HCFCs - Print Version

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HCFCs The Proven Solution

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are enabling the phaseout of CFCs. They are energy-efficient, low-in-toxicity, cost effective and can be used safely. Governments and industry support their global use in applications which meet important environmental and societal needs.

The Parties should continue to support availability and acceptability of HCFCs.

HCFCs are Required for Developing Country CFC Phaseout

Developed countries have had these alternatives, and their corresponding technologies, available for over a decade. During that period, CFC consumption world-wide has fallen by 75% largely due to HCFC use. Yet, developing countries continue to increase their CFC consumption. The Scientific Assessment Report shows that this growth is the most significant ozone depletion issue facing the Parties. Substitution becomes critical. HCFCs play a significant role in that transition.

As provided in the Montreal Protocol, developed countries have led the transition, and today total ozone depletion contributions are at their lowest levels since the Parties began discussions.

The following chart shows that ozone depletion potential (ODP) weighted fluorocarbon production by the Alternative Fluorocarbons Environmental Acceptability Study (AFEAS) companies is 90% below peak values in 1988.

[ ODP-Weighted Fluorocarbon Production Graph ]

HCFCs Have Little Ozone Depletion Potential, Short Atmospheric Lifetimes and Therefore Minimal Environmental Impact

HCFCs are up to 98% less ozone depleting and have 80% shorter atmospheric lifetimes, than the corresponding CFCs they replaced.

HCFC Contribution to Stratospheric Chlorine is Extremely Small

The chart below shows total chlorine loading assuming full production of CFCs and HCFCs allowed under the Montreal Protocol and full compliance by all Parties.

The Scientific Assessment Report stated "if emissions of HCFCs were ... totally eliminated by 2004, future chlo rine loading is predicted to be 5% less over the next 50 years." In contrast, a modest 20% increase in CFC production by Article 5 (1) countries "is predicted to be a 9% loading increase." Clearly an HCFC accelerated phaseout or consumption cap reduction undermines the CFC phaseout and is detrimental to society without significant environmental benefit. [ Stratospheric Chlorine Loading Graph ]

In Addition to Environmental Acceptability, CFC Alternatives Must Be Functional, Economical and Available; HCFCs Meet These Criteria

Alternatives must meet the technology, safety, toxicology and handling requirements, i.e. functionality, for a given application. Substitutes must be affordable by application, inclusive of the capital costs. This affordability is most frequently determined by the market. Some alternatives are not commercially available or cannot be made available in all areas. Industry will accept only those alternatives which are competitive in the marketplace and are readily available.
The economic viability of an alternative will ultimately determine the fate or acceptability of all substitutes. Widespread acceptance of HCFCs already signifies their applicability to many different markets. They are critical to the transition from CFCs for all Parties.
[ Definition of an Acceptable Alternative ]

The Current Montreal Protocol HCFC Consumption Cap Should Not Be Reduced and the Phaseout Schedule Should Not Be Accelerated

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy is a leading industry voice that coordinates industry participation in the development of reasonable international and U.S. government policies regarding ozone protection and global climate change.

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 850 - Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (703) 243-0344 - Fax: (703) 243-2874
E-mail: info@arap.org