Bhutan’s commitment to phase out Ozone Depleting Substances under Montreal Protocol has made a remarkable achievement. Chloroflurocarbon or CFC was completely phased out in 2009. The substance is mostly used in refrigerators.
In 2005, the government banned the import of electrical appliances with CFCs especially refrigerators. The dealers were allowed to bring in only eco-friendly refrigerators. The demand for refrigerators has only grown over the years according to the dealers.
Tashi Commercial Corporation, one of the dealers, sells over six hundred refrigerators on an average every year. Lobzang Dorji, the Sales Manager, said the it brings in only eco-friendly refrigerators rated as per the stars. “If there are more stars, it means less energy consumption” he said.
The ban did not lead to the complete phasing out of CFCs as it existed in the old refrigerators. But these were retrofitted and the CFC was replaced by HCFC by technicians trained by the National Environment Commission.
By doing this it not only reduces the release of harmful gaseous in the environment that damage the ozone layer, it also helps protect people from harmful effects of ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer, weaken immune system and damages eyes.
