New versus old in saving emissions

New Curtin University of Technology research has shown that it may be possible for business to save the environment and money at the same time by re-manufacturing compressors for commercial use.

Dr Wahidul Biswas and Associate Professor Michele Rosano, of Curtin’s Centre for Cleaner Production, have completed a study highlighting the benefits of using a re-manufactured compressor in a large-scale fridge or air conditioner.

Dr Biswas said re-manufacturing a compressor reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by almost 1.5 tonnes and could can save a business nearly $7000.

This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is roughly equivalent to taking a small car off the road.

“This is because re-manufacturing a compressor produces about 89-93% less CO₂ emissions than making a new one,” said Dr Biswas.

About 1590 kg of CO₂ is emitted from the production of a new 15 kW compressor that weighs 167 kg.

Research showed that between half and 99% of all parts can be re-used through cleaning, washing and machining operations. This results in CO₂ emissions of about 117 kg.

“These are major savings,” Dr Biswas said.

“What this shows is that there are ways to reduce CO₂ emissions that are not only affordable, but they actually save business money.”

Commissioned by Recom Engineering, the research was independently conducted by Curtin’s Centre for Cleaner Production.

The goal of the research was to determine the carbon footprint associated with both a new and re-manufactured 15 kW compressor for commercial refrigerators and air conditioners, often used in the supermarket industry and other large commercial and industrial operations.