes to a more sustainable and efficient urban development process, where resources are used in the best possible way to create safe and attractive living environments.

About the project

Granted in: Innovationsidén 7
Project number: i7-5
Project manager: Louise Poulsen, Kungsbacka kommun