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HCFC Phase-Out
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are chemical compounds commonly used in the foam, refrigeration, and air conditioning sectors that destroy the protective ozone layer and contribute to climate change. It is essential to reduce and phase out the use of HCFCs in industry practices. Currently, the most common alternatives to HCFCs are hydrofluorocarbons, (HFCs), which are non-ozone depleting substances (ODS), but still have high Global Warming Potential (GWP). UNIDO and the Montreal Protocol are working to avoid the use of these HCFs as transitional substances and instead work towards finding long-term low-GWP solutions.
These activities are supplemented with projects to improve the energy efficiency of the products manufactured, since in some developing countries, air conditioning has a share of more than 40 percent of the electrical power consumption.
The organization has been mapping out and implementing activities on how the consumption freeze and 10 percent reduction of HCFCs by 2013 and 2015 called for by the Montreal Protocol are to be achieved. Most countries have targeted their foam manufacturing sector or individual foam production lines in the refrigeration manufacturing sector. To complement these plans, individual investment projects for the conversion of production lines have also been developed in the manufacturing sectors.
HCFC Phaseout Management Plan (HPMP)
Georgia is committed to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer since signing in 1996 and 2000 respectively. The country has already succeeded in reducing the consumption of most harmful ozone depleting substances - Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). UNDP continues its assistance in introducing a two-staged HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP).
Activities
With funds from the Multi-Lateral Fund to the Montreal Protocol, UNDP assists Georgia to fulfill the Montreal Protocol schedule in phasing out HCFCs and to revise the national legislation related to the consumption of harmful substances. The HCFCs consumption in Georgia froze in 2013 and will be reduced by 10% and 35% in 2015 and 2020 respectively.
Results so far
- The consumption of HCFCs 142b was phased out four years earlier than anticipated date.
- A 10-year (2011-2020) management plan for phasing out HCFCs was elaborated.
- Legislation related to ozone-depleting substances was revised.
- A strategy to change HCFC dependent installations from ODC based to alternative was prepared.
- Two centres were established for recycling harmful refrigerants.
- Twenty refrigeration and air conditioning service centres were equipped.
- Traning courses were set up for vocational schools and custom officials.
- 800 refrigeration and air conditioning service professionals and 200 custom officers received practical and theoretical training in refrigeration.
- 17 companies and organizations were assisted in upgrading equipment and moving to harmless refrigerants.
- Sales consultants of the biggest home appliances chain stores in Georgia received professional training in environment-friendly refrigeration and air conditioning.
- A nation-wide information campaign "I Care for Ozone" in 2014-2015 promoted ozone-friendly technologies.
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