DOHA: A decision to phase out all conventional air conditioners from the local market by September has been put on hold until a technical study on the proposal is completed, a senior official of the Ministry of Environment has disclosed.
The Ministry in February had announced plans to replace all conventional air conditioners with energy saving and environment-friendly ones in six months.
Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary for Standards and Specifications at the Ministry, said that an expert committee comprising representatives from the ministry and Kahramaa is currently studying the technical specifications of the eco-friendly air conditioners.
“This is to avoid importing defective air conditioners. We need to study the durability and effectiveness of the new A/Cs for a long time before importing,” Al Sharq quoted Al Kuwari as saying.
He said the ministry will soon issue a decision banning import of tungsten lights of 100 watts and 75 watts, and replace them by energy-saving “LED” lights.
The official said his department will soon issue a new list for accreditation of private laboratories that test construction material such as asphalt and concrete. Quality regulations for the labs will also be issued soon.
The Peninsula
