In a new video in the Building Evidence series, Shapiro outlines some of the strategies that manufacturers, policymakers, and building professionals can use to reduce the risk of refrigerant leaks. “Building Evidence: A Tiered Impact-Reduction Strategy for Refrigerants” is now available on SyracuseCoE’s YouTube channel.
Older air conditioning systems typically use a refrigerant called R-410A that is being phased out in favor of alternatives that are better for the environment, such as R-32 and R-454B. “We’re seeing good progress with refrigerants in terms of reducing global warming potential,” explains mechanical engineering professor Ian M. Shapiro. “But we need to get to zero impact.”
The Building Evidence video series is designed to provide insights into heat pump technology and building energy performance, translating these concepts in a format that is easy to understand. The video series is one of the educational resources offered through the Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC). Located at 727 E. Washington Street, BTAC trains professionals and Syracuse University students in commercial energy audits, delivers specialized workshops, and develops and tests new building assessment tools.
Shapiro serves as SyracuseCoE’s Associate Director of Building Science and Community Programs and is a co-director of BTAC with MAE Associate Teaching Professor Jackie Anderson. BTAC works collaboratively with SU’s Industrial Training and Assessment Center.
Watch the video here.