What is the maximum Global Warming Potential (GWP) allowed for refrigerants and fire suppression systems?

The maximum Global Warming Potential (GWP) allowed for refrigerants and fire suppression systems under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS) is set to 10. This limit is established to promote the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and fire suppression agents that have a lower impact on global warming. By restricting the GWP to this level, the PBRS encourages the adoption of technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and facilitates a transition toward sustainability in building practices.

The choice of 10 as the GWP maximum reflects a balance between the effectiveness of these systems and their ecological impact. GWP is a metric used to compare the ability of different substances to trap heat in the atmosphere over a specified time frame, typically 100 years, against carbon dioxide, which has a GWP of 1. The goal of limiting GWP is to reduce the overall contribution to climate change while ensuring that building systems maintain adequate performance standards.

Lower GWP values are encouraged to foster innovation and the implementation of alternatives that have a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainability in the built environment. This approach helps building projects comply with sustainability goals and enhances their overall performance.