FAQs

Synthetic refrigerants are Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) that have a relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere but have a much greater potential to cause global warming compared to carbon dioxide. Examples include Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-12 or R-22. These have recently been replaced by chlorine-free refrigerants, such as R404a or R-134a that do less damage to the ozone layer but still have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts.

Refrigerants impact climate change almost immediately after being released into the atmosphere due to their potent warming effects. Unlike CO2, which can stay in the atmosphere for centuries, SLCPs like refrigerants have atmospheric lifetimes ranging from a few days to a few decades. SLCP reduction is crucial for achieving near-term climate goals and mitigating impacts on human health.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, particularly those using Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants, contribute significantly to SLCP emissions. HFCs are potent Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and their leakage from air conditioning systems can have substantial climate impacts. Implementing more efficient HVAC technologies and transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants are critical steps in reducing the emissions.

The building sector contributes roughly 12% of the national GHG emissions. Within the building sector, HVAC are significant contributors. HVAC systems account for about 40% of a building's total energy use and approximately 10% of their total GHG emissions. Addressing HVAC emissions is an imperative immediate target because these systems are widespread, have high energy demands, and present significant opportunity for energy efficiency gain and emissions reduction.

Several key regulations and international agreements impact the use of refrigerants in HVAC systems. These regulations aim to reduce the environmental impact of high-GWP refrigerants and protect the climate and ozone layer:

• The AIM Act: A U.S. federal law that restricts the use and availability of some high-GWP refrigerants common in HVACR systems. It mandates the phasedown of production, import, and application of these refrigerants over time and requires the reclamation of these substances.
• The Paris Agreement: A legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 countries at COP21 in Paris in 2015.
• The Kigali Amendment: An amendment to the Montreal Protocol that targets the phase-down of HFCs, potent greenhouse gases used as refrigerants.
• The Montreal Protocol: A global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

REEF is dedicated to eliminating refrigerant emissions through a multifaceted approach that aims to educate, engage, and empower. This strategy involves collaboration with end users, manufacturers, and policymakers to create meaningful and sustainable impacts.

Your participation is vital to our success. There are many ways to get involved with REEF:

• Volunteer: Offer your time and expertise to support our initiatives.
• Partner: Collaborate with us to amplify our impact.
• Donate: Contribute directly to drive significant changes in the industry.
• Join: Become a member of REEF to gain access to resources and a network of leaders.