Search

Reducing emissions from fluorinated gases (F-gases) is considered one of the key conditions for the European Union (EU) to be able to meet the requirements of the European Green Deal, primary objectives of which are the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the gradual transition to net climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, a quota system for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is already in place, introduced through the updated F-Gas Regulation (517/2014). The aim of this paper is to review an innovative scheme currently under development that strongly promotes the Recovery, Recycling and Reuse (3R) of F-gases extracted from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment of the building sector, thus offering a sustainable alternative source for refrigerant supplies. Therefore, the basic operating principles of the so-called "3R ECOSYSTEM" are outlined and especially its three main components, which are: the self-certification/self-declaration platform, the F-gas identification and recycling units (prototypes) and the Retradeables marketplace. In addition, an overview of both the demonstration phase and the scheduled replication phase of the 3R ECOSYSTEM is provided, including the estimated impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) savings due to the progressive uptake of the circular use of existing F-gases across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A risk-consistent approach is proposed for the evaluation of behaviour factors that are compatible with Eurocode 8, using nonlinear static and dynamic analysis. It comprises seven discrete steps, involving hazard assessment and record selection at multiple sites, designing and modelling multiple archetype buildings and assessing their performance vis-à-vis target safety objectives. In all cases, uncertainty is incorporated and propagated to the final results whereby a flexible verification procedure is offered to account for the confidence of the investigator on the data available. An example application is offered on steel concentrically braced frames, highlighting the need for selecting appropriate performance targets for Europe. The overall added value goes beyond the current state of art, offering a consistent risk basis for the seismic design of different systems that is compatible with current uniform hazard design spectra and can benefit from future risk-targeted hazard maps. • A risk-consistent approach is proposed for deriving EN1998 compatible behaviour factors. • Hazard assessment, record selection and incorporation of uncertainty are important aspects of the approach. • Setting appropriate performance targets is required to achieve consistency with current EN1998 implied safety. • An example is shown for steel concentrically braced frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]