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Uganda: New labels promote natural refrigerants in ACs and refrigerators

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Uganda has launched new voluntary refrigerant labels to help consumers identify air conditioners and refrigerators/freezers that use R290 and R600a.

Promoting energy efficiency is part of the priorities of the government of Uganda, as outlined in its Uganda Vision 2040, a national development blueprint which recognises the importance of integrating climate change governance in the country’s socio-economic development planning.

 

As part of this vision and in compliance with the Kigali Amendment, importing R22 air conditioners is banned starting January 2026, because of its high global warming and ozone-depleting effects.

 

In addition, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Uganda launched new voluntary refrigerant labels to help consumers identify air conditioners and refrigerators/freezers that use natural refrigerants, namely R290 and R600a.

 

The new refrigerant labels explain the climate and environmental impact of different refrigerants, comparing global warming potential (GWP) of natural refrigerants to that of refrigerants like R410A and R32 for air conditioners (see figure 1 left) and R404A and R134a for refrigerators and freezers (see figure 1 right).

 

Figure 1. (left) Air-Conditioner Refrigerant Label

(right) Refrigerators/Freezers (domestic and commercial) Refrigerant Label

 

Beyond refrigerants selection, NEMA further advises the public to opt for appliances that meet the East African Community’s new minimum energy performance standards. These standards ensure that appliances consume less electricity, helping households lower their energy bills. (See our previous news article on the topic)

 

 

For more information, visit Uganda’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) website.

 

 

Did you know? The IIR released a policy brief to guide the technological adoption of natural refrigerants in Africa based on environmental, climatic, safety, and economic considerations. Funded by the SophiA project, the brief was written and reviewed by a network of experts from IIR, SophiA and U-3ARC.
Natural refrigerants in Africa 

 

 

Sources

https://www.ccacoalition.org/partners/uganda

https://npa.go.ug/uganda-vision-2040/

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) https://www.nema.go.ug/en/uganda-introduces-new-green-labels-for-acs-and-refrigerators/