Manuals and reference materials

UNEP fact sheet on trade of HCFCs and mixtures containing HCFCs.

This report characterizes the current landscape and trends in the global A/C market, including discussion of both direct and indirect climate impacts, and potential global warming impacts from growing global A/C usage. The report also documents solutions that can help achieve international goals for energy efficiency and GHG emissions reductions. The solutions include pathways related to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, energy efficiency innovations, long-term R&D initiatives, and regulatory actions.

This short guide provides a brief summary of what to expect if your business/premises is selected for an Inspection by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas (F-Gas) Regulations.

This Information Sheet is aimed at individuals and organisations that carry out F-Gas handling operations related to stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps (RACHP) and refrigerated trucks and trailers (RTT). For mobile air-conditioning applications the requirements are different.

In the future we will see more alternative refrigerants to HFCs due to the EU F-gas Regulation and future international phase-down of High Global Warming Potential Substances. To lower global warming impact it is necessary to have a less stable molecule as a refrigerant, which means that the substance becomes flammable. The equipment and the tools for installation, maintenance and repair of future equipment containing flammable low GWP refrigerants need to be properly handled by competent personnel.

Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases aims at reducing emissions of these gases through a variety of measures: rules on containment, use, recovery and destruction of fluorinated greenhouse gases, conditions on the placing on the market of certain types of products or equipment containing or relying upon fluorinated greenhouse gases (bans), specific uses of these gases (service ban), quantitative limits for the placing on the market of HFCs (phase-down). In November 2012, the European Commission proposed to revise Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. This revision resulted in Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006. It was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 20th May 2014 and entered into force on 9th June 2014. The new Regulation are applicable from 1st January 2015.

Stratospheric ozone depletion as well as atmospheric greenhouse effect due to refrigerant emissions have led to drastic changes in the refrigeration and air conditioning technology since the beginning of the 1990s.

This document describes the key findings of the “Solving the Mystery of Carbon Tetrachloride” workshop that was held in Dübendorf, Switzerland, from 4-6 October 2015.

To request that the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel prepare a report for consideration by the twenty-eighth Meeting of the Parties containing.

To prepare a report for consideration by the 37th OEWG meeting, and thereafter an updated report to be submitted to the 28th MOP.

Refcom’s latest F-gas guidance is a practical guide for refrigerant distributors who are unsure about whether or not they can legally supply F gases.

This document has been developed by OzonAction as part of UN Environment’s work programme under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

Report summarizes key findings from National Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Inventories.

The wide acceptance of new technologies depends on a myriad of factors, in the technological, economic and social field, that form part of a complex network of interactions. Both innovators and technology adopters share a common concern for respecting the economic bottom-line and for choosing solutions that provide the highest possible level of investment security while being framed by solid industry support and favourable policy conditions. The industrial refrigeration industry is no exception to this. While the use of ammonia has not been challenged on grounds of lacking energy efficiency nor overall environmental benefits, the trend towards reducing the refrigerant charge for increased safety is currently changing the industry.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High-Ambient-Temperature Evaluation Program for Low-Global Warming Potential (Low-GWP) Refrigerants aims to develop an understanding of the performance of low-GWP alternative refrigerants relative to hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in packaged or Rooftop Unit (RTU) air conditioners under high-ambient-temperature conditions. This final report describes the parties involved, the alternative refrigerants selection process, the test procedures, and the final results.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory High-Ambient-Temperature Evaluation Program for Low Global Warming Potential (Low-GWP) Refrigerants project was aimed to develop an understanding of the performance of low-GWP alternative refrigerants to hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in mini-split air conditioners under high-ambient-temperature conditions. This final report describes the parties involved, the alternative refrigerant selection process, the test procedures, and the final results.

CO₂ is termed a “Natural Refrigerant” because it exists in the natural environment. Release into the atmosphere from refrigeration systems has a negligible effect compared to other CO₂ sources that are driving the global warming debate. As a refrigerant, it is a manufactured product that conforms to strict purity specifications. Its physical properties require special handling.

With the introduction of the revised EU Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and the introduction of a Climate Change Policy by the UK Government, it is considered likely that more refrigeration system designers and users will be turning to alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons. The increased application of this technology will bring with it many technical and safety issues.

Climate change is an increasingly important global concern with far reaching effects. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry is allotting a significant amount of effort to reduce the environmental impacts of HVAC&R systems. Discussions about the climate impact is often limited to the GWP of the fluids used, but this is far too restrictive, as it does not take into account the real emissions of fluids, and ignores indirect emissions, especially those related to energy use over the life time of the equipment.

This practical guide is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of professionals in the refrigeration sector that need to be certified in accordance with the requirements of the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union). The guide contains basic information on refrigeration equipment, main components of the refrigeration system, Besides, it provides information on commercial, industrial and mobile air conditioners, transport refrigeration, brazing of pipes of the refrigeration system, etc.