Umweltbundesamt
Rail vehicles include local and long-distance trains, suburban fast trains, underground trains and trams. The energy for heating is provided electrically or with diesel fuel. Mobile air conditioning systems in rail vehicles are usually charged with HFC refrigerants. HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, are very potent greenhouse gases. read more
An EU directive has banned the use of fluorinated refrigerants with a global warming potential of more than 150 in certain mobile air conditioning systems since Jan. 2011. It requires the previously used refrigerant tetrafluoroethane (R134a) to be replaced. Natural refrigerants are considered the best environmental alternative. Climate-friendly alternatives are also available for buses and trains. read more
Fluorinated greenhouse gases, which are used as refrigerants, blowing agents, propellants, fire extinguishing agents and solvents, contribute to global warming. This has prompted the development of numerous alternative solutions. read more
It is only recently that air conditioning has become relatively common in German buildings. The high standard of living has ramped up expectations concerning comfort and convenience in the home and particularly at the workplace, and this in turn has increased energy demand. The refrigerants used in more than 95 percent of Germany’s air conditioners strongly affect the climate. read more
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
