REM APPROACH

A key step in the program will be to have contractor company owners and managers meet with their mechanics and technicians and reinforce the need to consistently apply these current industry practices on a day-by-day basis. Other important steps will include ongoing evaluation of the industry’s adherence to the principles and a process for acquiring contractor acknowledgement of the use of these principles within their companies.
The “REM” program builds on the environmental EPR program Refrigerant Management Canada (RMC) introduced by HRAI and the Canadian industry in 2001. RMC has recovered more than 2500 metric tonnes of surplus refrigerant and destroyed over 2400 metric tonnes.

WHY IS REM NECESSARY?

The volume of waste going to landfills is a major concern for everyone and how to divert that waste has become a challenging task. With this in mind, the provincial governments are in the process of implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs dealing with the waste created in the installation of new products. This waste can be anything from the packaging used to wrap the new product in transportation; to the disposal of the decommissioned equipment the new product is replacing. The idea of these programs is to modify both physical and financial responsibilities for this waste stream to include the producers and installers of the goods. More information on this topic can be found at the Environment Canada web site http://www.ec.gc.ca/epr

The HVACR industry, by taking a proactive approach that will be beneficial to the industry itself and the environment, has developed a voluntary guideline as a benchmark for the industry on a national level. The 6 step guideline outlines how to properly handle and dispose decommissioned equipment and illustrates the appropriate environmental practices currently used by the large majority of HVACR contractors.

PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLES OF REM!

Member surveys show that more than 90% of member respondents use the REM principles. While the majority of contractors already practice REM, there is room for improvement and your help is needed to reach our goal of 100% commitment within the HRAI membership. These principles are now the basis for the HVACR industry's response to pending provincial waste management regulations.

How can your company become involved in this program? This can be accomplished very easily, just follow the simple steps outlined below:

IF YOU ARE A CONTRACTOR

• Adopt the guideline as policy for your company.

• Discuss the guideline with your mechanics and technicians.

• Post the guideline in a prominent location in your

• Inform your customers that your company is