Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are meeting in Paris later this month to examine ways to reduce the consumption and production of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Agreement was reached at the Open-Ended Working Group Meeting in April to address issues associated with the HFC phaseout including funding requirements, the availability of alternative technologies, safety of substitutes, performance and challenges in high ambient temperatures and technology transfer.
HFCs are currently projected to rise significantly by 2050 and could represent 25 per cent of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions.
There will also be increased demand from developing countries in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector between 2015 and 2030 which will also have a climate impact.
One body that is working to promote HFC alternatives and introduce standards is the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
Case studies have been initiated by the CCAC to showcase commercial refrigeration projects where HFCs have been successfully replaced by climate friendly alternatives.