Advancing Ozone and Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps - Meeting Summary

The conference and concurrent technology exhibition attracted over 400 participants including industry, policymakers, environmental organizations, and academia. The conference objective was to share information and expertise on various alternatives and approaches to ensure that the phase‐out of CFCs and HCFCs is done in such as way as to limit the climate contribution of high‐GWP HFCs.

The day and a half conference included presentations covering policy and technical aspects of this transition in the refrigeration, air‐conditioning and foams sectors. Technical presentations explored both non‐fluorinated and fluorinated alternatives, including potential timelines and challenges for application of alternatives. Presenters provided information on the latest alternatives and where these are being deployed including: new low‐GWP fluorinated foam blowing agents; mini‐split air conditioners with hydrocarbon refrigerants; and motor vehicle air conditioners using hydrofluoro olefin (HFO)‐1234yf entering the market. Participants also learned of emission reduction approaches including: reducing charge sizes through advanced technology design – such as supermarkets going from hundreds of kilograms to using less than 45 kilograms of refrigerant; minimizing leaks through better design; and corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Conference participants actively discussed various policies tools for reducing the use and emissions of high‐GWP HFCs, including those that could be considered nationally, regionally, and at the international level by the Montreal Protocol. Policies as diverse as the new carbon price for synthetic GHGs in Australia, voluntary partnerships, bans on certain types HFC equipment, and policies that enable low‐GWP technologies were presented. The new Climate and Clean Air Coalition was highlighted as a mechanism for enabling technologies.

Concurrent with the conference, a technology exhibition was arranged with exhibitors from over 25 companies and organizations. The exhibition showcased various air‐conditioning, refrigeration, foams, and fire suppression technologies as well as destruction technologies for ODS and HFCs. Many of the exhibits included equipment available today.