• 30 Jul 2025
• Refrigeration
• Atlanta

ASHRAE and UNEP Launch Sustainability Assessment Tools for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Plants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager, Public Relations
kbwashington@ashrae.org

 ASHRAE and UNEP Launch Sustainability Assessment Tools for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Plants
New checklists and guidance sheets support performance, compliance and sustainability for technicians, engineers, suppliers and plant managers

ATLANTA (August 30, 2025) – ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction have released the Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability checklists and guidance sheets. These free, downloadable, easy-to-use tools are designed to help refrigerating and air-conditioning (RAC) plants improve performance, reduce emissions and promote energy-efficient, sustainable operations.

Proper maintenance and operation of RAC plants remain a significant challenge due to increasingly complex systems, evolving technologies, and the introduction of new refrigerants requiring specialized knowledge and handling. The Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability tools provide practical support in addressing these challenges.

"These tools provide practical guidance that connects design intent with operational outcomes," said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP.  "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."

Originally designed for field technicians, the tools also offer value to plant managers, equipment suppliers and consulting engineers:

• Plant Managers can assess current operations across eight key dimensions, including refrigerant emissions, energy consumption and preventive maintenance, using the tools to make informed sustainability improvements and reduce operating costs.
• Suppliers can train customers in preventive maintenance strategies that increase equipment life, efficiency, and compliance, while supporting life-cycle cost savings and performance accountability.
• Engineers can incorporate the checklists into training documentation, strengthening the connection between design objectives and real-world operations, while closing knowledge gaps among stakeholders.

The guidance also includes recommendations for energy-efficient operation, life-cycle investment considerations and key performance indicators to help determine when equipment upgrades are warranted.

This resource is part of a broader portfolio of ASHRAE-UNEP tools developed to promote responsible, efficient cooling practices and support international efforts related to the Montreal Protocol. Explore the full suite of resources through the ASHRAE UNEP Portal.

 About ASHRAE

ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from over 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world.

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.

The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the opening of the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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