For Immediate Release	Contacts:
	Alliance: Dave Stirpe 703-243-0344
September 27, 1999	A. D. Little: John Dieckmann 617-498-5818

        Arthur D. Little, Inc., of Cambridge, Mass. today released a report entitled "Global Comparative Analysis of HFC and Alternative Technologies for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Foam, Solvent, Aerosol Propellant, and Fire Protection Applications". The announcement was made at the Second Annual Earth Technologies Forum in Washington, D.C. The report was prepared at the request of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, an Arlington, Va. industry coalition organized to address ozone protection and global climate change.

        "The report provides an objective analysis of the overall performance of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in comparison with alternative fluids and technologies in the major applications where HFCs have emerged as replacements for ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)," stated John Dieckmann, author of the report. "The performance attributes that have been addressed include energy efficiency and global climate impact, safety, and economics," Dieckmann stated.

        "A highlight of the report is its concentration on safety considerations and energy efficiency," stated Bob Russell, Alliance Chairman and Global Director of Environmental and Legislative Affairs with Dow in Midland, Mich. "HFCs have emerged as the preferred replacements for CFCs and HCFCs because of their desirable safety characteristics - low toxicity and nonflammability- and their ability to reduce energy consumption," said Russell.

        In addition, the report analyzes the cost savings of HFCs to society. "HFCs often provide the most cost-effective combination of superior environmental performance and safety. They provide significant cost savings in the range of $15 - $35 billion compared to the poorer performing and less safe alternatives, such as hydrocarbons," said Dieckmann.

        The report finds that in 1997, the three lesser of the six greenhouse gases, HFCs, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were 2 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions, of which HFC emissions from use were 0.8 percent of the total. It is anticipated that HFC emissions in 2030 will be approximately 2.3 percent of the total emissions, while carbon dioxide will comprise nearly 77% of total emissions.

        In 1998, decisions of both the "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change" and the "Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer" called for information on HFCs to improve understanding of their use and emissions. As a result, this report was submitted to the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and will assist international policymakers in understanding the key role of HFCs as the issues of climate change and ozone protection are addressed.

        A complete copy of the report may be obtained by calling the Alliance at 703-243-0344. A portion of the report is also available on-line at http://www.alliance.com/adlittle