HFCs in Focus at CCAC-backed Conference on Climate Protection Technologies

18 July 2012 – Experts from consumer goods industries will be among the participants at a forthcoming international conference in Bangkok to examine zero or low global warming potential alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) is supporting the “Advancing Ozone and Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps Conference” which will take place at the United Nations Conference Centre from 21-22 July.

HFCs are common substitutes for ozone depleting substances used in products such as refrigerators and industrial air conditioners, yet some HFCs are extremely powerful global warming gases.

There is concern that recent increases in HFC emissions could offset much of the climate benefit achieved by the earlier reduction in emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Montreal Protocol – and potentially account for almost 20 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in 2050, if left unchecked.

Promoting HCF Alternative Technology and Standards is an initial focal area of the Coalition, which will use the conference to make more people aware of work being undertaken by the Coalition as well as available and future technology opportunities.

The event has been jointly organized by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United States Government, United Nations Development Programme and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.

The speakers will include leading industry experts, representatives from standards organizations, government officials and researchers from around the world.

Complementing the conference, will be a four-day Alternative Technologies Exhibition from 21-24 July, at which more than 30 organizations and companies will showcase available and emerging environmentally-friendly technologies.

While there is no “one-size fits all” alternative, a growing range of commercialized or near-commercialized options are available that protect the ozone layer and are much less harmful to the climate. 

In many sectors, such as foam insulation, refrigeration, and air conditioning, zero- to lower-global warming potential (GWP) options are available or in various stages of development. It will be important to identify alternatives that preserve or enhance energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, and performance. 

The conference will take place two days before the 32nd Open-ended Working Group Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, also being held in Bangkok.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bangkoktechconference.org.