HYDROFLUOROCARBONS DRAFT UK CLIMATE CHANGE PROPOSALS Significant change in HFC emissions Total figures fall between 1990 and 2010 Strong underlying upward trend Mainly due to replacement for ODP’s This trend is unsustainable in the longer term Uncertainty created since Kyoto Protocol Need for clear signal to users and industry UK new position on HFC’s are
HFCs are not a sustainable technology in the long term - the successful phase out of ozone- depleting substances is being achieved with a range of technologies, and HFCs are only necessary to replace ozone-depleting substances in some applications. The Government believes that continued technological developments will mean that HFCs may eventually be able to be replaced in these remaining applications;
HFCs should only be used where other safe, technically feasible, cost effective and more environmentally acceptable alternatives do not exist; HFC emission reduction strategies should not undermine commitments to phase out ozone- depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol; HFC emissions will not be allowed to rise unchecked
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS WITH HFC & PFC USERS Value of existing agreements which cover: –Refrigeration and air conditioning –Aerosols –Foam blowing –Fire Protection Raised awareness Encourages best practice Limited growth of emissions In present form will not deliver significant reductions (short to medium term)
SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS Set definitive targets and milestones Establish robust reporting mechanisms for uses and emissions Include a requirement for an annual review subject to regular independent audit Include an indicative ‘use list’ where HFCs are not necessary Require industry to draw up strategies for minimising emissions; and Build in more specific measures into the body of agreements
OTHER POLICIES Better containment - to reduce leakages and ensure proper disposal of HFC equipment Use of alternative substances with either no, or a lower, global warming potential (such as hydrocarbons or ammonia); and Use of ‘not in kind’ technologies, such as sustainable construction techniques or switching to mineral wool insulation
HFCs HANDLED AND USED RESPONSIBLY Prohibiting the supply of HFCs in disposable containers; Defining minimum qualifications for people who handle refrigerants, which includes HFCs; and Putting in place a framework to ensure that HFCs and equipment containing HFCs are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner at the end of their economic life
RELATIVE CONTRIBUTION OF HFCs - PFCs & SF6 TO TOTAL UK GLOBAL WARMING EMISSIONS 1995 HFCs = 1.5% PFCs = 0.3% (1.9%) SF6 = 0.1% OTHERS = 98% Tonnes Tonnes Replacement for CFCs and HCFCs
UK EMISSIONS OF HFCs FIRE FIGHTING