Australia’s 125,000 licensed climate control technicians and businesses are a key part of the puzzle in achieving a zero emissions future, according to the national regulator for the industry, the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said the target for the climate control (RAC) industry should not be just net zero emissions – which implies compromise – but zero emissions outright.

“Technicians deal with direct emissions every day as part of their lawful responsibilities under the ARCtick licence scheme, and the quality of installations and maintenance also has a massive impact on energy efficiency and indirect emissions,” he said.

“RAC technicians have set the standard for more than 15 years in the emission reduction space, courtesy of the ARCtick licence scheme.

“A key part of the adoption of any new technology, and policy based around new technology, is to have appropriately trained technicians – they are a key piece of the Zero Emissions Future puzzle.

“The ultimate objective is not just to eliminate climate control sector’s direct emissions but also to influence indirect emissions via energy efficiency achieved through quality installations.

“The RAC sector uses almost 25% of the nation’s electricity, so it stands to reason that it is the sector where the largest savings can be made.”