HCFC: time is running out

HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are a class of ozone-depleting chemicals. They are widely used in the refrigeration, foam, solvent, aerosol and fire fighting sectors as a transitional substance to substitute CFCs. HCFCs are also used as feedstock (raw material) in the production for other chemical products.

Although their ozone-depleting potential is less than that of CFCs, their global warming potential is quite high. Developed countries are already reducing their consumption of HCFCs to meet their phaseout obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its adjustments and amendments, which call for a 90% reduction from baseline by 2015.

For Article 5 countries, the cap on HCFC consumption does not take effect until 2013. Global consumption of HCFCs is projected to increase by over 20% in the decade ending in 2015 because of the rapidly increasing consumption of HCFCs in these countries.

The schedule for Article 5 (developing) country phase-out for production and consumption of HCFCs is:

SCHEDULE YEAR
Baseline Average of 2009 and 2010
Freeze 2013
10% reduction (90% of baseline) 2015
35% reduction (65% of baseline) 2020
67.5% reduction (32.5% of baseline) 2025
Total phase-out 2030
2.5 % of baseline averaged over 10 years (2030-2040) allowed, if necessary, for servicing of refrigeration & air-conditioning equipment until 2040 2030 - 2040

The schedule for non-Article 5 (developed) country phase-out for production and consumption of HCFCs is:

Schedule Year
Baseline 1989 HCFC consumption + 2.8% of 1989 consumption
Freeze 1996
35% reduction (65% of baseline) 2004
75% reduction(25% of baseline) 2010
90% reduction(10% of baseline) 2015
Total phase-out 2020
0.5% of baseline restricted to servicing of refrigeration & air-conditioning equipment until 2030 2020 - 2030

Source: UNEP – United Nation Environment Program