Since at least 2009, theinternational refrigeration community has been discussing a global phasedown ofhydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Today, it’s gaining greater attention, because, eventhough the transition from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) tohydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and then to HFCs has resulted in gases withlower climate change impacts, the growing use of air conditioning andrefrigeration around the world has resulted in more refrigerant use and the needto use even lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants.

Not waiting for a global agreement, the U.S. is already moving in thatdirection. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through itsSignificant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, has announced the phaseoutof some high-GWP refrigerants for supermarkets, stand-alone refrigerationunits, and vending machines.

Europe put into force its F-gas regulation atthe beginning of 2015. The regulation contains specific dates for sectorial refrigerantphaseout. There may be some important lessons learned and global implicationsfrom Europe’s actions. In a region where thereis much more need for refrigeration than air conditioning, Europe is focusingon low-GWP solutions for supermarkets and other refrigeration applications —beginning with phasing out R-134a in autos, domestic refrigerators, andfreezers.

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