This Monday (16th September) was the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. To celebrate, Jason from ecobirmingham, one of the super energy advisors at BrumEnergy, is sharing a brief history of the ozone layer and some tips to save energy and money in your homes.  

The hole in the ozone layer was first discovered in the 1970s but wasn’t taken seriously as a threat until the 1980s. By 1987, there was an international agreement made to phase out CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), the chemicals responsible for creating the hole in the ozone layer. This reduction agreement was for developed countries to phase them out before 2000 and other countries by 2010.  

In 1974, it was found that CFC chemicals from everyday products like refrigerators, aerosols, foam insulation, fire extinguishers, packaging and air conditioning units could create a problem in the atmosphere which would remove the ozone layer. These chemicals react with the sun’s UV radiation damaging the protective ozone layer, which helps preserve life on earth. In 1985, scientists confirmed a yearly shrinking of the ozone layer over Antarctica and stretching into parts of South America.  

In 1987 an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol was signed which reduced the use of CFCs. In 1990, this expanded to ban the use of CFCs by 2000 in some countries and globally by 2010. In 2006, the hole in the ozone layer peaked at 11.4 million square miles but since then, due to the ban on CFCs the ozone layer has been slowly recovering.  

The Montreal Protocol made manufacturers phase out CFCs, but there was no requirement to dispose of older CFC sources, things like old fridges and old foam insulation. However, it was recently found that CFCs are leaking out of old refrigerators and old building insulation in great quantities. If unchecked, this could push back the ozone layer’s recovery as well as add up to 9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. In addition to creating problems with the ozone layer, CFCs are also potent greenhouse gases around 5,000-10,000 better at trapping heat in our atmosphere than CO2 and contributing to global warming. 

Cooling devices made in the UK before 2000 often use CFCs, these older fridges and freezers are also very energy intensive and are expensive to run. Compared to a decades-old refrigerator, a new, A+++ rated refrigerator can save you over £100/year on your energy bills, as well as being much better for the environment and the ozone layer. Find out more ways you can save on your energy bills through BrumEnergy’s free home energy advice here.  

Disposal and servicing of old refrigerators and cooling systems can release a large amount of CFCs when not done properly, painstakingly and professionally. Now is the time to upgrade to a newer fridge that not only helps protect the planet but can also save on your electricity bills. 

To find out more about how you can save energy and money in your home sign up here for a free advice session with one of the BrumEnergy advisors like Jason.