Refrigerants are having a moment and not in a good way.
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that refrigerants — the chemicals that make our air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators work — are some of the most potent climate pollutants on the planet. Pound for pound, many refrigerants trap hundreds to thousands of times more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂. At REEF, we’re working to turn this hidden climate liability into an opportunity for action. But first: let’s talk about what you can *actually* do.
The Problem Isn’t Just What’s Inside the Box — It’s the Whole Lifecycle.
Too often, refrigerant emissions are treated like an afterthought — something to worry about at end-of-life or in emergencies. That mindset is outdated. Refrigerants leak from systems every day. Equipment is rarely recovered properly. And many facilities aren’t tracking their refrigerant losses at all. The good news? There are practical steps every organization can take today to improve refrigerant management, reduce emissions, and position themselves as climate leaders.
Here are REEF’s top actionable recommendations:
1. Stop Leaks Before They Start.
Preventing leaks is cheaper than fixing them later. Proactively inspect equipment, use sensors and monitoring software, and prioritize repairs quickly. Treat refrigerant loss like lost energy or water — it’s a direct hit to both your sustainability goals and your bottom line.
2. Recover, Reclaim, and Repeat.
When systems reach the end of their life, refrigerants *must* be recovered properly — and whenever possible, reclaimed for reuse. Partner with qualified recovery providers and ask about reclaim programs. Creating demand for reclaimed refrigerants keeps valuable materials in circulation and prevents emissions.
3. Buy Low-GWP. Plan for Ultra-Low.
When investing in new HVACR systems, prioritize equipment using low-GWP (<150) or ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. These systems are becoming increasingly available — and investing now positions you ahead of regulatory curves and market shifts.
4. Train Your Team.
Technicians, facility managers, procurement officers — everyone plays a role. Invest in workforce training on best practices for refrigerant management, compliance, and recovery. Refrigerant-smart teams are your first line of defense.
5. Ask Better Questions.
Sustainability doesn’t stop at carbon accounting. Ask your suppliers:
- What refrigerant is in this equipment?
- How easy is it to recover and recycle?
- What’s the expected leak rate?
- Are there low-GWP options available?
Transparency drives market change.
In Closing: The Truth is Simple.
Refrigerant emissions are avoidable but only if we pay attention. At REEF, we believe corporate leadership on refrigerants is about more than compliance it’s about responsibility, innovation, and shaping a future where cooling is climate-friendly.