Phoenix Fridge Project

The Phoenix Fridge Project aims to increase the energy efficiency of second-hand fridges distributed to low income households, providing a unique opportunity for increased social equity while responding to critical environmental issues. The outcomes are threefold. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, more economical operating costs for low income households are achieved and employment and economic opportunities are created.

The Issue

The humble fridge humming in our kitchen is a quiet, yet major user of energy. Refrigeration accounts for about 14-17% of household greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Ironically as the community attempts to grapple with global warming, our thirst for cooling - refrigeration and air conditioning, is rising dramatically. 30% of Australian households now have at least two refrigerators, while 50% own an additional freezer. Refrigeration has a further impact on global warming due to CFC and HFC gases contained in refrigerant and insulation. In addition to CFCs impact on the ozone layer these gases have a global warming potential (GWP) of 1000 - 8000 more than CO2 per kg.

In response to these alarming statistics the Phoenix Fridge Program has focused on reducing fridge overuse, developing practical methods to increase efficient use and responsible disposal.

The Concept

The program was developed in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, St Vincent de Paul, the electrical Trades Union and RMIT TAFE.

New fridges have increased energy-efficiency, driven by programs such as the Mandatory Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), the star rating we now see on new appliances. When people purchase a new fridge, the old unit tends to 'head to the shed' to be used as a 'drinks fridge', resulting in a net increase in energy use. At the same time, low income households who cannot afford the cost of new high-efficiency models often have second-hand or old fridges that are costing them a lot to run.

What's Possible?

A feasibility study conducted by MEFL demonstrated that simple improvements to the old fridges could deliver a 15% increase in efficiency. More complete retrofits returned an over 50% increase. The study found that fitting new door seals could result in a 10% efficiency increase while installing more insulation gave 15 - 25% increases. The study also trialled the use of natural hydrocarbon refrigerants as a substitute for harmful CFC / HFC refrigerants and found a 10 - 30% improvement. Replacing a faulty compressor with a commonly available modern unit returned greater than 50% improvement.

Pilot Scheme

Based on these promising findings a pilot scheme was established at the Brotherhood of St Laurence warehouse in Brunswick. The scheme processed 100 fridges in early 2005 trialling a series of measures to increase energy-efficiency at minimal cost. The Brotherhood of St Laurence and St Vincent de Paul provided a source of fridges from their regular collection networks.

The Phoenix Project

Following the successful pilot scheme, Phoenix Fridges is now a partnership run by the Brotherhood of St Laurance and MEFL and supported by TRUenergy, the Adult Multicultural Education Service and the Victorian Government.

The target is to collect 5000 fridges in the next year! To have an old fridge collected free of charge contact the Brotherhood of St Laurence on 1300 DONATE (1300 366 283).

For more information visit http://www.phoenixfridges.com.au/

Download document

• Phoenix Fridge Project - Executive Summary (PDF, 272 KB)
  The Phoenix Fridge Project
  Report of Stage 1 Trial Project, Nov 2003 - Jan 2004
  Executive Summary
• Keeping it cool (PDF, 44 KB)
  A guide to making your fridge efficient!