Walton, DoE ink deal to phase out harmful gas

Walton has signed an agreement with the Department of Environment (DoE) on the latter's premises in the capital recently over an "HCFC Phase-out Management Plan Stage II" project. 

Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochloroflu-orocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth's protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays generated from the sun.

"We know that chlorofluorocarbon gas is harmful to the environment," said Golam Murshed, managing director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, representing the electric and electronic product manufacturer in the deal, said a press release.

"…we will do our best to implement the HCFC phase out project successfully…We all will try to build an environment-friendly Bangladesh as well as contribute to global warming reduction," he said.

Earlier, Walton implemented the world's first HFC phase-out project with the support of the DoE and UNDP. Under this project, eco-friendly HC-600a (isobutene) refrigerant is being used instead of HFC-134a refrigerant in refrigerators and compressors, he said.

This reduced annual emissions of about 230 metric tonnes of HFC gas into the atmosphere. "Our goal is to bring the benefits of technology to all as well as ensure a clean environment-friendly Bangladesh," he added.

Md Ashraf Uddin, director general of the DoE, signed the deal to represent the state organisation.