Policy Commitment:
Avoiding the purchase and use of environmentally damaging materials, including ozone depleting substances, and preventing the release of pollutants

Environmental Management Programme Objective:
To Replace Ozone Depleting Substances With Suitable Alternatives According To Legal Requirements

7.1 Introduction to the Issue
Manufacture and sale of ozone depleting substances (ODSs) – particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons have been restricted internationally through the Montreal Protocol, and in the UK by subsequent legislation.  From 1 October 2000, there has been a ban on the sale and use of most CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and 1,1,1, trichloroethane.  These substances are primarily used as refrigerants, solvents and in dry cleaning, although there are some exemptions.

The halons used in firefighting (1211 and 1301) will continue to be available until the end of 2002, but most systems will have to be decommissioned by the end of the following year.

Our fire extinguishing (flood) systems, refrigerants for chillers, air conditioning units and chlorinated solvent degreasers are common sources of ODSs.

7.2 Current BSkyB Status
We currently use a number of different refrigerants, some of which are classed as ozone depleting, and are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol and its implementing regulations in the UK. Other non-restricted substances are also used on our sites.

Recent new builds at our Osterley site have incorporated water sprinkler systems not halon systems. However, water systems are not generally appropriate for multiple small buildings, which is the layout at some of our sites.  In consequence, ODS alternatives are being investigated.  It is recognised that the cost, in terms of replacing like-for-like, is increasing.  This reflects the increasingly restricted availability of ODS following the implementation of the Regulations.  In consequence, there are both environmental and cost grounds for us to assess and reassess usage.

7.3 Performance Data

7.4 Planned Actions to Improve

Action	Target Date
Identify suitable alternatives and options for replacement and determine target for phase out of the ODS.	2002/03
Draft a strategy and programme for their replacement, taking into account the requirements of the relevant legislation, and including costs (capital investment and other) and resources required.  Seek senior management approval.	2002/03
Begin to implement replacement programme and record amounts replaced over time for reporting purposes.	2002/03

7.5 Case Studies/Interesting Facts
During 2001, we have built a new uplink site at Fair Oak in Hampshire as a supplement to our Chilworth site.  The site has been built without the use of any ODSs in any of the systems.  The air conditioning systems installed contain a total of 30Kg of R407c refrigerant and the fire suppressant systems a total of 330Kg of FM200.

We have also commenced the replacement of all halon fire suppressant systems at our Chilworth site with non-ODS alternatives.  This work will be completed by February 2002 and will result in the total elimination of halon from this site.  The cost to us of this change is £140,000.