HFC phase out
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of gases used as refrigerants, blowing agents and aerosol propellants. They became popular following the phasing out of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and then HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), both of which were significant greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases are relatively transparent to short-wave infrared radiation. This means they allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere and heat the Earth’s surfaces. These surfaces then re-radiate that heat as long-wave infrared radiation, which greenhouse gases tend to absorb rather than transmit. As a result, heat accumulates in the atmosphere causing a warming process known as the greenhouse effect.
The four main greenhouse gases are:
However, HFCs are also greenhouse gases, albeit not as powerful as CFCs or HCFCs. Demand for HFCs has increased rapidly following the phasing out of CFCs and HCFCs and this has been exacerbated by the growth of air conditioning in developing nations. As a result, on 15 October 2016 it was announced that 170 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, had agreed that HFCs should be phased down through an amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
The agreement has three main routes for phasing down HFCs:
- Richer countries will reduce use by at least 10% compared to 2011-2013 levels by 2019 and then by 85% by 2036.
- Better-off developing countries will freeze their use from 2024, then reduce use by 10% compared to 2020-2022 levels by 2029, and then by 80% by 2045.
- Other developing countries will freeze their use from 2028, reduce use by 10% by 2032 compared to 2024-2026 levels, and then by 85% by 2047.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said, "It's a monumental step forward, that addresses the needs of individual nations but it will give us the opportunity to reduce the warming of the planet by an entire half a degree centigrade."
Christian Aid's Senior Policy Advisor, Benson Ireri said, "HFCs posed an immediate threat to a safe climate due to their increasing use and high global warming potential, thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. By agreeing to an early HFC phase down schedule, we've bought ourselves a bit more time to shift to a global low carbon economy and protect the world's most vulnerable people."
But environmental lobby groups were critical of the agreement, suggesting that it did not go far enough or fast enough. Paula Tejon Carbajal from Greenpeace International said, "It's an incremental step towards 0.5 degrees but its not there yet, they say that the market will work to get us there, but we are not there yet."
Alternative refrigerants to HFCs include; hydrocarbons (HC), Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) carbon dioxide, and ammonia (as well as air and water).
However, Greenpeace suggest while HFOs have lower global warming potential (GWP) than HFCs they nonetheless pose dangers to the environment.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air conditioning inspection.
- Climate change.
- Chlorofluorocarbons CFCs.
- Deleterious materials.
- EMEA compressor market 2020 - 2023.
- Equipment.
- Greenhouse gases.
- Hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFCs.
- Ozone depleting substances.
- Montreal Protocol.
- R22 phase out.
- R404A phase out.
- Refrigerant.
- Refrigerant selection.
- SF6 - the greenhouse gas at the heart of our industry.
- Sustainability.
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.