Closed petition Introduce new requirements for businesses with air-conditioners/chilled units

Closed on 6 March 2024

Make it law that:

- shops/businesses that are running air-conditioning (whether for heating or cooling) must have doors that remain closed until opened by people entering/exiting.

- all chilled units in grocery stores must have covering or doors to retain the refrigeration efficiently.

I walk past many buildings where the door is open and the air-conditioned is blasting out, often at the open entrance. Air conditioners and electric fans have been found to consume around 10% of global electricity. They can leak hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (HFCs), powerful planet-warming gases and a major contributor to global heating, into the atmosphere. The most commonly used – R-410A – is more than 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

By mandating closed doors for businesses with air-conditioning and protective coverings for refrigerated units, we can conserve electricity and curb harmful greenhouse gas emissions.