WELCOME TO REM

Responsible Equipment Management (REM) is a guideline developed by the HVACR industry that offers a few simple steps on how contractors can ensure that HVACR equipment is handled in an environmentally acceptable manner. The purpose of the guideline is to raise awareness of industry members, equipment owners and the public on the appropriate environmental practices to be used by contractors when replacing and/or decommissioning HVACR equipment in the field.

REM PROGRAM INFORMATION

In July 2006, HRAI announced the launch of “Responsible Equipment Management (REM)”, an industry awareness and responsibility program concerning decommissioned HVACR equipment. One of the key objectives of HRAI and the Canadian HVACR industry is to promote environmental responsibility and leadership and the REM Program reinforces the current practices being used by the large majority of contractors in our industry.

HRAI began examining the extended producer responsibility (EPR) practices of the industry’s products in 2002 in response to the growing concerns of municipal and provincial governments about the volume of household product waste that is entering the public waste stream (e.g. landfills). To learn more about current practices in the industry concerning decommissioning of equipment, HRAI conducted a survey of the members in 2003 and 2008.

SURVEY RESULTS

The 2003 survey showed that 87% of respondents take an EPR approach to decommissioning HVACR equipment and parts. These members are either having the equipment picked up by a scrap dealer; taking the equipment to a recycling facility or retaining the equipment for future use.

Following completion of the 2003 industry survey, the HRAI Board of Directors developed voluntary industry guidelines that essentially contain the current practices in the industry. These “good practices” are the foundation for the “REM” program.

2008 Survey Results

In 2008, HRAI conducted a second contractor survey to judge progress towards REM principles. This survey confirmed the 100% of respondents remove decommissioned equipment from the jobsite and 94% transport it to a recycle or scrap dealer.