Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases often used in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment, spray foams, aerosols, and solvents. HFCs have a global warming potential (GWP) — a metric that measures the ability of gases to trap heat in the atmosphere – hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide.
Background
Around the world, countries committed to mitigating their climate change impacts are phasing down HFCs and transitioning to ultra-low GWP alternatives. Internationally, the U.S. joined 137 other countries in ratifying the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2022, agreeing to reduce HFCs. The Montreal Protocol in 1987 first initiated global efforts to regulate ozone-depleting substances and is considered one of the most successful international environmental agreements. In the United States, this is being implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act and their related regulations.
New York adopted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) in 2019 that requires a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 85% reduction by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This includes HFCs, which have increased exponentially since 1990. The New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan recommends specific actions that support the transition of equipment to low-GWP refrigerants and the reduction of HFC emissions from equipment leakage and at equipment end-of-life.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted regulations in 2020 that limit the most powerful HFCs in certain end uses. In 2023, DEC proposed amending these regulations to support the requirements of the Climate Act. The proposed amendments are based in part on recommendations in the Scoping Plan that support the establishment of a GWP threshold for refrigerants, as well as reducing HFC emissions from equipment leakage. The changes would not require the replacement of existing products and equipment prior to the end of its useful life and will provide substantial energy savings to appliance owners.
It is anticipated that rising global average temperatures will increase public demand for air conditioning and refrigeration. Depending on the refrigerant, today’s equipment choices could either mitigate or contribute to climate change, which is why transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants is so important. Unless we transition to low GWP alternatives, the increase in HVAC&R equipment will result in more pollutants harming our climate and our communities.
Natural Refrigerants
Natural refrigerants are substances found in the environment that can be used in HVAC&R equipment. These include ammonia, hydrocarbons, water, and carbon dioxide, which have a long history in refrigeration and air conditioning. These refrigerants reduce the environmental impacts of refrigeration and comfort cooling industries because they do not deplete the ozone and have the lowest climate impacts amongst all refrigerant options. They are efficient and non-synthetic, with well-understood physical and chemical properties. Significant safety and technological improvements since their original use in the 1800s have allowed global HVAC&R to transition back to natural refrigerants with far more efficiency and applications than their predecessors.
- Natural Refrigerants Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Refrigeration Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Download our natural refrigerant graphic
- Search for HFC-free ENERGY STAR-certified home appliances: Choose the desired type of appliance and then select ‘Lower impact on global warming’ under ‘Refrigerant Type’ for the most climate-friendly products.
Supporting the Transition in Supermarkets
DEC runs a successful pilot program supported by the Environmental Protection Fund to help transition to natural refrigerants and advance sustainable refrigeration in food stores and food centers in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) most vulnerable to environmental pollution. By funding natural refrigerant technology adoption, this program is reducing emissions, supporting food security, and demonstrating the effectiveness of natural refrigeration systems in this sector. These demonstration projects include technician training events to increase opportunities for the local workforce.
The pilot program is being expanded through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act to assist supermarkets in DACs transition to sustainable refrigeration. These projects improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a just and fair transition for historically underserved communities to mitigate climate change pollutants and support food security efforts. Learn more about the Bond Act Draft Guidelines for Food Security and Refrigeration Grant Program.
