B_0117_TEM_Montreal
B_0117_TEM_Montreal
B_0117_TEM_Montreal
B_0117_TEM_Montreal
B_0117_TEM_Montreal

Montreal Protocol Phases Out Hydrofluorocarbons

Dec. 21, 2016

The amendment targets harmful chemicals commonly used in air conditioning and refrigerants. 

Acommon type of chemical used in air conditioning and refrigerants will be phased out in the next two years, as the United States and nearly 200 nations have agreed to amend the Montreal Protocol. The amendment gradually eliminates the production and use of heat-trapping chemicals known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The phase-down schedule begins in 2019 for developed countries. Eliminating the use of hydrofluorocarbons will cut 80 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 2050, avoiding warming of up to 32.9 degrees F. by the end of the century.  

“From the climate agreement forged in Paris to this new accord reached in Rwanda, the international community is continuing a year of positive action to cut the heat-trapping emissions that are warming our planet," says U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. “These agreements will send signals to industry and innovators that countries are committed to developing and deploying a new generation of energy efficient and low-carbon solutions.”

HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that are exponentially more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. They make up a small fraction of the total of all greenhouse gases, but their emissions are estimated to increase twentyfold in the decades to come.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

INFOGRAPHIC: Unlocking the Value of a Smart Building

How do you make a smart building even smarter? Download the Infographic below to discover what happened when one customer used AI-enabled building technology to achieve their ...

Streamline & Enhance Inspection Process in Order to Save Money & Expedite Repairs

Download the case study to learn how to streamline inspections, save money, and expedite repairs.

Building Security & Technology Month

This special collaborative series will consist of the four one-hour events below, as well as an Executive Summary Digital eBook distributed to all readers that will be available...

Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance: Must-Knows

You probably know that elevator code is anything but straightforward, which isn't ideal when noncompliance can result in massive liabilities. What's more? Recent code updates ...