by Shane Henson — January 13, 2014—The European Union recently struck a tentative deal to partially ban the use of a group of super greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in refrigeration and air-conditioning, a move applauded by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Brussels-based European Environmental Bureau (EEB).
HFCs are a group of chemicals with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). Their use currently accounts for about two percent of European emissions and this is growing rapidly, says the EIA. The review of the EU F-Gas Regulation will cap the amount of HFCs that can be placed on the European market and will gradually reduce it over time. By 2030, the volume of HFCs on the market is expected to be cut to 21 percent of present levels.
Alongside the cap and phase-down, the EU has agreed to ban the use of HFCs in new equipment in a number of sectors, most notably commercial refrigeration, by 2022. In addition, from 2020 very high global warming potential HFCs (over 2,500 times more potent that CO2) will no longer be used to service and maintain refrigeration equipment, says the EIA.
The EIA and EEB, which have both campaigned for an end to the use of HFCs, welcomed the partial ban as an encouraging victory in the wider fight against climate change, despite disappointment that extensive negotiations had failed to agree on earlier and stronger bans.
“Naturally, we would prefer more bans with fewer loopholes, as these are the most effective method of preventing greenhouse gas emissions, and there is overwhelming evidence that they would be feasible and cost-efficient,” said Clare Perry, Head of EIA’s Global Environment Campaign. “Nevertheless, this is the beginning of the end for HFCs in Europe—at least now the industries involved will be able to see which way the wind is blowing and invest in cleaner, greener alternatives.”
The draft legislation now has to be approved by Member State Representatives and then formally approved by the European Parliament and Council, before being adopted in early 2014.
