MONTREAL PROTOCOL

ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE

THE OZONE LAYER

UNEP

REPORT OF THE

TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT PANEL

SEPTEMBER 2013

VOLUME 2

DECISION XXIV/7 TASK FORCE REPORT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ALTERNATIVES ON ODS
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report ii

UNEP

SEPTEMBER 2013 REPORT OF THE

TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC

ASSESSMENT PANEL

VOLUME 2

DECISION XXIV/7 TASK FORCE REPORT 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVES TO ODS
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report iii

Montreal Protocol

On Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Report of the

UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

Volume 2

September 2013

DECISION XXIV/7 TASK FORCE REPORT:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVES TO ODS

The text of this report is composed in Times New Roman.

Co-ordination: TEAP and its XXIV/7 Task Force

Composition: TEAP and its XXIV/7 Task Force

Layout: Lambert Kuijpers, Katerina Gargalasis, Paul Ashford and 

UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat

Reproduction: UNON Nairobi

Date: September 2013

Under certain conditions, printed copies of this report are available from:

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

Ozone Secretariat, P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya

This document is also available in portable document format from

http://ozone.unep.org/new_site/en/assessment_panels_main.php

No copyright involved. This publication may be freely copied, abstracted and cited, with 

acknowledgement of the source of the material.

Printed in Nairobi, Kenya, 2013.

ISBN: 978-9966-20-017-4
iv September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

UNEP

SEPTEMBER 2013 REPORT OF THE

TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC

ASSESSMENT PANEL

VOLUME 2

DECISION XXIV/7 TASK FORCE DRAFT REPORT 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVES TO ODS
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report v

DISCLAIMER

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel 

(TEAP) co-chairs and members, the Technical and Economic Options Committee, chairs, co-chairs and 

members, the TEAP Task Forces co-chairs and members, and the companies and organisations that employ 

them do not endorse the performance, worker safety, or environmental acceptability of any of the technical 

options discussed. Every industrial operation requires consideration of worker safety and proper disposal of 

contaminants and waste products. Moreover, as work continues - including additional toxicity evaluation -

more information on health, environmental and safety effects of alternatives and replacements will become 

available for use in selecting among the options discussed in this document.

UNEP, the TEAP co-chairs and members, the Technical and Economic Options Committee, chairs, co-chairs 

and members, and the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel Task Forces co-chairs and members, in 

furnishing or distributing the information that follows, do not make any warranty or representation, either 

express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or utility; nor do they assume any liability of 

any kind whatsoever resulting from the use or reliance upon any information, material, or procedure 

contained herein.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel and the XXIV/7 Task Force co-chairs and members 

wish to express thanks to all who contributed from governments, both Article 5 and non-Article 5, 

furthermore in particular to the Ozone and the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, as well as to a large number of 

individuals and organisations involved in Protocol issues, without whose involvement this assessment would 

not have been possible.

The opinions expressed are those of the Panel and its Task Force and do not necessarily reflect the reviews of 

any sponsoring or supporting organisation.

The TEAP and its XXIV/7 Task Force thank the Academy for Fire Protection in Moscow, Russian 

Federation, for hosting the TEAP meeting, 9-12 April 2013 where inputs from Parties were reviewed, the 

outline for a draft report was discussed and proposals were made for a next round of drafting in April 2013, 

after which reviews took place by email circulation during the first week of May 2013. The draft report was 

then made available to the Parties, who commented during and after the 33rd OEWG meeting in Bangkok, 

June 2013. All comments were taken on board in finalising the report, which was done via email circulation. 

The final Task Force report was then again circulated to all Task Force members and to TEAP for a final 

review round in August 2013. Thanks are indebted to all reviewers. The report was subsequently submitted to 

Parties for consideration at the MOP-25 in Bangkok, October 2013.
vi September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Foreword

The May 2013 TEAP Report

The May 2013 TEAP Report consists of three volumes:

Volume 1: May 2013 TEAP Progress Report

Volume 2: September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Volume 3: May 2013 TEAP XXIV/8 Task Force Report

Volume 1

Volume 1 contains the MTOC essential use report, progress reports, the MB CUN report etc. 

Volume 2

Volume 2 is the Report of the TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force on additional information on alternatives to 

ozone-depleting substances. A draft report was made available May 2013, the final report was made 

available the beginning of September 2013.

Volume 3

The separate Volume 3 of the TEAP Progress Report contains the report of the Task Force 

responding to Decision XXIV/8.

The UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel:

Lambert Kuijpers, co-chair NL Kei-ichi Ohnishi J

Bella Maranion, co-chair USA Roberto Peixoto BRA

Marta Pizano, co-chair COL Jose Pons-Pons VEN

Stephen O. Andersen USA Ian Porter AUS

Paul Ashford UK Miguel Quintero COL

Mohamed Besri MOR Ian Rae AUS

David Catchpole UK Helen Tope AUS

Biao Jiang PRC Dan Verdonik USA

Sergey Kopylov RF Ashley Woodcock UK

Michelle Marcotte CDN Masaaki Yamabe J

Shiqiu Zhang PRC
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report vii

UNEP

SEPTEMBER 2013 REPORT OF THE

TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT PANEL

VOLUME 2

DECISION XXIV/7 DRAFT TASK FORCE REPORT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALTERNATIVES TO ODS

Table of Contents Page

FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................................................... VI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................1

1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................11

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE 11

1.2 SCOPE AND COVERAGE 11

1.3 COMPOSITION OF THE TASK FORCE 11

1.4 THE STRUCTURE OF THE XXIV/7 REPORT 12

2 METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH IN ADDRESSING THE DECISION ........................................15

2.1 COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY 15

2.2 PROOF OF TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY 15

2.3 ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGIES 16

2.4 COST EFFECTIVENESS 17

2.5 NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 17

2.6 QUANTIFYING AVOIDED/AVOIDABLE IMPACTS 17

2.7 LOW GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL 19

3 DEALING WITH ‘WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED’............................................................21

3.1 ‘WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED’ - REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING 21

3.2 ‘WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED’ – FOAMS 24

4 REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ..................................................................................37

4.1 ODS ALTERNATIVES 37

4.2 OVER-ARCHING ISSUES 49

4.3 POTENTIAL PENETRATION RATES IN THE RAC SECTOR 53

4.4 DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION 56

4.4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................56

4.4.2 HFC-134a .....................................................................................................................................57

4.4.3 HC-600a........................................................................................................................................57

4.4.4 Other refrigerant alternatives .......................................................................................................58

4.4.5 Not-In-Kind ...................................................................................................................................59

4.5 COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION 59

4.5.1 Stand-alone equipment..................................................................................................................59

4.5.2 Condensing units...........................................................................................................................60

4.5.3 Centralised systems.......................................................................................................................61

4.6 TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION 62

4.7 INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION 64

4.8 AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT PUMPS 65

4.8.1 Small self-contained (window, portable, through-the-wall, packaged terminal)..........................65

4.8.2 Mini-split (non-ducted)..................................................................................................................67

4.8.3 Multi-split......................................................................................................................................70

4.8.4 Split (ducted) .................................................................................................................................72

4.8.5 Ducted split commercial and non-split air conditioners...............................................................72
viii September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

4.8.6 Hot water heating heat pumps.......................................................................................................73

4.8.7 Space heating heat pumps.............................................................................................................74

4.9 CHILLERS 76

4.9.1 Positive displacement chillers.......................................................................................................76

4.9.2 Centrifugal chillers........................................................................................................................79

4.10 MOBILE AIR CONDITIONING 80

4.10.1 Cars...............................................................................................................................................80

4.10.2 Public transport.............................................................................................................................82

5 FOAMS .......................................................................................................................................................85

5.1 ODS ALTERNATIVES 85

5.2 POLYURETHANE - APPLIANCES 87

5.2.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ..........................................87

5.2.2 Emerging Alternatives...................................................................................................................89

5.2.3 Barriers and restrictions ...............................................................................................................90

5.3 POLYURETHANE - BOARDSTOCK 91

5.3.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ..........................................91

5.3.2 Emerging alternatives ...................................................................................................................92

5.3.3 Barriers and restrictions ...............................................................................................................92

5.4 POLYURETHANE - PANELS 92

5.4.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances..........................................93

5.4.2 Emerging alternatives ...................................................................................................................94

5.4.3 Barriers and restrictions ...............................................................................................................95

5.5 POLYURETHANE - SPRAY 95

5.5.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ..........................................95

5.5.2 Emerging alternatives ...................................................................................................................96

5.5.3 Barriers and restrictions ...............................................................................................................97

5.6 POLYURETHANE – IN-SITU/BLOCK 97

5.6.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ..........................................97

5.6.2 Emerging alternatives ...................................................................................................................98

5.6.3 Barriers and restrictions ...............................................................................................................98

5.7 POLYURETHANE – INTEGRAL SKIN 99

5.7.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ..........................................99

5.7.2 Emerging alternatives .................................................................................................................100

5.7.3 Barriers and restrictions .............................................................................................................101

5.8 EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE - BOARD 101

5.8.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ........................................101

5.8.2 Emerging alternatives .................................................................................................................102

5.8.3 Barriers and restrictions .............................................................................................................102

5.9 PHENOLIC FOAMS 103

5.9.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances ........................................103

5.9.2 Emerging alternatives .................................................................................................................104

5.9.3 Barriers and restrictions .............................................................................................................104

6 FIRE PROTECTION ALTERNATIVES TO OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES .....................105

6.1 INTRODUCTION 105

6.2 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(A) 106

6.2.1 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives to ODS for total flooding fire protection 

using fixed systems ......................................................................................................................106

6.2.1.1 Halocarbon Agents (with ODP zero) ..........................................................................................106

6.2.1.2 Inert Gas Agents..........................................................................................................................107

6.2.1.3 Carbon Dioxide ...........................................................................................................................107

6.2.1.4 Water Mist Technology................................................................................................................108

6.2.1.5 Inert Gas Generators...................................................................................................................108

6.2.1.6 Fine Solid Particles (Powders)....................................................................................................108

6.2.2 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives to ODS for local application fire 

protection using portable systems...............................................................................................108

6.2.2.1 Carbon Dioxide ...........................................................................................................................109

6.2.2.2 Halogenated Agents ....................................................................................................................109
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report ix

6.2.2.3 Dry Chemical ..............................................................................................................................109

6.2.2.4 Water...........................................................................................................................................110

6.2.2.5 Fine Water Spray.........................................................................................................................110

6.2.2.6 Aqueous Salt Solutions................................................................................................................110

6.2.2.7 Aqueous Film-forming Foam ......................................................................................................111

6.3 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(B) 111

6.3.1 Alternative total flooding agents under development for use in fixed systems............................111

6.3.2 Alternative local application agents under development for use in portable systems.................111

6.4 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(C) 111

6.5 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(D) 112

6.6 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(E) 113

7 SOLVENTS ..............................................................................................................................................115

7.1 INTRODUCTION 115

7.2 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(A) 116

7.2.1 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives for solvent cleanings .........................116

7.3 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(B) 120

7.3.1 Alternatives Under Development ................................................................................................120

7.4 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(C) 120

7.4.1 Barrier and restrictions; the feasibility of options to HCFCs in solvents...................................120

7.5 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(D) 124

7.6 RESPONSE TO QUESTION 1(E) 124

8 DEALING WITH WHAT CAN BE AVOIDED IN THE PERIOD TO 2020 .....................................125

8.1 WHAT CAN BE AVOIDED IN FUTURE – REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING 125

8.1.1 Introduction and methodology ....................................................................................................125

8.1.2 Stationary air conditioning ........................................................................................................127

8.1.3 Commercial refrigeration............................................................................................................129

8.1.4 Both subsectors together............................................................................................................131

8.2 WHAT CAN BE AVOIDED IN FUTURE – FOAMS 133

9 CONCLUSIONS.......................................................................................................................................143

10 MATERIAL SUBMITTED BY PARTIES ............................................................................................146

10.1 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BEFORE MAY 2013 146

10.2 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED DURING MOP-25, JUNE 2013 153

10.3 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF JULY 2013 156

11 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................159

12 REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................................161

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 1

Executive Summary

Introduction

This Final Report builds on the Draft Report on Decision XXIV/7 presented to the 33rd meeting of 

the Open Ended Working Group in June 2013 and has sought to accommodate the helpful comments 

provided by Parties and other stakeholders at that meeting. It has been substantially restructured to 

separate out the consideration of ‘what could have been avoided’ (now Chapter 3), a substantial and 

updated review of alternatives as required by Clause 1 of the Decision (now Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7) 

and also a summary of ‘what could be avoided’ between now and 2020 (now Chapter 8). As directed, 

the Task Force has sought to focus its additional efforts on further analysis of the current situation 

and future opportunities. 

In restructuring the Report, the Task Force has also sought to address some methodological 

deficiencies of the Draft Report. In particular, it has refined its interpretation of Technical Feasibility 

and Commercial Availability (e.g. by the introduction of Technical Readiness Levels) in such a way 

as to recognise more specifically the circumstances of high ambient temperatures and high urban 

population density, both of which were highlighted at the discussions that took place at the 33rd Open 

Ended Working Group meeting. Inclusions and changes of emphasis are summarised in Chapter 2. 

 

Refrigeration and air conditioning

In Chapter 3, a number of considerations are given to ‘what could have been avoided’. Domestic 

refrigeration and mobile air conditioning are the subsectors highlighted; here the conversion away 

from ODSs has been completed and low GWP alternatives have been applied or considered for quite 

some time. This is continued in Chapter 8 with a determination of amounts ‘that could be avoided’ for 

the two main refrigeration and air conditioning subsectors cases where servicing plays an important 

role. In Chapter 4, an updated review of alternatives is given. Initially, the chapter provides generic 

information relating to selected alternative substances. This includes a description of five classes of 

alternatives:

- Ammonia (R-717)

- Carbon dioxide (R-744)

- Hydrocarbons (HC-290 and others)

- HFCs (medium and high GWP), and 

- HFCs (low GWP)

For each alternative, general efficiency aspects, cost effectiveness and barriers and restrictions are 

given. Subsequently, additional information, including current trends, is presented in the sub-sector 

specific sections that follow, wherever applicable. For this report it was considered under the current 

circumstances to discuss a small number of currently unassigned refrigerant blends where it is 

anticipated that they are close to commercialisation and receiving R-number designations. 

In domestic refrigeration, the main refrigerants used are hydrocarbon HC-600a (isobutane) and 

HFC-134a. More than 50% of current new production (globally) employs HC-600a, the remainder 

uses HFC-134a. HC-600a continues to be the main alternative to HFC-134a. Concerns in connection 

with the high flammability no longer exist for the low charges applied. No new alternative has 

matured to become energy-efficient and cost-competitive. Considering the product costs, HC-600a is 

less expensive than HFC-134a, but additional investment cost for HC-600a products are due to the 

larger size of compressors. Production cost for refrigerators can be higher due to the requirements for 

safety systems.

Initial developments to assess HFC-134a replacement with HFC-1234yf have begun, but is not being 

pursued as a high priority. Still HFC-1234yf has demonstrated the potential for comparable efficiency 

to HFC-134a. The lower flammability makes its application easier in countries with strong 

reservations about HC-600a. R-744 (CO2) is also being evaluated, but its application implies 

additional costs.
2 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

In commercial refrigeration stand-alone equipment HFC-134a and R-404A are still the dominant 

refrigerants. HC-600a and HC-290 are used for small commercial equipment with refrigerant charges 

varying from 15 g to 1.5 kg. R-744 is mainly used in vending machines; the technology is operating 

well but it is a technical challenge and only one supplier is able to provide an efficient system. The 

small additional cost associated with safety in HC equipment is integrated in the price, and is not 

much different compared with HFC equipment. Where it concerns low GWP HFCs, HFC-1234yf can 

replace HFC-134a in any application. Due to its comparable energy-efficiency with HFC-134a, 

vending machines with HFC-1234yf have been introduced in countries such as Japan (two 

manufacturers).. Currently a main barrier is still (the wide) availability of the chemical. 

Regarding condensing units, some new R-744 based units are sold in northern Europe, but the 

penetration in the market is slow. Several indirect condensing units with HC-290 or HC-1270 are 

operating in Europe with typical refrigerant charges varying from 1 to 20 kg, with good energy 

efficiency. Costs for these HC based systems are typically 5 to 15% higher compared with HFC 

systems.

HFC-134a, R-404A, and, at a small level, R-410A are HFCs of choice for condensing units. As in all 

other commercial applications, high GWP HFCs are seen as short-term options.

The preferred option for large European commercial companies is HFC-134a at the mediumtemperature level (-10 to -15°C) cascading with a R-744 direct system for the low temperature (-35 to 

-38°C) since it is a global option for all climates. 

Ammonia is used in indirect centralised systems for large capacities; usually R-744 is used at the lowtemperature level. Due to safety issues the number of installations so far is limited. For applying 

lower GWP options, HFC-134a can be replaced by HFC-1234yf or HFC-1234ze where the lower 

flammability of these refrigerants can be addressed during the design stage. For non-flammable 

options, small temperature-glide blends --such as N-13 and XP-10-- can also be used in existing 

facilities For the non-low GWP refrigerants, R-404A is currently the dominant refrigerant, even if it is 

now replaced in new installations by HFC-134a at the medium-temperature level. R-407F is proposed 

as an intermediate option. There are also non-flammable options with lower GWP such as the HFC 

blends N-40 and DR-33. Two-stage R-744 systems for the medium-temperature level and the lowtemperature level have taken a certain market share in Europe and are now installed in more than 

1300 stores. R-744 trans-critical cycle developments are on-going to make the technology more 

energy-competitive under higher ambient conditions. The additional cost is limited to 10 to 15%. 

The refrigerant of choice for transport refrigeration systems in non-Article 5 countries is HFCs. R404A has become a preferred choice for practically all trailers and large trucks. HFC-134a is used in 

small trucks and vans as well as reefer containers. Testing of low-GWP HFC and non-HFC 

alternatives are in progress elsewhere, but not one option seems viable in the short term. The main 

issue is that the performance of R-404A is difficult to meet. Current and previous tests with trucks 

using R-744 suggest that introduction of R-744 will be possible when more efficient compressors 

with more than one compression stage, which are under development, will be commercially available. 

The use of hydrocarbons (mainly HC-290) in truck refrigeration units has been tested; they would be 

the preferred choice because they can provide lower energy consumption in the order of 20% or more. 

HFC-1234yf can be an interesting alternative to HFC-134a due to its lower discharge temperature.

On vessels, hydrocarbons are technically feasible, but the strict safety concerns currently do not 

favour application of flammable refrigerants aboard. Natural refrigerants have been commercialised 

to a small extent aboard marine vessels worldwide. For European fishing vessels highly efficient 

ammonia- CO2-cascade systems are the systems of choice. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 3

Over 90% of the large industrial refrigeration installations use R-717 whereas the market share of 

R-717 is only 5% (India and China) to 25% (Europe and Russia) for smaller industrial refrigeration 

systems. Energy efficiency is in general 15% better than HFCs systems. Hydrocarbons are not widely 

used, other than in situations where safety measures are already required, e.g. in a petrochemical plant 

or in compact chillers.

In Small Self-Contained (SSC) air conditioners R-744 is not widely considered for use. The main 

barriers for SSC air conditioners are related to efficiency and cost implications, such as due to its very 

high operating pressure. Due to efficiency implications, the use of cooling only R-744 systems is not 

really feasible. However, there are developments on units for specific purposes, where both cooling 

and heating is needed. HC-290 has been used in portable ACs for many years and several companies 

are producing them. Window units are also under development. HC-290 seems to be preferred over 

HC-1270 for smaller capacity systems. 

R-410A is used in most SSC ACs, where HCFC-22 is not used. It is feasible to use HFC-32 in SSC 

ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. HFC-32 energy efficiency is similar to or a few per 

cent higher than HCFC-22 and R-410A although its deterioration at high ambient temperatures is a 

few per cent worse than HCFC-22, but not as severe as R-410A. 

R-410A is most popular refrigerant for mini-split air conditioners where R-22 is phased out. HC-290 

has been used in split ACs for many years on a limited scale but now several companies are 

developing and beginning to produce them on a larger scale. Although HC-290 seems to be the 

preferred HC option, HC-1270 is under evaluation by some companies. HC-290 units are available 

from several companies. Currently, no split air conditioners are available using R-744 or HFC1234yf, although some studies have been carried out. One manufacturer has started producing minisplit air conditioners with HFC-32 in 2012. Another company has produced proto-type units with “L41”. 

In hot water heat pumps and space heating heat pumps, R-410A is most common refrigerant. R717 is used fairly widely in capacities from 250 kW to very large/industrial-scale (>1 MW). Such 

systems are located outside or in special machinery rooms in order to handle the higher toxicity 

characteristics. As with R-717 systems in general, the main barriers are related to the minimal 

capacity required for cost-effectiveness and certain national regulation controlling installation. A 

large number of manufacturers globally are producing domestic and small commercial sized hot water 

heating heat pumps using R-744. Generally, the efficiency that can be achieved by R-744 in hot water 

heaters is equivalent to or slightly higher than HFC refrigerants even at high temperature difference 

condition. It is feasible to use HFC-32 in hot water heat pumps, for example, where R-410A is 

already used. HCs, particularly HC-290, had been used widely in Europe for small (domestic) heat 

pumps, and at a minor level, there are also large commercial-sized heat pumps being marketed, which 

use HC-290 or HC-1270. It is feasible to use HFC-32 and the L-20 blend in space heating heat pumps, 

but R-744 is not considered by some as a suitable refrigerant for space heating only heat pumps at the 

present time.

Considering the use of low-GWP refrigerants in reciprocating and screw chillers the following 

describes the current situation. R-717 is used fairly widely for process refrigeration, food storage 

facilities and air conditioning. The efficiency of R-717 is high for chillers in both medium and high 

temperature applications. The barriers for chillers are consistent with R-717 systems in general. R744 is now used in reciprocating chillers by many manufacturers. As with other types of systems, the 

efficiency is compromised with increasing ambient temperatures. The main barrier for R-744 chillers 

is the poorer efficiency in climates with consistently higher ambient temperatures and high cost due to 

various reasons including its high operating pressure. Both HC-290 and HC-1270 units are produced 

by a number of manufacturers in Europe and some countries in other regions, although the total 
4 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

number is minor compared to conventional HFC technology. There are certain barriers in the case of 

HC applications, depending upon chiller configurations. 

HFC-1234ze(E) is a refrigerant that can be used in existing HFC-134a technologies with minor 

modifications (compressor sizing), and it has been trialled in systems in Europe. When used in 

reciprocating, scroll or screw type of compressors, it produces efficiency levels comparable to HFC134a. In centrifugal compressors, this refrigerant produces efficiency levels slightly better than HFC134a. HCFC-1233zd(E) (a low-GWP HCFC) can replace HCFC-123 in low pressure centrifugal 

chillers with slightly better efficiency levels. In chiller applications, both HFC-1234ze(E) and HCFC1233zd(E) should perform very well in warm climates, due to their high critical temperatures.

Both R-407C and R-410A are widely used in positive displacement chillers as is HFC-134a. HFC134a is used widely in various capacities of centrifugal and screw chillers.

In mobile air conditioning systems), the preferred option is to shift from HFC-134a to HFC-1234yf 

when it is required as it is by the EU regulation, but the delayed introduction is related to several 

issues: global availability, flammability concerns, regulation and. Other future options are still being 

reconsidered by certain car manufacturers; in fact R-744, while staying with HFC-134a until R-744 

would have been commercialised. R-744 has been demonstrated to be as efficient as the best in class 

HFC-134a system except under high ambient conditions (above 35°C). However, the main barriers 

for R-744 systems have been costs, reliability and servicing aspects.. 

In developed countries, the change from HFC-134a to HFC-1234yf seems to be the likely solution 

because the car industry favours global options for AC systems. HFC-134a is currently the only 

refrigerant in use except the refilling of existing AC systems with HFC and HC blends

In public transports, the two dominant refrigerants are currently HFC-134a and R-407C in developed 

countries and HFC-134a and HCFC-22 in developing countries. Future options to be considered 

includeHFC-1234yf, R-744, new blends, possibly the air cycle.

In order to calculate amounts that can be avoided, a certain BAU case has been developed using a 

number of assumptions:

- a certain consumption pattern during the period 1995-2012 for the subsectors

- a certain consumption pattern in separate Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries, which determines 

the specific starting point of 2012 (in tonnes for the various refrigerants in the various subsectors)

- a conservative servicing percentage (of the existing bank) of 15% per year

- an economic growth (and an extrapolated economic growth) taken from percentages over the 

period 2005-2012 (for separate countries or separate groups of countries) 

The important subsectors considered are commercial refrigeration and stationary air conditioning.

All countries, stationary air conditioning

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)*

2015 354.6 220.0 35.6 610.1 634.6 431.9 17.6 1084.1 (1136.3)

2020 255.8 249.9 132.1 637.9 457.9 492.0 65.3 1015.3 (1113.9)

Aggregated

2013-20 2600.6 1832.8 524.3 4957.8 4655 3601 259 8515 (9288)

All countries, commercial refrigeration

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2--eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 157.3 90.2 18.8 266.3 281.7 268.1 3.6 553.4 (653.4)

2020 195.5 114.0 66.9 376.4 350.0 278.9 13.4 642.3 (875.6)

Aggregated

2013-20 1349.7 778.7 269.9 2398.3 2417 2170 53.0 4640 (6245)
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 5

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 511.8 310.2 54.3 876.3 916.3 700.0 21.2 1637.5 (1740.7)

2020 451.4 363.9 199.1 1014.3 807.9 770.9 78.7 1657.6 (2085.7)

Aggregated

2013-20 3950.3 2611.5 794.2 7356.0 7072 5771 312 13155 (15533)

* Note; the amounts given in parentheses are the ones without using (lower GWP) alternatives 

Looking at the totals for 2020 it can be observed that 

 stationary air conditioning is twice as large as commercial refrigeration in ktonnes

 stationary air conditioning is 30% larger than commercial refrigeration without the application of 

lower GWP alternatives, is about 50% larger with the application of lower GWP alternatives

Looking at the aggregated values it can be observed that 

 stationary air conditioning is about twice as large in ktonnes, about 50% larger in Mt CO2-eq. if 

commercial refrigeration would apply HFCs

 stationary air conditioning would (again) be twice as large in Mt CO2-eq. if a large amount of 

lower GWP alternatives would be used instead of the refrigerants R-404A and R-507. 

In total, for all countries, for both new manufacture and servicing, 794 ktonnes can be avoided during 

the period 2013-2020, which is 11% of the total (7356 ktonnes). During that same period 2378 Mt 

CO2-eq. can be avoided, which is more than 15% of the total.

It should be realised that these numbers are derived for 15% servicing. Should this percentage be 

substantially higher, the amounts that can be avoided calculated in percentages would decrease. This 

could be a subject for a more detailed scenario analysis.

Aggregated for the period 2013-2020, for all countries, both non-Article 5 and Article 5, 184 ktonnes 

of refrigerants (with higher GWP) can be avoided from a total of 1304 ktonnes, which equals 14%. 

Expressed in Mt CO2-eq. for that same period, 247 Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided from a total of 1791 

Mt CO2-eq., which equals 13.8% (the numbers should be more or less the same, since it only concerns 

amounts of HFC-134a that can be avoided, by a mix of low GWP alternatives, which give a very 

small contribution in Mt CO2 eq.). It should be emphasised here that the percentage of the amount 

that can be avoided for non-Article 5 countries would be higher than for Article 5 countries (17% vs. 

about 10%, in Mt CO2-eq., aggregated over 2013-2020).

Foams

The foams sector has made transitions from its CFC baseline, through HCFCs in some cases, to either 

high-GWP or low-GWP non-ozone depleting solutions. As of 2013, the residual reliance on HCFC 

use in Article 5 regions rests to some extent in polyurethane appliance foams, but mostly in PU Spray 

and XPS Board. 

It is important to note that, of the 5.6 million ODP baseline footprint1of the foam sector between 

1990 and 2012, over 80% of the footprint was avoided. Similarly, for a cumulative baseline climate 

footprint of 26.3 billion tonnes CO2-eq over 66% has been avoided. This assessment has taken the 

rather stringent approach of not correcting for the 10 year grace period given to Article 5 Parties, so 

the avoided baseline percentages against regulatory requirements are considerably higher. A similarly 

stringent approach has been taken with respect to the availability of non-ozone depleting alternatives 

and low-GWP solutions. 

1 That which would have occurred if not action had been taken on ozone depleting substances.
6 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

It has effectively been assumed that these were available throughout the period of analysis and 

thereby the analysis over-estimates the ‘missed opportunities’ in order to place a worst case 

perspective to the data generated and avoid subjective scenarios. The following graphs illustrate the 

missed opportunities analysed in this way for both ozone and climate: 

The reasons for these ‘missed opportunities’, especially for the XPS board sector, are fully explained 

in Chapters 3 & 5. It remains difficult to identify significant areas where the transition process could 

have been accelerated substantially given the constraints faced. It should also be noted that the effect 

of changes in thermal performance have not been factored into the climate assessment in view of the 

complex and non-determinable usage patterns to which most building insulation foams are subject. 

As of 2013, the proportion of blowing agent being consumed by sector that can be considered as highGWP is shown in the following table. It can be seen that 

some sectors have virtually completed their phase-out while 

others still have major hurdles to overcome. Particular 

examples are the PU Spray Foam and XPS Board sectors,

where major product and processes challenges remain. In 

general, the remaining challenges are greater in Article 5 

Parties where there is often less to be gained from 

economies of scale. 

Many of these sectors are still reliant on the emergence of a 

new generation of alternatives which can display the 

performance associated with their high-GWP counterparts 

while delivering limited direct global warming impact. In 

particular, unsaturated HFCs (HFOs) are likely to have a 

strong role to play, with other emerging blowing agents, such as methyl formate, meeting some of the 

more specific niche applications. Drivers in non-Article 5 Parties will be market and regulatory 

pressure, while the main driver in Article 5 Parties will be the phase-out of HCFCs under the 

Montreal Protocol through the implementation of HCFC Phase-out Management Plans. 

non-A5 A5

PU Appliance 41.34% 41.34%

PU Boardstock 2.48% 0.00%

PU Panel 44.68% 78.60%

PU Spray 99.63% 100.00%

PU In-situ/Block 36.08% 99.64%

XPS Board 81.84% 99.98%

Phenolic 15.98% 32.51%

Total 35.61% 48.37%
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 7

Moving forward to assess the potential for further avoided consumption, the period of assessment has 

been limited to 2013-2020 in view of the uncertainties surrounding market growth in the foam sector 

beyond that date. However, it should be noted that the potential savings will be under-estimated by 

taking this relatively cautious approach. The following four charts show the potential savings 

available assuming an immediate transition in 2013. While recognizing that this is not possible in 

most cases, it does compensate to some extent for the relatively short assessment period: 

Again, it should be noted that, although these savings are assumed to remove all of the remaining 

ozone and climate impacts for the period 2013-2020, the ozone-related savings represent only 2.3% of 

the footprint that would have existed without the Montreal Protocol. Similarly, the removal of the 

remaining climate impacts only represents 13.3% of the climate footprint that would have existed 

without the Montreal Protocol. 

With HCFC Phase-out Management Plans now well into their first phase, it is clear that most of the 

significant sectors identified in Article 5 Parties are already being addressed. However, this is not 

necessarily the case in non-Article 5 Parties where the drivers for further transition need to come from 

the climate agenda, bearing in mind that the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances is already 

complete. Apart from the market and regulatory intervention mentioned earlier, one of the key drivers 

may ultimately be the improvement in thermal efficiency offered by low-GWP substitutes such as 

unsaturated HFCs, unsaturated HCFCs or blends containing them. 

It is clear that the timing of further transitions is less critical to the environment than was the case for 

CFC phase-out, where delay had substantial consequences. There are still some difficult transitions to 

address (e.g. in the XPS sector) and it may be that waiting for the maturing of emerging technologies 

will offer better long-term solutions than forcing the transition too soon. Where this is unavoidable 

because of ODS phase-out commitments, it may still be better to consider a low-cost interim solution 

in order allow for a subsequent transition. 

Having reviewed the potential for avoided consumption, this Report has also sought to make some 

assessment of the percentage reduction of cumulative consumption that might be realistically 

achieved in the 2013-2020 period. The following table illustrates those outputs: 
8 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Non-A5 A 5

tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq

PU Appliance 159,132 176,652 225,420 189,564 55% 75% 87,523 97,158 169,065 142,173

PU Boardstock 17,054 19,747 - 8 50% 50% 8,527 9,874 - 4

PU Panel 148,542 172,550 77,374 54,710 50% 40% 74,271 86,275 30,950 21,884

PU Spray 103,966 105,824 75,895 53,582 25% 25% 25,992 26,456 18,974 13,395

PU In-situ/Block 26,881 25,910 71,839 50,711 25% 25% 6,720 6,478 17,960 12,678

XPS Board 202,705 192,878 457,667 891,499 10% 25% 20,271 19,288 114,417 222,875

Phenolic 5,196 4,978 408 282 50% 50% 2,598 2,489 204 141

Total 663,476 698,539 908,603 1,240,356 225,901 248,017 351,569 413,150

34.05% 35.51% 38.69% 33.31%

Non-Article 5 Article 5

Cumulative High-GWP Consumption to 2020 Est. % Avoidance Estimated Avoided Consumption to 2020

Non-Article 5 Article 5

In summary, the foam sector might be expected to deliver a further 575,000 tonnes of avoided highGWP blowing agent consumption yielding approximately 660,000 ktCO2-eq of additional climate 

benefit beyond business-as-usual by 2020, with further benefits to accrue thereafter.

Fire protection

Ozone depleting substances (ODS) used as fire extinguishants possess unique efficacy and safety 

properties that serve as a basis of fire protection systems where the application of water (by hose 

stream or sprinkler heads), dry chemical agents, or aqueous salt solutions is problematic. This is 

especially true in high-value, commercial electronics environments and in military systems, to name 

only two of many applications where such systems had many serious technical disadvantages.

Commercially available, technically proven alternatives to ODS for Fire Protection have been 

developed and include: halocarbon agents, e.g., HFCs and a fluoroketone (FK); inert gases, e.g., 

nitrogen and argon and their blends; carbon dioxide; water mist technologies; inert gas generators; 

fine solid particles (powders); dry chemicals; and aqueous film-forming foam. Several 

environmentally sound alternatives to ODS fire extinguishing agents for both total flooding and local 

applications uses have been introduced to the market. If an environmentally sound alternative agent 

works in any specific application, there is no barrier to its adoption other than economic 

considerations. Additional environmentally sound alternatives are presently under development that 

may increase the number of applications where environmentally sound alternatives are technically 

viable but it is too soon to make any realistic assessments.

The production of PFCs and HFCs for use in fire extinguishing systems and portable fire 

extinguishers as well as the production of alternatives (without negative environmental impacts) to 

these agents for uses in the same applications is performed by very few manufacturers, all of whom 

treat the information on their historical, present and projected production as proprietary. Without a 

clear understanding of these production levels for the alternatives without negative environmental 

impacts, and also for the PFCs and HFCs, there is no basis for making a sound judgment about the 

overall utility of any alternatives in replacing PFCs and HFCs in the fire protection sector.

Nevertheless, we can say that the fire protection community has acted responsibly in dealing with 

what have turned out to be unsuitable alternatives from an environmental impact perspective. The 

availability of several HFCs that collectively could perform as well as the PFCs in certain 

applications, and at the same time present a more favourable environmental impact, led to the 

collapse of the use of PFCs in those applications.

However, the need for chemical agents remains as inert gases, water mist and other agents are not 

suitable for many fire protection applications that had previously used halon. HFCs have filled that 

role and, since about 2005, a fluoroketone (FK) has increasingly become more accepted. The fire 

protection industry is still evaluating alternatives that have low environmental impacts. In addition, 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 9

the Halons Technical Options Committee is assessing regional biases in fire protection agent, systems 

and costs across the spectrum of available choices. 

The use of HCFCs in fire protection is declining, with the only total flood agent being provided for 

the maintenance of legacy systems that are themselves phasing out. Only HCFC-123 is used in any 

quantity in portable extinguishers. However, if the development of 2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene 

proves to be commercially successful, owing to its fire extinguishing characteristics being closer to 

halon 1211 and it having a low environmental impact, means that it would be the natural replacement 

for HCFC-123 and halon 1211 – particularly in the aviation industry. 

Solvents

The HCFC solvents currently used are HCFC-141b and HCFC-225ca/cb with ODP of 0.11 and 

0.025/0.033 and GWP-100yr of 713 and 120/586, respectively. The elimination of HCFCs from

solvent applications still leaves many options available. Many alternative solvents and technologies 

developed so far since 1980s are the candidates for HCFC alternatives, which include, not- in kind 

technologies such as aqueous cleaning, semi-aqueous cleanings, hydrocarbon and alcoholic solvents, 

and in-kind solvents such as chlorinated solvents, a brominated solvent, and fluorinated solvents with 

various levels of acceptance. However, no single option seems well suited to replace HCFCs 

completely. 

Recently unsaturated fluorochemical HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins) with zero ODP and HCFOs 

(hydrochlorofluoroolefins) with negligibly small ODP are said to be under development. They have 

ultra low GWP (<10) and are expected to replace high GWP-HFC and low or moderate GWP HFE 

solvents. Among them, HCFOs are unique in their balanced solvency due to the presence of chlorine 

and fluorine atom in the molecule. If HCFOs with appropriate boiling points, low toxicity and enough

stability to the practical use be on market, they may replace HCFCs totally in the future.

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 11

1 Introduction

1.1 Terms of Reference

Decision XXIV/7 of the Twenty-fourth Meeting of the Parties requested the Technology and 

Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) to prepare a draft report for consideration by the Open-ended 

Working Group at its 33rd meeting and this final report for the Twenty-fifth Meeting in 2013.

1.2 Scope and coverage

The text of Decision XXIV/7 is as follows:

1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel in consultations with 

experts from outside the Panel with the relevant expertise if necessary, to update information on 

alternatives and technologies in various sectors and prepare a draft report for consideration by the 

Open-ended Working Group at its thirty-third meeting and a final report to be submitted to the 

Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the Parties that would by end use:

(a) Describe all available alternatives to ozone-depleting substances that are 

commercially available, technically proven, environmentally-sound, taking into account their 

efficacy, health, safety and environmental characteristics, cost-effectiveness, and their use including 

in high ambient temperatures and high urban density cities;

(b) Update information provided by previous Panel reports on alternatives under 

development; 

(c) Identify barriers and restrictions to the adoption and commercial use of certain 

environmentally-sound alternatives to ozone-depleting substances;

(d) Estimate, if possible, the approximate amount of alternatives with negative 

environmental impacts that could be or could have been avoided or eliminated by both non-Article 5 

and Article 5 Parties in the process of phasing-out ozone-depleting substances;

(e) Identify the opportunities for the selection of environmentally-sound alternatives to 

HCFCs in the future; 

2. To invite the Panel to take into account any information relevant for the report to be 

prepared under paragraph 1 of the present decision provided by Parties to the Secretariat.

1.3 Composition of the Task Force

The TEAP established a XXIV/7 Task Force to prepare this report to respond to Decision XXIV/7. 

The composition of the Task Force is as follows:

 Lambert Kuijpers (The Netherlands, co-chair TEAP, co-chair RTOC);

 Roberto Peixoto (Brazil, co-chair RTOC);

 Paul Ashford (UK, co-chair FTOC);

 Samir Arora (India, member FTOC)

 Dave Catchpole (UK, co-chair HTOC)

 Denis Clodic (France, member RTOC) 

 Daniel Colbourne (UK, member RTOC)

 Mike Jeffs (UK, member FTOC)

 Ilhan Karaagac (Turkey, FTOC member)

 Osami Kataoka (Japan, outside expert)

 Michael Kauffeld(Germany, member RTOC)

 Tingxun Li (China, RTOC member)

 Keiichi Ohnishi (Japan, co-chair CTOC);

 Rajan Rajendran (USA, RTOC member)
12 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

 Enshan Sheng (China, member FTOC);

 Helen Walter Terrioni (USA, member FTOC)

 Samuel Yana-Motta (Peru, outside expert)

 Fred Wang (China, FTOC member)

The XXIV/7 Task Force has been co-chaired by Paul Ashford, Lambert Kuijpers and Roberto 

Peixoto. 

A preliminary outline of this draft report was discussed by the TEAP during its meeting in Moscow, 

Russian Federation, 9-12 April 2013 and key challenges in responding to the Decision were 

highlighted, especially as they related to Clause 1(d). Co-chairs were also able to review the latest 

submissions from Parties, including those received immediately prior to the Moscow meeting, before 

assembling the draft materials already received from the Task Force members and continuing with 

the drafting activities. Subsequent chapter drafts were then circulated to relevant sub-groups of the 

Task Force before the final draft was circulated by email to the XXIV/7 Task Force as a whole and 

the TEAP for endorsement in early May. Although the timescale for wider TEAP review was short, it 

was recognised that this was a working document (draft report) for the consideration of the Parties at 

the Open Ended Working Group in June and that further opportunity for comments by TEAP and 

Parties would exist once additional direction had been received from Parties and duly considered by 

the Task Force. 

At the OEWG in June 2013 in Bangkok, Parties agreed a deadline of 15 July 2013 for the submission 

of comments, additional information and relevant references. The Task Force received submissions 

from the EU and Japan (and from the Shecco company, whose references were supported by the EU). 

On the bases of all materials received and additional input from all Task Force members, a semi-final 

report was composed during 20 July - 20 August 2013, coordinated by the Task Force co-chairs (only 

via e-mail contacts and exchanges). This semi-final report was again reviewed by the full Task Force 

and by the TEAP during the last part of August 2013 and subsequently submitted as final TF report to 

UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat for publication on its website. 

1.4 The Structure of the XXIV/7 report

The structure of the TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report is as follows:

Chapter 1, “Introduction”, presents the Terms of Reference, establishment of the Task Force and the 

consultative processes used to prepare this report.

Chapter 2, “Methodological Approach in Addressing the Decision” describes how the Task Force 

gave consideration to the request of the Parties, especially with respect to the quantification of 

negative environmental impact, and explains the decision to allow sectors covered within the report 

to address the requirements of Clause 1(d) from perspectives seen as most pertinent to their 

situations. 

Chapter 3, “Dealing with what could have been avoided”, assesses the amounts that could have been 

avoided for some subsectors of refrigeration and air conditioning and for the foams sector, assuming 

conversions in a certain timeframe. It also seeks to derive some assessment of the impact of ‘missed 

opportunities’. It refers to chapter 8 for the amounts that could be avoided in the period to 2020.

Chapter 4, “Refrigeration and air-conditioning”, describes the commercially available and technically 

proven environmentally sound ODS alternatives in refrigeration and air conditioning. It also 

describes the barriers against uptake of alternatives. The sub-sectors considered are domestic, 

commercial, transport and large size refrigeration, unitary air conditioning and mobile air 

conditioning.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 13

Chapter 5, “Foams”, describes the technical and economic experience gained with commercially 

available and emerging ODS alternatives. It also updates the timelines for the commercialisation of 

the emerging alternatives. 

Chapter 6, “Fire protection”, describes the use of ODS alternatives in fire protection, and relevant 

issues pertaining to the Decision.

Chapter 7, “Solvents”, describes the ODS alternatives for solvents, as well as relevant issues 

pertaining to the Decision.

Chapter 8, as a response to Clause 1(d), seeks to describe the consequences of conversions on the 

‘amounts that can be avoided’, including the lower impact from the different amounts that will be 

needed in servicing as a result of the conversion. In a first instance, this is done for a certain BAU 

case in refrigeration and air conditioning. It further elaborates on the potential incremental mitigation 

from future actions (‘the amounts that can be avoided’) in the foams sector.

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 15

2 Methodological approach in addressing the Decision

Clause 1(a) of Decision XXIV/7 requires the Task Force to describe all available alternatives that are 

‘commercially available, technically proven, environmentally sound, taking into account their 

efficacy, health, safety and environmental characteristics and their use including in high ambient 

temperatures and high urban density cities’. The choice of language sets these terms as qualifiers for 

the alternatives to be included in this report. However, there is no suggestion that any quantitative 

threshold should be applied against each parameter, nor is there any suggestion that one parameter 

carries more importance than the others. Additionally, the inclusion of particular conditions such as 

environments with high ambient temperatures and high urban density creates scenarios in which 

otherwise technically and environmentally sound alternatives could be disqualified in those 

circumstances.

Those seeking to select appropriate alternative technologies, including experts on the Task Force 

seeking to write about them, apply an intuitive series of decision processes, linked to selection 

criteria, in order to reach an appropriate list of candidates as alternatives. Although the selection 

processes remain the same throughout, the criteria for selection may vary depending on the sector 

being addressed, and the outcomes, even within the same sector, may also be very different 

depending on the local conditions. It is therefore clear that ultimate alternative selection has to be 

completed on a case-by-case basis. The primary purpose of this section is to set out the way in which 

these selection criteria are developed and applied in this Report. 

 

2.1 Commercial availability 

Although this might seem a relatively simple criterion to establish for an ODS replacement, there are 

a number of factors that enter into any specific decision at installation level. These include: 

 Currently installed manufacturing or refining capacity – both by quantity and location

 Current distribution channels within a specified locality 

 Likely changes in supply/demand relationships over the life of the project 

 For those alternatives under development, projected availability for project implementation 

In this Report it is clear that the authors cannot and should not focus on specific project requirements. 

However, in order to maintain a project perspective, all of these variables are addressed in the sectorspecific considerations covered in Chapters 4 to 7. It should be noted that efforts to project the 

commercialisation of alternatives that are currently ‘under development’ (as requested under Clause 

1(b)) will always carry greater uncertainties than those for which commercial supply is already 

established. These uncertainties could be both in terms of available quantities and timing. Price could 

be a further uncertainty which, itself, may be impacted by the development of the supply/demand 

relationship. 

2.2 Proof of technical feasibility 

The Decision calls for alternatives under consideration to be ‘technically proven’. This, again, is a 

seemingly simple concept, but carries with it a number of aspects that will ultimately need specific 

consideration at project level. These can include: 

 Evidence of satisfactory use in similar or identical equipment 

 Evidence of satisfactory use in a similar working environment 

 Evidence that the system costs and efficiencies are sufficiently competitive to support economic 

viability (see also Cost Effectiveness)

 Confirmation that there are no regulatory impediments or standards approval deficiencies
16 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

These factors can combine to make some alternatives technically feasible on a broad (global) basis 

while technically infeasible in a specific set of circumstances or vice versa. Hence, it can be expected 

that some otherwise acceptable alternative technologies might not be technically feasible in areas, for 

example, of high ambient temperature. 

In the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning sector, a specific assessment scheme has been developed, 

based on a NASA scale. This approach determines Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) and these 

levels are defined in (US DOE, 2011). In general, this approach allows for the identification and 

tracking of alternatives from an earlier stage, but clearly enterprises still need to make their own 

decisions about the level which is needed to support investment. 

 

2.3 Environmentally Sound Technologies 

The definition of Environmentally Sound Technologies set out under the Agenda 21 Framework (and 

also adopted by the Global Development Research Centre) offers a list of criteria against which an 

alternative can be assessed. It states that: 

Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) encompass technologies that have the potential for 

significantly improved environmental performance relative to other technologies. Broadly speaking, 

these technologies:

 Protect the environment

 Are less polluting

 Use resources in a sustainable manner

 Recycle more of their wastes and products

 Handle all residual wastes in a more environmentally acceptable way than the technologies 

for which they are substitutes 

It can be seen that this approach is one which provides a measure ‘relative to other technologies’, 

which, in turn, is more meaningful to the language of Decision XXIV/7, bearing in mind that all 

alternatives have some form of environmental footprint.

The challenge for the Task Force was to use this framework without seeking to create a hierarchy of 

environmental impacts. Although this was something discussed in the draft Report of the Task Force 

presented to OEWG-33, it was agreed with Parties that any such hierarchy would not be applicable 

on a broad basis. For example, in regions where water shortage is an issue, the use of this resource in 

implementing the technology could be of pivotal importance. 

The Decision also calls for efficacy, health and safety to be taken into account within the scope of 

environmentally sound technologies. This brings matters such as flammability and toxicity to the 

fore. This, in turn, leads to a focus on the distinctions between hazard and risk. Clearly, whilst 

hazards may be posed by the use of flammable or toxic substances, the risks posed are measured after 

consideration of the potential for human or environmental exposure. The likelihood, duration and 

consequences of any such exposure are also factors to be considered. These factors will vary 

depending on matters such as the project location (where relevant). For example, in areas of high 

urban population density, the technology choices may be far more limited than for less populated 

areas because of the consequences exposure. The Task Force has sought to draw out these issues in 

its discussion of each alternative but recognizes that it cannot predict the range of local scenarios that 

might exist. The selection of the most appropriate alternative therefore remains a project-specific 

activity. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 17

2.4 Cost effectiveness

There are two basic components of cost which are well understood by the Montreal Protocol – capital 

cost and operating cost. In simple terms, cost effectiveness would need to be defined in the context of 

whole life costing based on a certain required internal rate of return. The main problem is that this 

requirement will vary by geographic region, company size and the competing investment 

environment. 

Equally, there is also a need to decide whether this is going to be assessed at alternative level (only 

applicable to drop-ins) or system level. In addition we have to consider where the cost will be borne. 

At the level at which cost effectiveness is being determined, there is no real option but to make 

comparisons with the economics of previous conversions and decide whether there is a benchmark 

that can be drawn from the existing literature, outside of the rather narrow determinations made by 

the Multilateral Fund. 

2.5 Negative Environmental Impacts 

As with the term Environmentally Sound Technologies, it is important to notice that any reference to 

Negative Environmental Impact has to have a reference against which to compare, since all 

alternatives will have some form of environmental impact which, in cumulative terms, is likely to be 

negative, even if it is relatively negligible in isolation. The challenge of the Decision is that it seeks a 

quantification of those alternatives with Negative Environmental Impacts and thereby forces a clear 

definition of what constitutes ‘negative’. The discussion on Environmentally Sound Technologies 

already recognises that seeking to create a hierarchy is complex and potentially controversial. 

In discussion with Parties at OEWG-33 following the completion of the draft Report, it was agreed 

that the meaning of the term Negative Environmental Impact should be restricted to climate impact 

and that this, in turn, might simplify further to a consideration of global warming potential (GWP) 

where the energy impacts were unclear. There were other Parties that argued for a much more holistic 

view of climate impacts based on global temperature potentials (GTP), but the international 

acceptance of this approach and the absence of a mechanism by which impacts could realistically be 

quantified caused the Task Force to revert to its earlier approach whilst taking note to maintain a 

dialogue with the Science Assessment Panel on the emergence of this form of analysis. In this respect, 

it is understood that the GTP approach will be briefly addressed in Chapter 5 of the 2014 SAP Report. 

With climate impact as the basis of reference, the Task Force has elected to adopt a methodology by 

which the alternative with lowest climate impact is identified as the hypothetical ‘most favourable 

option’ for an application (i.e. ignoring practical selection constraints) and the other alternatives are 

then compared against it. This comparison can be based on lifecycle assessment (LCA) or 

LCCP/TEWI methodologies. At its most basic, it may simply be an assessment of direct emissions of 

the alternatives themselves over the lifecycle, where these can be shown to contribute the bulk of the 

Negative Environmental Impact. The duration of a lifecycle may vary considerably between 

application sectors. 

2.6 Quantifying avoided/avoidable impacts 

The Decision requires the Task Force to quantify ‘the approximate amount of alternatives with 

negative environmental impacts that could be or could have been avoided or eliminated by both nonArticle 5 and Article 5 Parties in the process of phasing-out ozone-depleting substances’. In the 

development of the draft Report for OEWG-33, this created a substantial discussion within the Task 

Force about how to assess ‘what could have been avoided’. 
18 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

What could have been avoided

The challenge of back-casting to quantify such impacts, is that the Task Force would need to 

understand the complete scenarios (technical feasibility, economic viability, health & safety and 

regulatory/standards issues) as they pertained at the time the decision on technology selection was 

taken. To do this in any other way would otherwise criticize previous decisions without consideration 

of the full facts pertaining at the time. This could clearly lead to undesirable outcomes and ones 

which could generate contentions that could be counter-productive to the future direction of the 

Montreal Protocol. The situation is even more complex for the RAC sector where not only new 

equipment needs to be considered, but also the servicing tail. In fact the impact of the servicing 

component from historic installations (HCFCs and HFCs) is likely to significantly exceed any 

impacts from accelerated hypothetical transitions in new equipment, making meaningful 

quantification of “quantities that could have been avoided” very difficult. 

The Task Force therefore decided to take the alternative route of quantifying the environmental 

footprint of individual technology choices that were made and comparing them with the 

environmental footprint of the theoretical ‘most favourable option’, without speculating about ‘what 

might have been’ or ‘what should have been’. In this way, the analysis stays within bounds that are 

objective and largely indisputable. Even then, the complexity for the RAC sector has made this 

approach particularly challenging and only a limited assessment could be made for some RAC 

subsectors. For the fire suppression and solvents sectors, the quantitative data simply do not exist 

historically to allow such assessments to be made. 

For sectors which have been able to be assessed (most notably foams), the approach adopted by the 

Task Force has been to assess the ‘negative environmental impacts’ from 1990 onwards, since this 

was viewed as the first date by which the Montreal Protocol could be seen as having its own effects. 

The baseline in 1990 for most sectors would either be the use of CFCs or Halons. However, in the 

case of refrigeration and air conditioning, HCFC-22 has had a long history of use and, in many cases, 

was never a substitute for CFCs. HCFC-22 is therefore a legitimate part of the baseline in a large 

number of applications as of 1990. 

One of the consequences of this reality is that delays in subsequent transition would be less impacting 

on ozone depletion than similar delays would have been in other sectors. Additionally, where 

alternatives to HCFC-22 were likely to involve similar or higher climate impact, a delay in transition 

might even be beneficial to the climate. A further diluting factor to consider in the case of those 

sectors involving significant consumption for maintenance purposes is that technology transition for 

new equipment would not impact the overall environmental footprint for the sector as abruptly as for 

those sectors without such a maintenance component (e.g. foams). 

The approach finally adopted for the ‘what could have been avoided’ scenario was to assess the 

potential of the theoretical ‘most favourable option’ for climate and compare it with what actually 

happened. This ratio can be represented formulaically for each environmental impact as follows: 

 (‘Baseline’ minus ‘Most Favourable Option’) compared with (‘Baseline’ minus ‘Actual Impact’) 

 (‘potential’) (‘actual achieved’)

...where the Baseline is defined as the situation without the Montreal Protocol. If this relationship is 

provided as a percentage (i.e. ‘actual achieved’ as a percentage of ‘potential’) then it is a measure of 

how well the sector responded to the opportunity. However, it gives no indication about how 

significant in real terms that shortfall in achievement might have been to the ozone layer or the 

climate. This only emerges when the size of the sector is considered and the difference between the 

‘actual achieved’ and the ‘potential’ are quantified for each environmental impact.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 19

Finally, it should be noted that the outcome of this analysis is an expression of Negative 

Environmental Impact rather than an expression of ‘amounts of alternatives’ with Negative 

Environmental Impact, since this was viewed as a more meaningful metric when looking backwards. 

A summary of findings across all of the sectors covered in this Report is shown in Chapter 3. As 

noted earlier, the level of analysis depends largely on the historic data available. In some cases, in 

particular in foams and solvents, many of the alternatives are not-in-kind making the tracking of 

alternative selection particularly difficult and, in some cases, making quantification impossible. 

What may be avoided in future

In addressing this part of the Decision, the Task Force has focused more significantly on the amount 

of alternatives with Negative Environmental Impacts (as determined by climate impact). This has 

been carried out by making an assessment of current consumption as at 2012 and analysing the 

impact of any projected transitions that are likely to take place in the period through to 2020. Where 

these transitions may involve alternatives with higher climate impact than the theoretical ‘most 

favourable option’, or where no transition away from an alternative with a Negative Environmental 

Impact is planned, the Task Force has sought to determine these quantities by sector and region. 

Concerning forecasting, there is clearly a greater level of uncertainty about future choices, especially 

with respect to cost and, in particular, in respect of emerging technologies. Accordingly, for some 

sectors, a similar approach to the one for back-casting is considered for forecasting – i.e. to quantify 

the environmental footprint by alternative for specific technological options without making a 

judgment (whether initial or definitive) about future selection. The single alternative or group of 

alternatives with the lowest environmental footprint (‘most favourable option’) becomes the norm 

against which others are assessed. However, the assigning of the lowest environmental footprint does 

not automatically imply that this technological option is either technically feasible or economically 

viable. Indeed, since the Task Force understands that the purpose of Clause 1(d) is to limit 

consideration only to options that are technically feasible and economically viable, it makes sense to 

eliminate from the assessment those options that, for a given application, are already known not to be 

technically feasible or economically viable. The same might apply to other technology options where 

the barriers and restrictions are known to be insurmountable within the time-scale available for 

transition.

 

2.7 Low Global Warming Potential 

There have been numerous discussions about the nomenclature that should characterise the level of 

global warming potential displayed by ODS alternatives. In some sectors, the available alternatives 

have all been seen to be below a GWP of 25, and these have been classed as ‘low-GWP’. In other 

sectors, the benchmark is a GWP of 1,500 or above and alternatives with GWPs at 1,000 or 300 can 

also be considered as ‘low’. In the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the average GWP for an 

alternative to be considered as ‘low’ across the sub-sectors is approximately 750. The challenge is 

that the terms are used in a ‘relative’ rather than an ‘absolute’ way. 

The Task Force has considered whether there should be a formal nomenclature applied across all 

sectors involving terms such as ‘moderate’ (<1,000), ‘low’ (<300) and ultra-low (<25), but this type 

of approach was seen as controversial when proposed in the response to Decision XXIII/9. 

The definition of environmentally sound technologies adopted under Agenda 21 makes an important 

further point in its expanded version. It notes that ‘...environmentally sound technologies are not just 

“individual technologies” but total systems which include know-how, procedures, goods and 

services, equipment as well as organisational and managerial procedures’ The implication is that a 

systems approach is essential to truly identify what is environmentally sound. 
20 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

The evaluation of ODS alternatives has embraced this concept through a number of methodologies 

such as TEWI, LCCP and wider Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). However, such analyses are 

inevitably specific to the applications against which they are applied and are difficult to extrapolate 

for wider policy purposes. 

With these factors in mind, the Task Force has concluded that it is better to refer to holistic 

approaches such as TEWI, LCCP and LCA only qualitatively unless there is specific quantitative 

information on individual applications and scenarios. It also believes that adopting a formal 

nomenclature for classes of global warming potential is misleading, since it implies a hierarchy which 

is not always borne out when other factors are taking into consideration (e.g. energy efficiency). 

Therefore, references to climate impacts are mostly related to the overall impact of technologies 

where such information is available. In addition, where reference is made to ‘low-GWP’ solutions, 

the terminology should be treated as a generic label of improved climate performance rather than a 

prescribed band of GWP values. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 21

3 Dealing with ‘what could have been avoided’ 

Section 2.6 of Chapter 2 has already addressed some of the challenges presented by Clause 1(d) of 

Decision XXIV/7 in respect of the ‘approximate amounts of alternatives with negative environmental 

impacts that could be or could have been avoided’. It has already been noted that any effort to 

quantify such amounts will be speculative and, when practised retrospectively (i.e. to determine 

‘what could have been avoided’), may unavoidably misrepresent the situation facing decision-makers 

at that point. In order to avoid this, the Task Force has sought to assess and present the magnitude of 

the issues in the context of the negative environmental impact of what actually happened when 

compared with the impact that would have occurred when considering a hypothetical ‘most 

favourable option’ from a climate perspective. 

Even with such an approach, it has proved very difficult in some sectors to make this retrospective 

assessment. In sectors such as fire protection and solvents, the overall consumption data is simply not 

available for the market as a whole to put the substitution of ozone depleting substances into a 

quantitative historical perspective. This is particularly the case, because the applications are specialist 

in nature and technology selection is made on a case-by-case basis. This makes it meaningless to go 

back to review decisions made since 1990 on anything other than a case-by-case basis. Clearly, the 

work involved in doing this would be immense and the data is unlikely to exist in any other place 

than individual enterprise records. Even then, any effort to collate such data would depend on the 

reliable archiving of those enterprises and a willingness to share what may be perceived to be 

Confidential Business Information. For these reasons, neither Fire Protection nor Solvent uses are 

further covered in this Chapter. 

In dealing with the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the major challenge in quantifying ‘what 

could have been avoided’ is the need to have a complete inventory of the installed equipment, since 

decisions to transition out of ozone depleting substances can relate to either new equipment only, 

retrofit and subsequent servicing of existing equipment or a combination of both. Again, the 

challenge of completing such a retrospective analysis in a systematic fashion was assessed by the 

Task Force to be beyond reasonable expectations for a Report being delivered within one year of the 

Decision. The discussions with Parties at OEWG-33 had also indicated that the primary emphasis 

should be placed on what can still be avoided. 

Despite these limitations, the Task Force members with expertise in the refrigeration and air 

conditioning sector have sought to provide a qualitative commentary on ‘what could have been 

avoided at a sub-sectoral level. In addition, where servicing has not been an issue (e.g. in domestic 

refrigeration), the Task Force has sought to present some semi-quantitative assessments based on 

some ‘what-if’ scenarios. These discussions are included in Section 3.1 below. 

For the foam sector, the matter of a servicing requirement does not arise and therefore the analysis is 

rather easier to complete. It is also made possible by the fact that the Foams Technical Options 

Committee has sought to keep an historic assessment of consumption patterns, with periodic crosschecks between supply-side information (e.g. AFEAS data) and demand-side information collected 

from the global foam industry. Although, this data still remains a considerable approximation, it is 

sufficient to allow ‘approximate amounts of alternatives with negative environmental impacts that 

[..............] could have been avoided’ to be assessed. However, it was felt more meaningful to carry 

out this retrospective assessment in terms of cumulative global warming impact rather than the 

‘amounts of alternatives’. The ‘amount of alternatives’ approach was therefore reserved for ‘what 

could be avoided in future’. 

3.1 ‘What could have been avoided’ - Refrigeration and air conditioning 

As mentioned in Section 2.6, the most transparent approach for investigating “amounts avoided” 

would be to investigate the environmental impact of certain refrigerants or chemical choices, 
22 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

compared to a specific baseline. As can be seen in Section 3.2 for foams and its subsectors this is 

feasible. Consumption is then seen as potential emissions over the lifecycle. Domestic refrigeration 

has parallels with PUR appliance foam. In the case of domestic refrigeration a consumption could be 

assumed as baseline or as consumption profile over the period 1990-2020 using the original chemical 

(CFC-12), since consumption is rather straightforward and, as noted previously, the domestic 

refrigeration sector is not significantly impacted by servicing, maintenance and safety concerns, as is 

the case with some of the other sectors of refrigeration and air conditioning. Particularly considering 

a baseline for CFC-12 up to the year 2020 in domestic refrigerator applications makes the negative 

environmental impact decrease (or the smallest negative environmental impact) by the selection of 

the two available options very clear. It is obvious in this case that a large step is made by the 

conversion from CFC-12 to HFC-134a, both in ODP and in GWP (climate) terms. Use of the 

hydrocarbon option HC-600a reduces the negative environmental impact even further, but compared 

to the first step from CFCs to HFCs (when 85% of the reduction in tonnes CO2 equivalent can be 

made), a further reduction (to hydrocarbons) can at maximum be another 15% of the baseline, as 

implied by the respective GWPs of the refrigerants.

Assuming a total global consumption of 330,000 tonnes over the period of 1990-2012 (where there 

are leakage percentages of a few percent per year, which are not considered relevant here), this would 

be equal to 3.40 Gt CO2-eq. in the case of CFC-12. The use of HFC-134a (compared to CFC-12) 

would yield a decrease of the negative environmental impact by 2.94 Gt CO2-eq.; the use of the low 

GWP alternative HC-600a would add the remaining 0.46 Gt CO2-eq. to the decrease.

 

As a specific case for the period 2010-2013, while assuming a global consumption of 25,000 

tonnes annually for this period, the use of HFC-134a (compared to CFC-12) would yield a 

lower negative environmental impact of 230 Mt CO2-eq. per year; the use of HC-600a would 

add another 33 Mt CO2-eq. annually. In practice, the entire global domestic refrigeration 

has been converted, with about 50% to HFC-134a, the rest to HC-600a. So the conversion of 

all now (2013) remaining HFC-134a to HC-600a would yield a saving of about 17 Mt CO2-

eq. annually. 

During the period 1990-2020 the Mobile Air Conditioning sector (MAC) started with full use of 

CFC-12 in new manufacture (and servicing). As of 1993, HFC-134a was phased in non-Article 5 and 

Article 5 countries, at a more rapid pace in non-Article 5 countries. The CFC-12 market in MAC had 

not yet reached maturity in Article 5 countries during the period 1990-1995, the amounts therefore 

remained relatively moderate. Where the market had matured (in non-Article 5 countries) the 

servicing amounts were two-thirds of the total demand annually.

Within the framework of this chapter, it is not assumed to investigate scenarios for a CFC-12 phaseout in new manufacture (and in servicing, via retrofits). However, since it concerns the conversion to 

the same type of chemical globally, as in the domestic refrigeration subsector, one could present 

numbers for amounts that could have been avoided, accepting a certain simplification of the servicing 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 23

sector. In this way, one effectively assumes that other options were available throughout the entire 

period considered.

If the entire global MAC market would have been using one chemical, it would have been 1747 

ktonnes during the period 1990-2012, for both new manufacture and servicing (Clodic, 2010). 

Potential emissions would then be 31.1 Gt CO2-eq when applying CFC-12. By only using the HFC134a alternative (in new manufacture and servicing) during the above period, the potential emissions 

would be 4.13 Gt CO2-eq., or rather, 27 Gt CO2-eq. could have been avoided over this period, being 

87% of the total. Virtually all of the remaining potential emissions could have been avoided by the 

use of low GWP alternatives (being low GWP HFCs or CO2 in the case of MACs). 

It would be desirable if one could make a similar exercise for other sectors in refrigeration and air 

conditioning. This could be possible, in principle, by assuming a baseline of HCFCs starting in the 

20th century (1990) and going to 2020-2030 following a BAU trend. Other cases would be the 

consideration of only R-404A or R-410A starting in the 20th century (i.e., hypothetically in 1990) 

and simply proceeding into the future following the BAU scenario, or mixtures of HFC-32 with low 

GWP HFCs, other blends or simply hydrocarbons (HC-290 or HC-1270).

Whereas this kind of consideration gives insight in the case of domestic refrigeration and similar 

other uses that do not have to deal with complicated servicing issues etc., the question in the case of 

many other RAC sectors where refrigerant handling and large charge sizes of refrigerant are involved, 

is whether a consideration of a sole replacement with, e.g., R-410A or a sole replacement with, e.g. 

hydrocarbon in making selections early has any value for common practice. 

Two issues are important here:

 the fact that one would assume low GWP options (or others) to start at a very early phase, 

would also imply that regulatory decisions and costs considerations how to deal with 

flammability issues, would have been resolved in all sub-sectors of RAC, which could have 

led to a completely different reality in a given year, far from the usual discussion on 

conversions and retrofits to reduce the need for common refrigerants (such as HCFCs, and 

also HFCs at present).

 the fact that a change from a refrigerant such as HCFC-22 to a certain other refrigerant or 

blends of refrigerants in new manufacture would occur in a given year, does not mean that 

the new refrigerant would make much contribution to the overall negative environmental 

impact. For 10-15 years, the servicing needs for the “old” refrigerant (which are in the order 

of 40-80% in the total in an equilibrium scenario, dependent on the servicing percentage) will 

play a substantive role in the total negative environmental impact, before that the change to 

new refrigerants would become clearly visible. This of course will depend on the economic 

growth (the growth in the numbers of equipment), the percentage of (the new) refrigerant that 

will be taken up in manufacture, and the lifetime of the average equipment.

As an example, assuming that a certain group of countries is completely dependent on a certain 

chemical (i.e., HCFC-22), with 80% of the total consumption of say, 1,000,000 tonnes per year, used 

for servicing, it means that 200,000 tonnes per year would be used in new manufacture. A change of 

100% in a given year to a certain refrigerant or blend with a negligible GWP means that one would 

avoid 200,000 tonnes of HCFCs in that year, and servicing amounts of HCFC-22 for the equipment 

that has not been manufactured in that year during future years, i.e., for a 15 years lifetime of the 

equipment it would be something like 2,400,000 tonnes over a period of 15 years, due to a conversion 

of 200,000 tonnes in one first year.

In fact, this is already a first estimate of amounts that could be avoided in the RAC case where it 

concerns both new manufacture and servicing. In order to make further, more precise calculations for 

amounts that can be avoided in future, this would quickly lead to the introduction of scenarios, given 
24 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

the complicated nature of replacements in the main subsectors of the RAC sector. This is not assumed 

to be the basis for considerations in this chapter. The calculation of the amounts that can be avoided 

in future in the RAC sector are therefore all presented in chapter 8.

3.2 ‘What could have been avoided’ – Foams 

The foams sector has made transitions from its CFC baseline, through HCFCs in some cases, to either 

high-GWP or low-GWP non-ozone depleting solutions. As of 2013, the residual reliance on HCFC 

use in Article 5 regions rests to some extent in polyurethane appliance foams, but mostly in PU Spray 

and XPS Board. 

It is important to note that, of the 5.6 million ODP tonne baseline footprint of the foam sector 

between 1990 and 2012, over 80% of the footprint was avoided. Similarly, for a cumulative baseline 

climate footprint of 26.3 billion tonnes CO2-eq over 66% has been avoided. This assessment has 

taken the rather stringent approach of not correcting for the 10 year grace period given to Article 5 

Parties, so the avoided baseline percentages against regulatory requirements are considerably higher. 

A similarly stringent approach has been taken with respect to the availability of non-ozone depleting 

alternatives and low-GWP solutions. It has effectively been assumed that these were available 

throughout the period of analysis and thereby over-estimates the ‘missed opportunities’ in order to 

place a worst case perspective to the data generated and avoid subjective scenarios. The following 

graphs in Figure 3-1 illustrate the missed opportunities analysed in this way for both ozone and 

climate: 

Figure 3-1: Missed opportunities for the avoidance of blowing agents with negative environmental impacts 

when compared with the ‘most favourable option’ determined in both ozone and climate terms 

The reasons for these ‘missed opportunities’, especially for the XPS board sector, are more fully 

explained in the following sub-sections of this Chapter. However, it remains difficult to identify 

significant areas where the transition process could have been accelerated substantially given the 

constraints faced. It should also be noted that the effect of changes in thermal performance have not 

been factored into the climate assessment in view of the complex and non-determinable usage 

patterns to which most building insulation foams are subject. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 25

Polyurethane appliances

The adoption of polyurethane foams within the appliance sector took place substantially in the late 

1960s and 1970s as concerns began to rise about energy use in the wake of the oil crises of the 

period. An additional advantage was identified, in that polyurethane foams also contributed to the 

physical strength of refrigeration cabinets and allowed for a reduction in the steel structures used and, 

as a consequence, the weight of the cabinets themselves. This has ultimately been beneficial for both 

the economics and the environmental footprint of the industry. 

Although there have been regional differences in the design of refrigerators and freezers over the last 

40 years, the ability to transport units over long distances has resulted in a gradual levelling of the 

global refrigerator market over time. Nevertheless, there continues to be a substantial range of units 

on offer, from the large ‘American style’ cabinets to the smaller compact European and Chinese 

models. 

At the time of the transition out of CFCs in the early-to-mid 1990s, the design differences were truly 

on a regional basis. Indeed, the ‘American style’ refrigerator used throughout North America created 

transitional challenges that were not seen in either Europe or Japan. These challenges were largely 

down to the manufacturing processes and product designs in operation at that time. Effectively, the 

adoption of hydrocarbons as a direct alternative for CFCs was not seen as an option for two major 

reasons:

 The inappropriateness of the existing manufacturing facilities to accommodate the use of 

hydrocarbons for such large cabinets

 The poorer thermal performance of hydrocarbon blown foam when compared with CFCcontaining foam and HCFC-containing foam, which was seen as the other obvious replacement at 

that time 

Despite some initial issues with the interaction between HCFC-141b and the refrigerator liners, 

HCFCs became the accepted alternative for CFC-11 in North America in contrast to the rest of the 

developed world, where the adoption of hydrocarbon was widespread. It is estimated that this 

approach led to additional ozone-related consumption of approximately 13,500 ODP tonnes in the 

period from 1995-2002 (~72% of the developed country total for appliances in that period). However, 

it should be noted that this total was only equivalent to around 9 months of non-Article 5 Party 

consumption in 1990. This observation brings into sharp relief the situation at the time, which was 

that delays in implementation would be more costly to the ozone layer than the precise choice of ODS 

alternative. This was a time when HCFCs were seen by most as ‘part of the solution rather than part 

of the problem’. The combined impact of the delay in converting out of CFCs in the post-1990 period 

and the choice of HCFCs in North America is seen in the non-Article 5/ODS graph in Figure 3.1 (and 

also represented again in Figure 3-2) amounting to approximately 125,000 ODP tonnes in all. Since 

2003, the use of HCFCs in domestic appliances has largely been eliminated in non-Article 5 

countries, meaning that the subsequent periods have broadly maximised their potential for avoiding 

further ozone depletion. 

For Article 5 Parties, the CFC phase-out date was set 10 years later than for non-Article 5 Parties. 

However, in those Article 5 Parties, the use of domestic refrigerators and freezers was less 

widespread in the period between 1990 and 2000. Accordingly, the impact of deferred phase-out date 

was less severe than it would have been had it been applied in non-Article 5 Parties. Nevertheless, the 

overall implication in the 1990-2000 period was 188,000 ODP tonnes but reducing in the subsequent 

decade to 27,500 ODP tonnes indicating the efforts applied in Article 5 Parties, with the support of 

the Multilateral Fund to ensure that CFC transitions in the appliance sector were achieved well ahead 

of the final 2010 phase-out deadline. The ‘Ozone-A5’bar in Figure 3-2 illustrates the extent to which 

the appliance sector in Article 5 Parties has limited its impact on the ozone layer, not only through its 

preference for early transition, but also through the avoidance of HCFCs in a number of key markets.
26 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

It should be noted that Article 5 Party strategies for CFC phase-out have not been uniform from 

region to region. China and other parts of Asia have focused primarily on transitioning from CFCs 

directly to hydrocarbons, whereas much of the domestic appliance sector in Latin America took a 

different route, with a focus on HCFC-141b as an alternative for its CFC phase-out. This was driven 

in part by the growing importance of the North American market for its exports.

With respect to climate impacts, the initial choice taken in North America has continued to impact 

subsequent choices when phasing out HCFC-141b use, with saturated HFCs being preferred to 

hydrocarbons. Again, the main reason cited was the superior thermal efficiency of the fluorinated 

substitutes. Non-Article 5/Climate graph in Figure 3.1 and the ‘Climate – non-A5’ bar in Figure 3-2 

illustrate the significance of these subsequent choices on the overall climate impacts for the period 

from 2000-2010 and those projected for the following decade. 

The overall impact of not choosing low-GWP alternatives in the period from 2000-2012 is currently 

estimated to be around 225,000 ktCO2-eq. Of course, this simple analysis fails to account specifically 

for the potential energy benefits from using fluorinated substitutes such as saturated HFCs and this 

matter will be picked up again in Chapter 5. 

For Article 5 Parties, the retained use of CFCs in the period to around 2005 dominates the assessment 

of climate impact because of the high global warming potential associated with CFC-11. However, 

the large-scale switch directly to hydrocarbons showed considerable benefits for the on-going climate 

impact of the appliance sector. The graph shown as Figure 3-2 below summarises the potential versus 

actual avoided consumption for the sector between 1990 and 2012. 

Figure 3-2: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – PU appliance

Polyurethane - boardstock

The adoption of polyurethane boardstock (also known as flexibly-faced continuous laminate) has 

varied substantially across the range of non-Article 5 Parties because of substantial differences in 

building practices. In North America, the widespread use of timber-frame construction techniques has 

led to the use of boardstock as a siding material. Similar trends have occurred in Japan where metalframed construction systems are also quite prevalent. In Europe, however, where brick and block 

cavity construction has been more typical for residential buildings, the bulk of the early uptake of 

polyurethane boardstock was in the non-domestic sector, particularly in offices, warehouses and 

industrial buildings. These non-domestic applications have also been evident in Japan and North 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 27

America as well, but have been less conspicuous in view of the residential demand. In more recent 

times, the European residential buildings have also embraced polyurethane boardstock, since 

increasing insulation requirements have meant that wall cavities have not been able to accommodate 

the thicknesses required of less efficient insulation types.

CFC-11 was the predominant blowing agent throughout the early development of the polyurethane 

boardstock market. In the early stages of the search for a replacement blowing agent, HCFC-123 had 

emerged as an option, but was subsequently ruled out on the basis of unfavourable toxicity. This led 

to a broad consideration of HCFC-141b, especially in North America. However, after substantial 

consideration of the flammability implications and reformulation to include flame retardants in some 

products, it was decided that, to a large extent, it would be possible to leapfrog HCFCs and move 

directly to hydrocarbons – typically pentanes. In order to limit the loss of thermal performance 

resulting from this transition, cyclo-pentane was often favoured in the blends chosen – so much so 

that there was concern for a while about the availability of sufficient supplies. As foam formulations 

have been optimised, some of the blends have been able to switch towards n-pentane. However, 

choices continue to vary. 

From a climate perspective, the continuing use of CFC-11 in the period from 1990-2000 had a 

detrimental effect in excess of 900 million tonnes CO2-eq in view of its high global warming 

potential compared with the alternatives. This is illustrated in Figure 3-3 below.

Figure 3-3: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – PU boardstock

However, it could be argued that this impact was somewhat offset in the next decade by the 

avoidance of widespread HCFC-141b use. Once again, the balance between the speed of transition 

and the relative efficacy of the alternatives is an obvious discussion point. 

The first comment to make with respect to the manufacture and use of PU boardstock in Article 5 

Parties is that it is relatively minor when compared to non-Article 5 activity. Back in the 1990s the 

total consumption of blowing agent was less than 1% of that in developed regions. Those few 

manufacturers in Article 5 Parties understandably waited for a technology lead from the larger 

producers and this resulted in a relatively measured transition between 2001-2010. Again, with the 

major alternative being hydrocarbons, the impact on consumption of ODS after 2010 has been 

minimal. 

The impact on climate from the slow transition out of CFCs was no more than 6.3 million tonnes 

CO2-eq. The growth of the sector since 2005, especially in places like China, has been achieved 
28 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

through the adoption of hydrocarbon technologies from the outset and therefore there has been little 

overall ‘missed opportunity’ since then. 

Polyurethane – panel

Back in the 1990s, the panel market was split between emerging building cladding applications such 

as those described above and the commercial refrigeration market (both mobile and stationary) where 

polyurethane-cored panels have been used for both walk-in cold rooms and refrigerated transport 

applications. A substantial portion of the market was served by discontinuous manufacturing 

equipment at that time. However, continuous manufacture has grown to dominate the sector as the 

greater demand in the building sector created consistency of demand and economies of scale. 

As was the case with other insulation foams, CFC-11 was the blowing agent of choice in the period 

through to 1990. Since much of the manufacturing equipment at that stage was discontinuous there 

was a considerable reluctance to experiment with hydrocarbons and the natural replacement was 

HCFC-141b. Initial transitions took place alongside those in other foam sectors in the period between 

1994 and 1996. However, as capacity began to increase for continuously produced panel, it became 

possible to design plants to accommodate hydrocarbon while minimising the impact on investment 

cost. The thermal performance disadvantages of hydrocarbon at the time were of less importance in 

the panel sector than in the PU boardstock sector. This reflects the fact that the thickness of panels is 

generally driven by the requirements on them for structural integrity over long spans rather than by 

the thermal performance itself. 

The impact of these trends is shown in Figure 3-4 below, where the initial transition decision-making 

process caused some lost time and arguably missed opportunities accounting for approximately 

100,000 ODP tonnes of additional ODS consumption in the period from 1990-2012. However, 

despite the selection of a number of HCFC transitions, they became less significant in the latter 

decade of this period as the continuous panel industry grew based, as it is, on hydrocarbon (typically 

pentanes). The climate consequences of these transitions in non-Article 5 Parties are shown in Figure 

3-4 and are a little more clear-cut, with the delayed move from CFC-11 being the critical influence. 

Figure 3-4: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – PU panel

The Task Force’s analysis suggests that the impact of the HCFC and HFC technology selections in 

the discontinuous panel sector may have resulted in an additional climate burden of over 700 million 

tonnes CO2-eq. in the period from 1990-2012. 

In Article 5 Parties, except those supplying markets in adjacent non-Article 5 Parties, the economies 

of scale have historically been too low to support continuous panel production. This is changing as 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 29

the larger economies amongst the Article 5 Parties grow strongly, but the account still holds true for 

the bulk of developing countries. With a substantial base of discontinuous plants, the tendency was to 

retain the use of CFCs for the bulk of the ten year available grace period in order to take advantage of 

the technology developments occurring in parallel small and medium enterprises in non-Article 5 

Parties. Indeed, the use of HCFC-141b in a number of Article 5 Parties was still continuing in 2012 

and is projected to continue at a lower level beyond 2020. 

For climate, the missed opportunity has been slightly less severe at 322 million CO2-eq because of the 

smaller relative size of the market currently in developing regions. 

Polyurethane – spray

Polyurethane spray foam differs from a number of other products in that it is manufactured (applied) 

on site. In this respect, the system needs to be more robust and resilient than most factory controlled 

foam processes. For example, the process needs to cope with a wide variety of ambient temperatures. 

Once again, CFC-11 was the original blowing agent of choice in the pre-1990 period. At the time of 

the first transition, the three major spray foam markets were North America, Spain and Japan. In the 

early stages of the transition there was considerable optimism in North America that hydrocarbons 

(particularly cyclo-pentane) could be used successfully as a replacement for CFCs. However, a series 

of incidents when spraying in confined areas confirmed that the management of the process was too 

sensitive to be deployed on a commercial basis, despite the best efforts of Exxon and others to 

provide appropriate guidance. The net outcome was that the industry defaulted to HCFC-141b and 

the impact of 50,000-60,000 ODP tonnes in the period from 1990-2012 is shown in Figure 3-5. 

However, because spray is a fairly emissive process, the transition was prioritised by the industry and 

much of the benefit from early transition was gained. Otherwise, the impact would have been 

considerably larger. 

The absence of a good low-GWP alternative has meant that the industry around the world has 

struggled with the global warming impact of substitutes. One of the major HCFC substitutes were 

saturated HFCs (HFC-245fa in North America and HFC 365mfc/227ea in parts of Europe). In Japan, 

there was some hope that super-critical CO2 would signal the way forward but this has remained 

rather a niche technology. CO2(water) blown foams have also been adopted in some areas but the 

quality of foams has been variable, especially from a thermal perspective. Such foams have, however, 

found widespread use as low density, gap filling foams to counter air infiltration in residential 

buildings. These foams tend to be completely open celled and do not offer particular value in other 

applications. The lack of a good low-GWP solution in the period to 2012 is illustrated in Figure 3-5 

by the fact that the actual avoided impacts are considerably lower than would be associated with a 

true low-GWP solution. 

Although the size of the PU spray foam market in Article 5 Parties was relatively small in 1990, there 

has been substantial growth in the sector since then, driven by the need to retrofit existing building 

stock for energy efficiency reasons. As much of this growth has been based on HCFC-141b systems, 

both the ozone and climate gains have been sub-optimal. Again, this is illustrated in Figure 3-5 below. 
30 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

 

Figure 3-5: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – PU spray

Polyurethane – in-situ/block

Once again, the traditional blowing agent for these applications was CFC-11. It offered the versatility 

and the tolerance to be able to deal with the wide range of applications described. Accordingly, the 

natural replacement for CFC-11 was HCFC-141b, which was the closest to a drop-in solution 

available at that time. However, even in the 1990-2000 period, there were a few block applications 

which were able to switch directly to hydrocarbons. Another application which moved to 

hydrocarbons directly was pipe-in-pipe which is broadly an in-situ process used for district heating 

pipe manufacture. These pipes had been particularly widely used in the centralised economies of the 

former Soviet Union, but have been more recently growing as a result of the growth in microgeneration (small-scale CHP).

For non-Article 5 Parties the switch from ozone depleting substances was generally smooth and by 

2005 most technologies were based on ODS substitutes. However, when the climate impact is 

considered, it is clear that one of the significant transitions was to relatively high-GWP substitutes, 

resulting in some missed climate opportunities which persist to the present day. The estimate of these 

is approximately 200 million tonnes CO2-eq across the non-Article 5 regions, as shown in Figure 3-6. 

For block and in-situ foams in Article 5 regions the application areas are once again varied, but also 

cover applications not widely seen in non-Article 5 regions. These include such items as thermoware, 

which are designed for keep food insulated from the ambient conditions. The phase-out of CFC-11 in 

these enterprises was relatively slow and that the use of HCFC-141b remains fairly widespread and is 

likely to do so until at least 2020 (see Chapter 8). This reflects the reality that this sector is heavily 

populated with small and micro enterprises, making the economies of scale unattractive for 

conversion. These enterprises have often been captured as umbrella projects and centre round the 

systems houses that serve them. 

Unsurprisingly, the ability to avoid high-GWP solutions has also been lacking in a number of these 

operations. It is estimated that around 315 million tonnes CO2-eq has been missed as a result of the 

absence of a cost-effective low-GWP solution. As will be seen in the relevant section of Chapter 5, 

the technical alternatives do exist, but the deployment of those technologies remains a challenge. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 31

Figure 3-6: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – PU In-situ/block

Polyurethane – integral skin

As with many of the other foam sectors, PU Integral Skin foams relied on CFC-11 as their blowing 

agent in the pre-1990 period. With thermal performance not being a primary requirement, the blowing 

agent was chosen more for its ability to process well and to be used safely. Hence boiling points and 

flammability limits were key. When the CFC-phase-out was mooted in the sector, the natural 

transition was to HCFC-141b, even though there was some concern initially about its potential for 

limited flammability. One other characteristic to consider is the fact that most of the blowing agent is 

lost from these products within the first two years. Hence any environmental impacts are magnified 

by their rapid pathways to the surroundings. Other options used in the sector have been HCFC-22 and 

or HCFC-22/142b blends. 

The Foams Technical Options Committee has not routinely monitored consumption in this sector of 

use, since one of the initial purposes of tracking consumption was to estimate long-term banks in 

products. However, as the focus moved to quantifying emissions, there have been some one-off 

assessments for the purposes of reports like this. Nevertheless, there is no set of base data available at 

this time which allows the assessment of missed opportunities and future potential avoidance. The 

Foams TOC is considering an attempt to fill this data gap in time for its 2014 Assessment Report 

although source data such as the AFEAS data collection reports have collected information at 

relatively high level – e.g. closed cell and open cell. It seems likely that rigid and flexible integral 

skin may have been categorised differently within this data set making it difficult to isolate the 

tonnages of blowing agent allocated to each type. This serves to illustrate that product definition 

remains a challenge in this sector. 

Of the estimates that do exist, the energy-absorbing automotive market has been believed to consume 

around 50,000 tonnes of PU per year. However, formulations in the sector use typically less than 5% 

by weight of blowing agent making the annual consumption of blowing agent relatively modest at 

1,500-2,500 tonnes per annum. Although there are a large number of other Integral Skin Foam 

applications to consider, it is estimated that no more than 10,000 tonnes goes to this sector annually, 

making its significance relatively modest.

Concern over flammability has limited the use of hydrocarbons in this application, but it is known 

that some manufacturers have adopted the technology. Other options adopted following the phase-out 
32 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

of HCFCs have included HFC-134a and HFC-245fa. These might be considered as detrimental 

choices from a climate perspective but produce high quality products, especially in the shoe sole 

application. The other technology option that has been the focus of much attention has been 

CO2(water). However, early experiences with this technology were dominated by poor skin quality. 

The use of in-mould coatings was trialled but the economics of this approach were understandably 

less favourable. Several major systems houses have worked further on this technology since and 

acceptable commercial systems are no available. Section 5.7 of this report looks at the current, 

commercially available options. 

XPS board 

The blowing agent of choice for XPS manufacturers in the pre-1990 period was CFC-12. Although 

this was allocated the same ozone depletion potential as CFC-11, the global warming potential was 

significantly higher, being well in excess of 10,000 when assessed over a 100 year time horizon. 

Combined with the relatively significant losses of blowing agent during the processing of XPS, this 

made the product the focus of close attention from the introduction of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. 

It also put a priority on the early identification of alternatives. 

Initial work in the global XPS industry focused on the switch to HCFCs and, in particular, 

combinations of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b. HCFC-22 was already established as a readily-available, 

well-studied alternative based on its widespread use as a refrigerant. However, the drawback was that 

HCFC-22 was more soluble in polystyrene than CFC-12 and would defuse from foam cells more 

easily. The purpose of using HCFC-142b was therefore to ensure that sufficient blowing agent 

remained in the product over the lifecycle of the product to deliver reliable thermal performance. 

Since HCFC-142b was typically more expensive than HCFC-22, the ratio of the blends used tended 

to reflect the priority that was being placed on long-term thermal performance. 

The limited missed opportunity from an ozone perspective, as shown in Figure 3-1, and again in 

Figure 3-7, is testimony to the rapid transition from CFC-12 that was managed by the industry in the 

decade from 1990 to 2000. However, the transition from HCFCs proved to be considerably more 

challenging and has therefore offset the benefits of early transition from CFCs to some extent. 

The major point to emerge in the period of HCFC phase-out was just how varied the markets for XPS

were in different regions of the world. The North American market was primarily in sheathing 

products for the timber-framed residential market. This is a highly cost-sensitive market with large 

surface areas of relatively thin board being applied. This contrasted significantly with the European 

market where products were primarily for the commercial building market, requiring thicker profiles 

with higher added value. In Japan, the market was something of a hybrid of these two extremes, but 

was also governed by fire codes that would permit the use of hydrocarbon blowing agents in products 

for some applications. This opened up an alternative which was not likely to be available for either 

Europe or North America. 

The global warming potential of CFC-12 in the 1990-2000 period has dominated the impact, even 

though it was in use for a relatively short time. However, with HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b themselves 

having global warming potentials above 1500, the climate impact remained significant. The impact 

was also more long-lasting than it might have been because of the differences in regional approach 

being proposed and the difficulties that this created for the multi-national producers. For example, in 

Germany (by far the largest market for polystyrene insulation in Europe), there was substantial 

pressure on an early phase-out of HCFCs. This led to the development of CO2 blown technology (in 

several variants) for the more tolerant European product range. Even then, the technology could not 

make all grades of product, involved substantial capital cost and also was governed by a substantial 

base of patents. This was not unreasonable based on the research and development investments that 

had been made. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 33

The emergence of such technologies did not help solve the transition challenge in North America 

because the product portfolio was totally different and the costs the industry could absorb were also 

more limited. This left the North American industry looking primarily at variants of gaseous HFC 

solutions including HFC-134a and HFC-134a/152a blends. Within the blend approach, HFC-134a 

was seen to fulfil the former role of HCFC-142b, while HFC-152a would be more emissive, in similar 

fashion to HCFC-22. Although there would be more emission in the short term from HFC-152a, this 

was compensated for by the relatively low GWP of HFC-152a (~ 150). The emission rates did, 

however, raise other issues, such as the impact of local VOC regulations. The net result of these 

uncertainties was that transition out of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 did not occur in North America 

until 2009/10, with the alternatives not having a substantially better climate profile than the HCFCs 

they replaced.

The overall lost opportunity arising from these transitional challenges is in the order of 2.4 billion 

tonnes making it far and away the most significant individual sector in its contribution to the ‘missed 

opportunity’ discussion. However, the converse argument is that its prompt action over CFC-12 was 

one of the greatest contributors to early gains for the Montreal Protocol. 

The development of XPS markets in Article 5 countries has been more difficult to track, but it is 

understood that close to exponential growth has occurred in the period from 1990 to date and this is 

expected to continue through until 2020 (see also Chapter 8). One of the main engines of this growth 

has been China, where the focus on building energy efficiency, coupled with the relatively low 

investment levels for small extruders has created a network of regional and sub-regional producers. 

As much of this growth has taken place since 2005, the plants installed have tended to bypass CFCs 

and are largely based on HCFC-142b and HCFC-22. However, as a result of cost and availability, 

HCFC-22 has understandably been the dominant component of most blends. 

The implication of previous decisions may have led to a missed opportunity in this sector of 

approximately 1.18 billion tonnes of CO2-eq in Article 5 Parties, although it may be harsh to convey 

the situation in these terms bearing in mind the uncertainties about substitutes that continue to exist. 

Figure 3-7 Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – XPS board

Phenolic foam

Apart from the occasional phenolic block foam plant, the vast majority of installed phenolic foam 

capacity was in non-Article 5 regions in the pre-1990 period. As with other technologies, CFC-11 
34 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

was the predominant blowing agent as phenolic foam technologies became established during the 

mid/late 1980s. In line with other technologies, the phenolic foam industry was able to manage a CFC 

transition to HCFC-141b in the mid-1990s. However, there was more concern at that stage about 

moving directly to hydrocarbons (as the bulk of the PU boardstock industry had done) for fear of 

compromising the intrinsic fire properties. Nevertheless, when the subject was re-visited in the late 

1990s ahead of the pending HCFC phase-out, it was found that the fears were unsubstantiated and the 

fire properties held up, even with hydrocarbon blowing agents inside. However, hydrocarbon was not 

possible for discontinuous block foam plants because of process risks and saturated HFCs (typically 

HFC-365mfc/227ea) were adopted instead. 

In one specific phenolic boardstock technology, 2-chloropropane had been used as an alternative to 

CFC-11from the outset. Although the blowing agent is chlorinated, it has such a short atmospheric 

lifetime that it has never been a candidate for inclusion under the Montreal Protocol – along with a 

number of other short-lived compounds. Interestingly, 2-chloropropane could therefore have been 

used as an alternative to HCFC-141b in the earlier transitions, but this was never widely trialled –

possibly because of patent constraints at the time. 

The impact of relatively trouble-free and timely transitions across the industry has been relatively 

minimal. The delay in the implementation of non-ODS substitutes will have resulted in some 

contribution to the 7,500 ODP tonne ‘missed opportunity’, but the proportion will have been small. 

Climate impacts in non-Article 5 countries shows a similar, and relatively non-controversial, 

transitional impact. However, the persisting shortfall against the ‘best available option’ is indicative 

of the continuing use of saturated HFCs in the phenolic block foam sector. Since most of this product 

is destined for pipe insulation, efforts have been made to find alternative manufacturing strategies to 

bypass the need for HCFCs. More recently, in markets where there is sufficient demand for pipe 

insulation of a specific dimension, it has been possible to transfer substantial portions of the previous 

production to continuous pipe section laminators. This, in turn, has enabled a shift from saturated 

HFCs to hydrocarbon (typically pentane) blowing agents. 

The overall missed opportunity in climate terms for phenolic foam is estimated to be less than 50 

million tonnes CO2-eq in non-Article 5 countries. 

For Article 5 regions, the first thing to note is the relatively low level of consumption involved. 

Indeed, the very few block foam manufacturers in the pre-2000 period elected to run their plants 

through to CFC phase-out and then close them down. This explains the lack of any actual 

consumption avoided in the decade from 1990-2000. 

From 2000 onwards, new capacity began to emerge, but this was either already based on HCFCs (for 

discontinuous processes) or on hydrocarbons for continuous lamination processes. With phenolic 

boardstock demand being the continuing driver of growth, particularly in China, the significance of 

any remaining HCFC use has continued to diminish. This is also reflected in the climate assessment 

shown in Figure 3-8. The dominance of hydrocarbon in more recent years means that there is now 

little to gain from a climate perspective for further action in the phenolic foam sector, with maximum 

potential savings being less than 300,000 tonnes of CO2-eq. 

Perhaps one point to retain in mind throughout these discussions is that the analysis has not tried to 

adjust for variations in energy efficiency between technology options. This would have been too 

complex in sectors where the use of insulation foams is not pre-determined. However, it is worth 

recalling that there could still be substantial interest in phenolic boardstock manufacturers 

considering solutions around unsaturated HFC/HCFC technologies if they were to deliver improved 

thermal performance, particularly in applications where space is constrained. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 35

Figure 3-8: Assessment of actual avoided consumption versus potential – phenolic 

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 37

4 Refrigeration and air conditioning

4.1 ODS alternatives

Initially, generic information relating to selected alternatives substances is provided as presented in 

the table below. This includes a description of each alternative (including health and safety etc.), 

extent of commercialisation, general efficiency aspects (taking into account ambient conditions), cost 

effectiveness (compared to a standard), and barriers (safety, energy efficiency, etc.). Subsequently, 

additional information, including trends is included in the sub-sector specific section, where 

applicable. Whilst the convention within TEAP reports has been to only discuss refrigerants with 

ISO/ASHRAE R-number designation only, it was considered under the current circumstances to also 

discuss a small number of currently unassigned blends where it is anticipated that they are close to 

commercialisation and receiving R-number designations. This is against a background of an excess of 

50 different unassigned blends currently being cited by different refrigerant producers and elsewhere 

in the literature.

The majority of these blends comprise primarily various unsaturated fluorocarbons such as HFC1234yf and HFC-1234ze and HFC-152a and particularly HFC-32 in order to achieve higher vapour 

pressures. Many proposed blends also include R-744, HFC-161 and hydrocarbons in small 

proportions. The selection of the composition is typically a compromise between GWP, flammability 

and cycle performance measures. The huge number of announced blends and those listed within 

patent literature infers the considerable research and development activities underway.

R-717

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-717 (ammonia, NH3) is a single component substance. It has a 

safety classification of B2 (higher toxicity, lower flammability). It has 

a zero ODP and zero GWP. 

Extent of commercialisation R-717 has been used for more than 100 years in a variety of different 

types of refrigerating machines and is widely used today. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy In principle, R-717 has thermo-physical properties which lead to 

excellent efficiency. The vapour pressure and refrigerating capacity is 

similar to HCFC-22. However, it has a very high discharge 

temperature so for lower temperature applications two stage 

compression is normally needed. The application of ammonia in small 

to large absorption systems is wide spread, but has to deal with totally 

different cycle conditions. Efficiency increases are possible due to 

more stage operations. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the substance is very low, typically less that $1/kg. 

Generally systems require the use of steel piping and components and 

as a result smaller capacity systems can cost much more than HCFC22 or HFC systems, although as the capacity approaches and exceeds 

around 400-600 kW, they can become cost-competitive (UNEP 2011, 

UNEP 2012).
38 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Barriers and restrictions There are several general barriers. From a practical level these include 

the lack of suitable components for small capacity systems (although 

some companies are working on these aspects), due to incompatibility 

with copper and its alloys. Discharge temperatures are very high and 

therefore technology options such as additional compression stages 

and inter-cooling must be adopted in system design. In addition, the 

use of R-717 required well-trained and competent technicians (in 

handling R-717), which can sometimes be difficult. Another is the 

restriction of use (in direct systems) in occupied spaces due to its 

higher toxicity. Similarly, certain countries have specific national 

regulations controlling its use. A comprehensive assessment of the 

barriers to the use of R-717 and other low-GWP refrigerants is 

provided in a study for UNEP (Colbourne, 2010).

R-744

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-744 (carbon dioxide, CO2) is a single component substance. It has a 

safety classification of A1 (lower toxicity, non-flammable). It has a 

zero ODP and a GWP of 1. 

Extent of commercialisation R-744 has been used from 1900 to 1930 in refrigerating machines and 

then supplanted by CFCs. Since 1990 its use was revisited and it is 

currently used in a variety of different types of systems. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy R-744 has thermo-physical properties which lead to reasonably good 

efficiency for certain levels of temperatures (such as for refrigeration 

range). The vapour pressure is several times greater than usual 

refrigerants and the volumetric refrigerating capacity is 

correspondingly higher below around 25°C. However, with a low 

critical temperature, the cycle efficiency declines as the temperature 

before the expansion device increases and other features are needed to 

achieve similar (to HCFC-22) efficiency values at high ambient 

conditions. For an ambient temperature of 35°C the efficiency of a 

basic cycle is about 50-60% of R-22. Compared to a basic cycle, 10 –

20% energy efficiency improvement can be achieved by applying an 

ejector instead of an ordinary expansion device (Hafner et al., 2012) 

although using an expander alone can bring the efficiency to within 

10% of HCFC-22 (Subiantoro and Ooi, 2013). Other features to help 

improve efficiency in high ambients include economiser (parallel 

compression), liquid-suction heat exchange and mechanical 

subcooling. Also, discharge temperatures are very high and therefore, 

where the high temperature is not to be utilised, technology options 

such as additional compression stages and inter-cooling must be 

adopted in system design.

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the working fluid is very low, typically around $1/kg. 

However, because of the high pressure, certain types of systems

require more robust designs for pressure safety which adds cost, while 

specific tube dimensions are much smaller compared to current 

technology which gives the advantage of compact tubing and 

insulation material. Since CO2 can result in a relatively greater drop in 

capacity at higher ambient conditions compressors may have to be 

designed with higher upper speeds to compensate for the reduced 

capacity at off-design conditions). However, as the capacity 

approaches a certain value (depending upon the type of application, 

between 50 – 500 kW), they can become cost-competitive. Similarly 

the features that are needed to improve efficiency under higher 

ambient temperature also result in increased cost. Values for costeffectiveness are included in previous TEAP reports (UNEP, 2011; 

UNEP, 2012).
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 39

Barriers and restrictions There are two main technical barriers, being components and system 

design for high operating pressure and performance degradation at 

high ambient temperatures, leading to a resultant incremental cost 

increase. (Although at the present time a portion of the additional costs 

are influenced by economies of scale.) Also, due to its relatively 

unusual characteristics, technicians require dedicated training and 

tooling. A comprehensive assessment of the barriers to the use of R744 and other low-GWP refrigerants is provided in a study for UNEP 

(Colbourne, 2010).

Hydrocarbons (HCs)

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

Hydrocarbons (HCs) include three main pure refrigerants, HC-290 

(propane), HC-1270 (propene) and HC-600a (iso-butane) and a 

number of mixtures; R-433A, R-433B, R-433C, R-436A, R-436B, R441A and R-443A, some of which also comprise HC-170 (ethane). All 

pure substances and the mixtures have safety classification A3 (lower 

toxicity, higher flammability). They have zero ODP and GWP (direct 

GWP plus indirect GWP) ranges from 1.8 to 5.5 (WMO, 2010). HCs 

have excellent thermo physical and transport properties. 

Extent of commercialisation The pure substances have been used commercially for decades, whilst 

mixtures such as R-436A and R-436B have been used since the phaseout of CFC-12. Most of the other mixtures are not known to be used 

commercially. Despite their excellent thermo physical and transport 

properties, large scale production is so far limited in those types of 

systems which have large charge sizes located within occupied spaces.

Energy efficiency, efficacy Generally, the efficiency is shown to be good under most conditions. 

In principle, they have thermo-physical properties which lead to very 

good efficiency and low discharge temperatures. Performance 

comparisons for high ambient conditions are sparse, although two 

recent studies showed performance to be comparable to HCFC-22 

(Chen, 2012; Rajadhyaksha et al, 2013).

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the substances is low, typically less that $1 - $10/kg. Due 

to the safety classification, there are often additional costs necessary 

for handling flammability characteristics in the design of the 

equipment, although thermo-physical properties mean that other costs 

associated with system construction can be reduced. However, the 

overall cost implication can vary widely depending upon the type of 

equipment and any standards to which the design needs to comply. 

Values for cost-effectiveness are included in previous TEAP reports 

(UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers associated with the use of HCs arise from its 

flammability. In practical terms this means that systems located 

indoors with moderate to large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, concerns by component manufactures means that there are 

currently gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling HCs if the flammability is to be dealt with 

safely. Some building safety codes ban use flammable refrigerants in 

certain types of buildings. A comprehensive assessment of the barriers 

to the use of HCs and other low-GWP refrigerants is provided in a 

report for UNEP (Colbourne, 2010). 
40 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

HFCs (GWP ≤ 300)

HFC-1234yf

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

HFC-1234yf is a single component refrigerant with a GWP of about 4. 

It can replace HFC-134a in same systems since the pressuretemperature characteristics are almost identical. It is classed is under 

FDIS ISO 817 and ASHRAE standard 34-2010 as an A2L refrigerant 

(low toxicity, lower flammability). 

Extent of commercialisation This chemical is currently produced at one medium scale production 

plant. Further commercial scale production is anticipated when there is 

a sufficient market demand.

Energy efficiency, efficacy In general this refrigerant produces efficiency levels comparable to 

HFC-134a although the theoretical COP is a few percent below that of 

HFC-134a.

Costs, cost effectiveness As a new molecule that requires a complex production process, this 

refrigerant has significantly higher cost than HFC-134a. 

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption, there are currently 

gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability is to 

be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. There are also 

concerns regarding the decomposition products in the event of a 

release into the environment. 

HFC-1234ze(E)

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

HFC-1234ze(E) is a single component refrigerant with a GWP of 6. It 

can replace HFC-134a in new equipment where its lower volumetric 

capacity can be addressed in the design of the equipment. This 

refrigerant is classified under FDIS ISO 817 as A2L (low toxicity, 

lower flammability). 

Extent of commercialisation This chemical is already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available as and when there is a 

market demand.

Energy efficiency, efficacy When used in reciprocating or scroll type of compressors, this 

refrigerant produces efficiency levels comparable to HFC-134a. When 

used in scroll and reciprocating compressors, the same POE lubricant 

oil can be used.

Costs, cost effectiveness As a new molecule, this refrigerant has higher cost than HFC-134a. 

This is mainly due to its different manufacturing process and 

economies of scale. It is expected that as production increases, the 

price premium would be reduced although it is likely to remain above 

current costs of HFC-134a.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 41

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption, there currently are 

gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability is to 

be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. There are also 

concerns regarding the decomposition products in the event of a 

release into the environment.

HCFC-1233zd(E)

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

HCFC-1233zd(E) is a single component refrigerant with a GWP of 6, 

which reduces substantially the direct environmental impact. This 

refrigerant has been submitted for designation and classification to 

ASHRAE 34, and is likely to be A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable) 

under that standard as well as ISO 817. 

Extent of commercialisation This chemical is already produced at a commercial scale for solvents 

and blowing agent applications. It is anticipated that this refrigerant 

will be available as and when there is a market demand.

Energy efficiency, efficacy When used with centrifugal compressors, this refrigerant produces 

efficiency levels slightly better than HCFC-123, allowing the design of 

systems with very high energy efficiency.

Costs, cost effectiveness As a new molecule, this refrigerant has higher cost that HCFC-123. 

Still this cost would be moderate and will have a reasonable payback 

period due to its high energy efficiency which lowers the expenses for 

end users.

Barriers and restrictions Being non-flammable and having a moderate cost, this refrigerant is 

on a fast track for adoption. R-number designation application is 

expected for 2013. There are concerns regarding the decomposition 

products in the event of a release into the environment.

“L-40” [HFC-32/HFC152a/HFC-1234yf/HFC1234ze(E); 40/10/20/30%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

L-40 is a mixture of HFCs (HFC-32 and HFC-152a) with the new 

unsaturated HFCs (HFC-1234yf and HFC-1234ze(E)). With a GWP of 

290 it reduces substantially the direct environmental impact. It is 

intended to replace R-404A in medium and low temperature 

refrigeration equipment without any major modifications as its 

pressures are similar. The components of the mixture are under FDIS 

ISO 817 as A2 or A2L (low toxicity, lower flammability).

Extent of commercialisation All components are already produced at a commercial scale, although 

currently the production of HFC-1234yf vis-a-vis the market demands 

for it in automotive air conditioning may be an initial barrier to be 

overcome. It is anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during 

the next 1-2 years.

Energy efficiency, efficacy When used in the current R-404A system, L-40 is apparently exceeds 

the capacity of R-404A with an efficiency improvement of around 

10%. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The direct cost of this refrigerant is likely to be higher than R-404A. It 

probably works with existing POE lubricants. 
42 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of the mildly flammable 

refrigerants (class 2L under FDIS ISO 817). Current standards such as 

ISO-5149 are being updated to accommodate this new class. In 

practical terms this means that systems located indoors with large 

charge sizes are often restricted. Similarly, due to uncertainties over 

future adoption there currently are gaps in availability of certain types 

of components including compressors. In addition, technicians must be 

well-trained and competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the 

flammability is to be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes 

may ban use flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. The 

moderate temperature glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for 

certain applications such as reversible heat pumps. There are also 

concerns regarding the decomposition products of some of the 

components in the event of a release into the environment.

“L-20” [HFC-32/HFC152a/HFC-1234ze(E); 

41.5/10/48.5%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

L-20 is a mixture of HFCs (HFC-32 and HFC-152a) with the new 

unsaturated HFC-1234ze. With a GWP of 295 it reduces substantially 

the direct environmental impact. It replaces HCFC-22 in AC 

equipment without any major modifications as its pressures are similar. 

As formulated this mixture will be classified under ASHRAE Std. 34 

and FDIS ISO 817 as A2L (low toxicity, lower flammability). 

Extent of commercialisation All components are already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-2 

years in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), followed by other regions 

(Middle East, Europe). 

Energy efficiency, efficacy When use in the current HCFC-22 technologies, L-20 matches the 

capacity of HCFC-22 with an efficiency ranging from 95% to 97%. 

Further improvements can produce better efficiencies, especially for 

cooling only operation in warm climates. The above mentioned good 

performance in warm climates is mainly due to its relative high critical 

point (~93°C) compared with other options such as R-410A and HFC32.

Costs, cost effectiveness The direct cost of this refrigerant is similar to current HFCs such as R407C. It works well with existing POE lubricants. Due to its good 

efficiency at high ambient temperatures, power consumption would be 

lower relative to other options.

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption, there currently are 

gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability is to 

be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. The moderate 

temperature glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for certain 

applications such as reversible heat pumps.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 43

HFCs (GWP > 300)

“L-41” [HFC-32/HFC1234ze(E)/HC-600; 68/29/3%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

L-41 is a mixture of HFCs; HFC-32, the new unsaturated HFC-1234ze 

and a small amount of HC-600 (butane). It replaces R-410A in AC 

equipment. This mixture would likely be classified by ASHRAE Std. 

34 and FDIS ISO 817 as A2L (low toxicity, lower flammability). It has 

been already submitted to ASHRAE for classification. It has a GWP of 

around 460. 

Extent of commercialisation All components are already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-2 

years in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), followed by other regions 

(Middle East, Europe). Some countries or regions may take longer 

than others due to building codes restrictions and lack of regulatory 

drivers.

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency of L-41 systems is at the same level of R-410A. The 

capacity is approximately 6% to 10% lower than R-410A still this 

capacity is easily recovered in new systems. Discharge temperatures 

are slightly higher than R-410A, still below the limit of existing 

compressors technologies. Due to its relative higher critical point 

compared to other refrigerants, L-41 performs well at high ambient 

temperatures (warm climates).

Costs, cost effectiveness The direct cost of this refrigerant is similar to R-410A. It works well 

with existing POE lubricants. Power consumption increases its 

effectiveness at high ambient temperatures relative to R-410A.

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption means that there 

are currently gaps in availability of certain types of components 

including compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained 

and competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability 

is to be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. Temperature glide 

issues may influence the design of equipment. 

“DR-5” [HFC-32/HFC1234yf; 72.5/27.5%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

DR-5 is a mixture of HFCs (HFC-32) with the new unsaturated HFC1234yf and has a GWP of 490. It replaces R-410A in AC equipment. 

All components of the mixture are classified by FDIS ISO 817 as A2L 

(low toxicity, lower flammability). 

Extent of commercialisation All components are already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-2 

years in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), followed by other regions 

(Middle East, Europe). 

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency of L-41 systems is at the same level of R-410A. The 

capacity is approximately 6% to 10% lower than R-410A still this 

capacity is easily recovered in new systems. Discharge temperatures 

are slightly higher than R-410A, still below the limit of existing 

compressors technologies. Due to its relative higher critical point 

compared to other refrigerants, DR-5 performs well at high ambient 

temperatures (warm climates).
44 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Costs, cost effectiveness The direct cost of this refrigerant would be slightly high as it contains 

HFC-1234yf which has an expensive manufacturing cost. It works 

well with existing POE lubricants. Due to its good efficiency at high 

ambient temperatures, power consumption would be lower relative to 

R-410A.

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption, there currently are 

gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability is to 

be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings. Temperature glide 

issues may influence the design of equipment.

“N-13” [HFC-134a/HFC1234ze(E); 41/59%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

N-13 is a binary mixture of HFC-134a and HFC-1234ze(E) which as 

formulated is non-flammable. It has a GWP of 590 therefore reduces 

substantially the direct environmental impact. It replaces HFC-134a in 

new equipment where its lower volumetric capacity can be addressed 

in the design of the equipment. This refrigerant would be classified by 

FDIS ISO 817 A1 (low toxicity, non-flammability). 

Extent of commercialisation These chemicals are already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-2 

years in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), followed by other regions 

(Middle East, Europe). 

Energy efficiency, efficacy When used in reciprocating or scroll compressors, this refrigerant 

produces efficiency levels comparable to HFC-134a. When used in 

scroll and reciprocating compressors, the same POE lubricant oil can 

be used. 

Costs, cost effectiveness Being a blend of new molecules HFC-1234ze(E) and existing ones 

(HFC-134a), its cost is moderate and not significant different from 

existing blends available in the market.

Barriers and restrictions Being non-flammable and having a moderate cost, this refrigerant is 

on a fast track for adoption. R-number designation is expected for 

2013.

“XP-10” [HFC-134a/HFC1234yf; 44/56%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

XP-10 is a binary mixture of HFC-134a and HFC-1234yf which as 

formulated is non-flammable. It has a GWP of 630 therefore reduces 

substantially the direct environmental impact. It replaces HFC-134a in 

new equipment, producing similar capacity and efficiency. As 

formulated, this refrigerant would be classified by ISO FDIS 817 A1 

(low toxicity, non-flammable). 

Extent of commercialisation These chemicals are already produced at a commercial scale. It is 

anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-2 

years in Asia (China, Japan, Korea), followed by other regions 

(Middle East, Europe). 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 45

Energy efficiency, efficacy When used in reciprocating or scroll compressors, this refrigerant 

produces efficiency levels comparable to HFC-134a. When used in 

scroll and reciprocating compressors, the same POE lubricant oil can 

be used. Due to its high critical temperature, it will perform very well 

in warm climates.

Costs, cost effectiveness Being a blend of a high manufacturing cost molecule (HFC-1234yf) 

and HFC-134a, its cost is expected to be high.

Barriers and restrictions Its high cost would be the main barrier for widespread adoption by the 

market. There are also concerns regarding the decomposition products 

of some of the components in the event of a release into the 

environment.

HFC-32

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

HFC-32 is a single component refrigerant that was originally used as a 

component of R-410A, which is 50% HFC-32 and 50% HFC-125, and 

other blends. HFC-125 was used to reduce the flammability of HFC-32 

and high discharge temperature. With a GWP of 716, it produces a 

moderate reduction compared to R-410A or HCFC-22. Pressure and 

capacity are around 1.5 times higher than HCFC-22 and equivalent to 

R-410A. It is classed as A2L (low toxicity, lower flammability) under 

FDIS ISO 817.

Extent of commercialisation HFC-32 is one of components of R-410A and R-407C, so fairly large 

production capacity is already available, though commercial 

availability of cylinders is not yet common. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency of HFC-32 systems is similar to R-410A and the 

theoretical COP is a few per cent better than R-410A at typical air 

conditioning conditions. The capacity is approximately slightly higher 

(~ 5%) but it can be easily accommodated with slight adjustment of 

the compressor displacement in new systems. Its system charge is 

somewhat lower than for R-410A. It has better heat transfer properties 

and transport properties than R-410A due to lower molar mass. 

Discharge temperatures are significantly higher than R-410A. Higher 

polarity of refrigerant makes necessary the use of new lubricant oils.

Some mitigation device or controls are necessary for handling the 

discharge temperature of the compressor especially at high ambient 

temperatures.

Costs, cost effectiveness The direct cost of this refrigerant is lower than R-410A as it is not 

patented substance, simple molecular structure and lower fluorine 

necessity in molecule. The new lubricant oils and mitigation devices 

for high discharge temperature may add some cost. Values for costeffectiveness are included in previous TEAP reports (UNEP, 2011; 

UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions The main barriers are related to the safe use of lower flammability 

refrigerants (A2L under FDIS ISO 817). Standards such as ISO-5149 

and IEC-60335-2-40 are being updated to accommodate more relaxed

requirements for this new class. In practical terms this means that 

systems located indoors with large charge sizes are often restricted. 

Similarly, due to uncertainties over future adoption there are currently 

gaps in availability of certain types of components including 

compressors. In addition, technicians must be well-trained and 

competent in handling flammable refrigerants if the flammability is to 

be dealt with safely. Some building safety codes may ban use 

flammable refrigerants in certain types of buildings.
46 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

“N-40” [HFC-32/HFC125/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf 

HFC-1234ze(E); 

26%/26%/21%/20%/7%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

“N-40” is a mixture of saturated HFCs (HFC-32, HFC-125 and HFC134a) with unsaturated HFC-1234yf and HFC-1234ze, which as 

formulated is non-flammable. It has a GWP of 1390 and is therefore 

similar to pure HFC-134a. It replaces R-404A in existing and new 

refrigeration equipment. This refrigerant would be classified by 

ASHRAE 34 and FDIS ISO 817 A1 (low toxicity, non-flammable). 

Extent of commercialisation The component chemicals are already produced at a commercial scale. 

It is anticipated that this refrigerant will be available during the next 1-

2 years. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy This refrigerant has a capacity marginally higher than R-404A and a 

greater efficiency. The same POE lubricant oil can be used as with R404A. 

Costs, cost effectiveness Being a blend which includes HFC-1234yf and HFC-1234ze, its cost 

is likely to be higher than conventional HFC mixtures. 

Barriers and restrictions No significant barriers are anticipated with this refrigerant for safety.

The moderate temperature glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for 

reversible heat pump applications. Temperature glide issues may 

influence the design of equipment.

“DR-33” [HFC-32/HFC125/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf; 

24/25/26/25%]

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

“DR-33” is a mixture of saturated HFCs (HFC-32, HFC-125 and HFC134a) and unsaturated HFC-1234yf which as formulated is nonflammable. It has a GWP of 1410 and is therefore similar to pure 

HFC-134a. It replaces R-404A in new refrigeration equipment. This 

refrigerant would be classified by FDIS ISO 817 A1 (low toxicity, 

non-flammable). 

Extent of commercialisation The component chemicals are already produced at a commercial scale. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy This refrigerant has a capacity marginally higher than R-404A and a 

slightly greater efficiency. The same POE lubricant oil can be used as 

with R-404A. 

Costs, cost effectiveness Being a blend which includes HFC-1234yf, its cost is likely to be 

higher than conventional HFC mixtures. 

Barriers and restrictions No significant barriers are anticipated with this refrigerant. The 

moderate temperature glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for 

reversible heat pump applications. Temperature glide issues may 

influence the design of equipment.

HFC-134a

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

HFC-134a is a pure substance with a GWP of 1370. It is used in a 

variety of equipment including heat pumps and chillers. It is classed as 

an A1 refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally.

Energy efficiency, efficacy Energy efficiency is good, provided that pipes and heat exchangers are 

suitably sized. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the substance is greater than HCFC-22 but less than HFC 

blends. Values for cost-effectiveness are included in previous TEAP 

reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions There are no significant barriers to its use. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 47

R-407C

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-407C is a mixture refrigerant comprising HFC-134a, HFC-125 and 

HFC-32 with a GWP of 1700. It has been used widely in air 

conditioning, chiller and heat pump systems, especially to help the 

transition from HCFC-22. It is classed as an A1 refrigerant (lower 

toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency is acceptable, although heat exchangers need to be 

designed suitably to take account of the temperature glide. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the refrigerant is approximately two to three times greater 

than HCFC-22. Values for cost-effectiveness are included in previous 

TEAP reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions There are no significant barriers to its use. The moderate temperature 

glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for reversible heat pump 

applications.

R-407F

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-407F is a mixture of the same components of R-407C but in slightly 

different proportions. Its GWP is 1820. It is typically used recently for 

centralised commercial refrigeration systems. It is classed as an A1 

refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency is acceptable and better than of the R-404A it is 

normally used to replace. However, heat exchangers need to be 

designed suitably to take account of the temperature glide. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the refrigerant is approximately two to three times greater 

than HCFC-22. Values for cost-effectiveness are expected to be 

similar to those of R-407C and R-404A as detailed in the TEAP 

reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions There are no significant barriers to its use. The moderate temperature 

glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for certain applications.

R-407A

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-407A is a mixture of the same components of R-407C but in slightly 

different proportions. Its GWP is 2100. It is typically used recently for 

centralised commercial refrigeration systems. It is classed as an A1 

refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally. 

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency is acceptable and better than of the R-404A it is 

normally used to replace. However, heat exchangers need to be 

designed suitably to take account of the temperature glide. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the refrigerant is approximately two to three times greater 

than HCFC-22. Values for cost-effectiveness are expected to be 

similar to those of R-407C and R-404A as detailed in the TEAP 

reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions There are no significant barriers to its use. The moderate temperature 

glide of this refrigerant may be an issue for certain applications.

R-410A

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-410A is a mixture refrigerant comprising HFC-125 and HFC-32 

with a GWP of 2100. It is used widely in air conditioning, chiller and 

heat pump systems. The safety is classed as an A1 refrigerant (lower 

toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally.

Energy efficiency, efficacy Generally the efficiency is equivalent to R-22 or better, especially at 

lower temperatures. This efficiency however deteriorates at higher 

ambient temperatures.
48 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the refrigerant is approximately two to three times greater 

than HCFC-22. Values for cost-effectiveness are included in previous 

TEAP reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions A slight barrier to its use it the operating pressures being higher than 

that of HCFC-22, although this is more perceived than practical. For 

countries which experience high ambient temperatures capacity and 

efficiency can degrade more rapidly than with HCFC-22. 

R-404A and R-507 

Description and discussion of 

each technology/chemical 

(including health and safety etc.)

R-404A is a mixture refrigerant comprising HFC-134a, HFC-125 and 

HFC-143a with a GWP of 3700. It has been used widely in 

commercial refrigeration systems. R-507 has a similar GWP and 

operates similarly to R-404A. Both are classed as an A1 refrigerant 

(lower toxicity, non-flammable).

Extent of commercialisation It is well commercialised globally. R-404A is more widely 

commercialised than R-507.

Energy efficiency, efficacy The efficiency is acceptable. 

Costs, cost effectiveness The cost of the refrigerant is approximately two to four times greater 

than HCFC-22. Values for cost-effectiveness are included in previous 

TEAP reports (UNEP, 2011; UNEP, 2012).

Barriers and restrictions There are no significant barriers to its use, although it is now 

becoming considered less desirable within several regions due to its 

comparatively high GWP.

Note: Most of the various HFC mixtures without an assigned R-number have a composition that is not yet 

finalised. Extensive testing by manufacturers is ongoing so minor changes to the composition are still possible. 

Final compositions for most of the mixtures are expected to be submitted within 2013.

Current usage

Whilst the following sections describe the application of the various refrigerants listed above, this 

table summarises the application of each alternative within the respective subsectors. 

“C” indicates current use on a commercial-scale 

“L” indicates limited use such as for demonstration, trials, niche applications, etc

“F” indicates use is potentially feasible on a commercial scale, based on fluid characteristics 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 49

GWP

013 – 5 446629033049049060063071613301410137017001820210021003700

R-717R-744HC-290, HC-1270HC-600aHFC-1234yfHFC-1234ze(E)HCFC-1233zd(E)“L-40”“L-20”“L-41”“DR-5”“N-13”“XP-10”HFC-32“N-40”“DR-33”HFC-134aR-407CR-407FR-407AR-410AR-404A

Domestic refrigeration C F F F C

Commercial refrigeration

— Stand alone equipment C C C L F F F F F F F F L F C F F F F C

— Condensing units L L F F F F F F F F F L F C F F F F C

— Centralised systems L C L F F F F F F L F L F C F C C F C

Transport refrigeration C C F F F F F F F F F F C F F F C C

Large size refrigeration C C L F F F F F F F F F F F C C C C C

Air conds and heat pumps

— Small self contained L C F F F F F F L F F C C F F C F

— Mini-split (non-ducted) L C F L F F F C F F F C F F C F

— Multi-split L F L F F F L F F F C F F C F

— Split (ducted) F F F F F F F L F F F C F F C F

— Ducted split comm. & 

non-split F L F F F F F L F F C C F F C F

— Hot water heating HPs C C C C F F F F F F F F L F F C C F F C F

— Space heating HPs C L C L F F F F F F F F L F F C C F F C C

Chillers

— Positive displacement C C C L L F F L F L L L F F C C F F C C

— Centrifugal L L L L C

Mobile air conditioning

— Cars F F C F F C

— Public transport F L F F C C C

It is important to note that this table only considers direct substitution in systems with limited 

modifications. The extent of feasibility of many of the alternative refrigerants could be extended if 

more significant changes to system design were applied, such as use of indirect circuits, etc. 

4.2 Over-arching issues

Technician training and disposal

There is a discussion raised concerning the costs associated with training of technicians and the endof-life/disposal of systems using certain refrigerants, such as flammable ones. 

It is important to recognise that training is necessary for all alternative refrigerants and for those with 

more notable differences from the conventional ones, especially those that affect safety, more 

intensive training is needed. 

In various HPMPs thorough consideration has been given to the additional training needs for 

technicians handling flammable refrigerants (at installation, service and disposal). Furthermore, 
50 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

various countries have put in place control systems to assess, qualify, licence and register technicians 

that may be permitted to work on systems and use refrigerants, which have low GWP and/or 

flammability. These HPMP and certain studies (e.g., Colbourne et al., 2011) show that the training 

requirements (and also tooling) to handle flammables such as HCs is about double that of a 

conventional refrigerant such as R-410A or R-407C. For air conditioners, for example, this equates to 

less than about 1% of the product cost. 

There is concern over the disposal of units at end-of-life and more so, concern over how to account 

for those technicians within the “informal” service sector, who may be working on systems but have 

not been trained. 

This issue applies to systems that contain any refrigerant that has an environmental impact or whose 

characteristics could impose a safety implication. It is therefore necessary for countries to put in 

place proper systems to: (a) limit the handling of refrigerants and systems using refrigerants which 

are flammable, higher toxicity, higher pressure and/or have GWPs and (b) to provide marking and 

warning on equipment to advise of the risk of handling by untrained technicians. However, it may be 

considered to be a more critical issue when it concerns flammable refrigerants since improper 

handling of the refrigerant can pose an immediate hazard to the technician. 

Safety rules

Several of the alternative refrigerants possess safety characteristics which can present a greater 

hazard than the existing ones. These hazards are those arising from higher toxicity, flammability and 

higher operating pressures. In order to handle these, there are various means of helping to minimise 

the additional risk posed by applying such refrigerants. 

In most countries and regions, there is a hierarchy of rules, involving regulations, codes of practice 

and standards. In most cases, regulations tend to be generic, that is, how to deal with higher toxicity, 

flammable and/or high pressure substances, irrespective of their end use. As such, these tend to more 

measured and treat most applications evenly. Safety standards and codes of practice tend to be largely 

written by industry and often with certain sub-sectors in mind. In most countries, they are voluntary 

and cannot override regulations. In some cases, the guidelines within standards and codes can be 

found contrary to national (or regional) regulations. A more detailed discussion of these matters can 

be found in Part 1.5 of GIZ (2010). 

Specifically for refrigeration and air conditioning, the following international and regional safety 

standards provide information on the safety classification of refrigerants and also measures that can 

be applied in order to minimise the risks. 

 IEC 60335-2-24 Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and

ice-makers

 IEC 60335-2-40 Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps air-conditioners, and 

dehumidifiers

 IEC 60335-2-89 Particular requirements for commercial refrigerating appliances with an 

incorporated or remote refrigerant condensing unit or compressor

 EN 378 Refrigeration systems and heat pumps – safety and environmental requirements

 ISO (FDIS) 5149 Mechanical refrigerating systems used for cooling and heating – safety 

requirements (draft)

 ISO FDIS 817 Refrigerants – Designation and safety classification (draft)

In addition, GIZ (2010) also contains an extensive list of different national, regional and international 

standards related to the safe application of refrigerants. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 51

The requirements within the refrigeration and air conditioning standards above have some practical 

implications on the use of certain refrigerants:

 Toxicity: generally for refrigerants with higher toxicity (principally R-717) the quantity of 

refrigerant that can be used inside are almost entirely restricted in public spaces. In non-public 

spaces, additional safety measures such as gas detection and extract ventilation must be used. 

 Flammability: many alternative refrigerants are flammable to some extent and this results in a 

greater limitation of the quantity of refrigerant that can be used in inside locations as opposed to 

those which are non-flammable. Typically, those with lower flammability and low burning 

velocity, also referred to as “class 2L” refrigerants,2(for example, HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ze(E), 

HFC-32, R-717) are permitted to have greater quantities of refrigerant in inside spaces whereas 

those with higher flammability, or “class 3”, (for example, HFC-161, HC-290, HC-1270) are 

more limited in terms of the quantity of refrigerant (within individual refrigerant circuits). The 

difference between the quantities of lower flammability (e.g., HFC-32 with an LFL of 0.31 kg/m3

and HFC-1234yf with an LFL of 0.30 kg/m3) and higher flammability (e.g., HC-290 with an LFL 

of 0.038 kg/m3and HFC-161 with an LFL of 0.075 kg/m3) is by a factor of 5-10. The practical 

implication of these charge size limits is that there is a “capacity ceiling” which is a function of 

the refrigerants flammability. In addition, equipment must not contain potential sources of 

ignition (such as devices that can result in electrical sparks). For non-public indoor spaces, larger 

quantities can be used but only with measures such as gas detection and extract ventilation. 

Because of the less flammable characteristics of class 2L refrigerants, the current and newly 

proposed safety rules for the design, construction and installation of refrigeration, air 

conditioning and heat pumps systems are much closer to those of non-flammable refrigerants than 

those of “conventional” Class 3 flammable refrigerants.

 Pressure: since almost all refrigerants are under pressure, safety measures are needed. As 

operating pressures increase and internal volume of system parts become larger required wall 

thickness to contain pressure becomes thicker. However, more onerous measures are prescribed, 

such as non-destructive test of welding, application of pressure relief and pressure limiting 

devices. Thus, those with relatively much higher pressures (for example, R-744) have more 

requirements. 

It is important to recognise that in most cases these standards are voluntary and ultimately risk 

analysis and risk assessment approaches, in conjunction with regulations, must be used to evaluate 

new products using such alternative refrigerants. As technical developments evolve, more advanced 

methods or risk mitigation for refrigerants with hazardous characteristics become available and these 

can be used to enable application across a broader of systems, than current standards imply. 

In some cases, manufacturing enterprises, workers or users may choose not to deal with refrigerants 

with more severe hazards than those they are used to, in which case the application of many 

alternative refrigerants may not be open to them. It is noted that accidents can occur due to human 

error in addition to product faults. Although safety rules, guidelines and experience can help reduce 

failures, it cannot be guaranteed.

2 The 2L classification is characterised by lower heat of combustion, higher LFL and lower burning speeds. This 

class is proposed for use in various international and regional standards, such as ISO 817 and ISO 5149, and has 

already been adopted into the ASHRAE standard 34. It is intended to help differentiate between certain 

refrigerants such as R-717, HFC-32 and HFC-1234yf and another lower flammability refrigerant, HFC-152a, in 

that the former are difficult to ignite, difficult to sustain a flame under prescribed conditions and are not likely to 

evolve overpressures that could cause damage, whereas the latter behaves more like a fuel gas. 
52 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Costs for systems using certain alternatives 

The additional costs of systems using alternatives can be a function of several different factors. On 

the basis of equal cooling (or heating) capacity and the same level of an efficiency measured 

(depending upon whether it is a fixed rating condition or several rating conditions weighted for some 

seasonal temperature profile), the differences in cost between a new and an established technology 

will typically be attributed to the following general cost groups:

 Research and development

 Market introduction cost

 Refrigerant price 

 Product/system parts material and machining costs (system and ancillary components)

 Technician tools/equipment 

 Engineer training, technician training, assessment, certification and registration 

 Regulations (obligations)

 Standards (restrictions)

 Awareness-raising (for engineers, technicians, contractors, end users)

 Production line equipment 

 Installation time and materials

Given the large number of considerations implicit within these cost groups, it is extremely difficult to 

provide robust approximations on what the overall differences in costs associated with a new 

technology compared to a well-established technology would be, in the event that the new technology 

would also be well established. The more the characteristics of the alternative refrigerant differ from 

the established one, the more challenging the cost approximation would be. 

Notably, upon the initial stages of considering an introduction of an alternative refrigerant, cost 

assumptions tend to be pessimistic, whereas over time it if often found that almost cost parity with 

the established technology may be achieved. Two practical examples of this are HC-600a in domestic 

refrigeration and R-744 in centralised commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets (Pedersen, 

2012). 

Technological developments tend to be iterative and as the implications and trade-offs of the 

alternative refrigerants’ characteristics are better understood, more safety- and cost-efficient designs 

evolve. Similarly, regulations and standards should be improved; appreciation of the technology by 

engineers and technicians gradually improves; production and installation practices become 

optimised. 

In addition cost associated with reputation has to be considered. Maintaining the brand value is quite 

important for manufacturers and suppliers. If accidents, failures, break-downs or environmental 

negligence occur under a brand name, the reputation can be damaged resulting in a penalty to sales. 

System chemistry and lubricant issues

Certain issues have been raised with regards to application of the alternative groups of substances 

when compared to HCFCs. These can be summarised as follows:

 The chemistry of HFCs, HCs, R-717 and R-744 is significantly different to HCFCs such as 

HCFC-22.

 There is often a need to change to different lubricants since solubility and subsequent viscosity 

can be different.

 The hygroscopic nature of alternative lubricants can also be different and thus the appropriate 

means of handling can change.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 53

 If lubricants contain moisture, the amount that can separate out at the expansion device can vary.

 The reactivity of the alternative lubricant can result in compressor failure if it is handled 

inappropriately.

 Chemical reaction that could ordinarily be neglected in the system with HCFCs may occur 

significantly with alternative refrigerants. 

 Generally, stricter control of contaminants is necessary when using synthetic types of lubricant

rather than mineral oils.

 There are concerns about the stability of certain new refrigerants in the presence of contaminants 

such as air and moisture.

 Although additives can be used, some manufacturers prefer not to have to rely on these for 

reliability.

 Refrigerants that may be present in supercritical phase, such as R-744, can experience unusually 

high solubility that can affect system materials and therefore selection of such materials requires 

greater consideration.

 Some metals used within compressors, such as aluminium, may not be appropriate in their usual 

condition for use with fluids that do not contain chlorine. 

4.3 Potential penetration rates in the RAC sector

Existing and future market penetration is a key parameter for the calculation of the consumption and 

emission reduction potential of any medium and low GWP technical option (MLGTO) to current 

ODS technology. The penetration rate may be defined as the maximum market potential of a MLGTO 

to replace new products or equipment relying upon ODSs in a particular sub-sector. Penetration rates 

may be given for each MLGTO based on technical feasibility to replace existing ODSs technology by 

a specific alternative technology. A penetration rate of 30% means that 30% of the mass of ODS –

interpreted as the proportion of new ODS systems installed in a given year – could potentially be 

replaced by systems using the particular MLGTO. 

However, any given MLGTO is rarely universally applicable to any sub-sector. Thus, maximum 

market penetration for replacement of current ODS technology in a specific sub-sector may in many 

circumstances only be achieved by aggregation of two or more MLGTOs.

Constraints to market penetration

Limitations of each MLGTO are due to safety, cost and/or efficiency implications and the amount of 

effort/resources imposed to integrate that MLGTO into the sub-sector. It is therefore necessary to 

consider the use of each relevant MLGTO for a specific sub-sector within the context of the various 

limiting factors.

Safety constraints

The application of refrigerants is generally controlled by national regulations, such as those dealing 

with the use of hazardous substances, buildings and so on. Generally such regulations are nonspecific in terms of how refrigerants can be applied and aim towards “safe use”. However, in many 

countries, safety standards and codes of practice are available, which are more specific in the manner 

by which refrigerants are applied; noting also that such standards and codes are not normally legally 

mandatory but are considered as “best practice”.

Many of the currently used ODSs have a safety classification of lower-toxicity/no flame propagation 

(i.e., class “A1”). This means that they can be applied to most situations without consideration of 

charge quantity limitations and other safety considerations. However, many MLGTOs are flammable 

or have higher toxicity or both (typically “A2”, “A3” and “B2” classifications), which results in 

limitations of the quantity of refrigerant permitted within different locations. As such, where 
54 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

standards specifically limit certain MLGTOs in particular locations, and enterprises choose to adopt 

these or other such guidelines, this can impact on the penetration rate3.

Whilst safety standards may partially or wholly restrict certain MLGTOs from being used in certain 

locations, it is possible to redesign refrigerating systems in order to ensure the refrigerant is kept 

within an alternative location or reduce the quantity of refrigerant in a system. However, this may 

then impose other constraints such as related to cost and/or efficiency. Alternatively, efforts can be 

made to modify and extend the inclusivity of standards, such that more innovative approaches to 

design can be made by industry (whilst maintaining the same level of safety). 

Efficiency constraints

It is a basic principle that any MLGTO under consideration should not risk offset refrigerant-related 

emissions reduction by consuming more energy. Furthermore, this principle is in line with the fact 

that in many countries, there are – or will be – minimum efficiency standards for specific product 

types. Therefore MLGTOs can only be considered where systems would achieve at least the same 

level of efficiency. In general, most of the MLGTOs under consideration can already provide at least 

the same level of efficiency as the existing refrigerants. In cases, where MLGTOs have a poorer 

efficiency than the existing ODS technology when used in comparable refrigerating systems, 

additional materials and components may be required to bring the efficiency up to the required level, 

which may incur costs. However, in some cases MLGTOs may not be able to achieve the required 

efficiency level (even with optimisation), in which case the penetration rate would be limited.4

Cost constraints

In principle almost any technically feasible MLGTO can be used for any application, provided 

unlimited funds are available to implement it. However, the market may not accept products at 

considerably higher cost (price) than existing products. The cost implication of using different 

MLGTOs may be affected by several different parameters, including safety requirements, desired 

efficiency, system complexity and special materials. Therefore it is important to identify situations 

where MLGTOs may result in excessively high cost such that the penetration potential of those 

MLGTOs would be limited.

Availability of materials and components

Some refrigerating system parts are specific to certain refrigerants (for example, compressors). 

Whilst it is feasible to use a given refrigerant within a particular type of system, if no suitable 

components are available, this would affect the (near term) penetration rate of that MLGTO. 

Currently, not every refrigerating system could be built with every MLGTO using dedicated “off the 

shelf” parts; as a result some MLGTO systems would need to be improvised, which could lead to 

higher costs and/or lower efficiency. Similarly, whilst certain refrigerants are available in sufficient 

quantities, others – such as newly developed unsaturated HFCs – are not yet commercially available 

at the scale necessary to satisfy widespread use in certain sub-sectors. As the market availability can 

be assumed to develop over time, the accurate quantitative assessment of the penetration rates is key 

condition for the estimation of the ODS and GWP reduction potential in the latter periods.

3 As an example, R-717 (class B2) is not permitted to be used in direct systems, so the maximum penetration for 

room ACs would be 0%, whilst HC-290 (class A3) can be used in direct systems provided the charge size is 

below a certain quantity. Thus, the penetration would be more than 0% but less than 100% because it would not 

ordinarily be possible to use HC-290 in systems that require a large charge.

4 As an example, the MLGTO transcritical use of R744 (which is more energy efficient than most HFC systems 

in geographical zones with moderate climate) could be used in air conditioning systems within temperate 

climates. The penetration could reach 100% there, but in hot climates the ideal cycle efficiency of R744 would 

still be below the minimum efficiency of such air conditioners and therefore the penetration would be 0%. Thus, 

the penetration rate may be reduced according to share of moderate and hot climates.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 55

System complexity and design know-how

Most systems using ODSs are of similar complexity and design. In contrast, design and construction 

of a refrigeration or air conditioning system running on flammable refrigerants or transcritical R-744 

systems require additional knowledge and training. Therefore, design engineers and technicians need 

to acquire additional know-how in order to install technical technology properly.

Determination of penetration rates

In estimating the maximum potential penetration rate, several factors are considered. For each of the 

constraints considered above, the proportion (of refrigerant quantity, not necessarily number of 

refrigerating systems), 

χ

, for each constraint, 

i

, of the sub-sector that could not accommodate the 

specific MLGTO due to each is estimated. These factors are estimated for some nominal year, being 

a period sufficient to enable the various temporary constraints to be overcome (assumed to be about 

10 years from the present). This should therefore account for both (i) anticipated technical 

developments and (ii) market maturity.5 Thus, the overall maximum penetration rate is estimated 

from 

1-maxχi

, i.e., the maximum possible penetration under business-as-usual should be based on 

the maximum proportion of a sub-sector unable to accommodate the MLGTO for any of the given 

constraints. For each MLGTO the proportions (

χ

) are based on expert knowledge of the 

characteristics of the refrigerating systems and equipment, system design characteristics, 

requirements of safety standards, technology requirements, etc. and coupling these with 

characteristics of the refrigerants under consideration.

Whilst the constraints detailed above are mechanistic, another constraint may be included to account 

for the “willingness” of the market to adopt a given MLGTO, which may be a function of the 

additional considerations necessary to suitably apply a particular technical option. These 

considerations may include having to get special training for technicians, interpretation of 

complicated standards and so on. Using this approach the maximum penetration rate could be scaled 

down. The converse it also applicable, where, for example, certain end user or manufacturing 

enterprises proactively try to adopt certain MLGTOs and in doing so initiate activities to overcome 

certain constraints; in this case the penetration rates can be scaled up. 

For each MLGTO and sub-sector, a maximum penetration rate is given in Table 1. Penetration rates 

for some intermediate period (between the present and the selected nominal year for achieving the 

penetration rates) are obtained from linear interpolation between then and the current status of 

penetration of each MLGTO.

Estimation of penetration rates for the numerous individual MLGTOs rely on the knowledge of 

experts. However, it must be noted that the methodology for the determination of penetration rates 

are subjective and with uncertainties, especially since it is not possible to precisely forecast and 

quantify the technical developments in the coming years. In recognition of this, at this stage qualifiers 

have been used to indicate a range of values rather than the use of precise values. In table 4-1 the 

following are applied:

 D = potentially dominant penetration, 50 %< D ≤ 100%, meaning refrigerant option could 

become dominant

 C = potentially competitive penetration, 10% < C < 50%, meaning that the refrigerant option can 

gain a significant market in a competitive context where other refrigerants fit the same need 

5

For example, where charge size limits are a limiting factor, it can be assumed that research and development 

efforts over the next 20 years will reduce specific charge sizes (kg/kW) to below today's lowest values, or that 

system components for certain MLGTOs are widely available such that the product development and small 

production scale costs have been eliminated from the purchase price.
56 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

 L = low potential penetration, < 10%, because either the refrigerant corresponds to a niche 

application or a small market share 

Empty boxes imply that potential penetration is negligible or not applicable. 

Where square parentheses are used, this implies the use of an indirect system using secondary fluid, 

that would ordinarily have used a direct system (primarily in the case of supermarkets). 

Table 4-1: Example penetration rates (%) for different MLGTOs

R-717R-744HC-290, HC-1270HC-600aHFC-1234yfHFC-1234ze(E)HCFC-1233zd(E)“L-40”“L-20”“L-41”“DR-5”“N-13”“XP-10”HFC-32

Domestic refrigeration D D D D

Commercial refrigeration

— Stand alone equipment D D D D D D D D D D D D

— Condensing units C C L D D D D D D D D

— Centralised systems [D] D [D] [D] [D] [D] [D] [D] D D [D]

Transport refrigeration D C D D D D D D D D

Large size refrigeration D D C L D D D D D D D

Air conds and heat pumps

— Small self contained L D D D D D D D D

— Mini-split (non-ducted) L D C D D D D D D

— Multi-split L C D D D D D D

— Split (ducted) L L C D D D D D D

— Ducted split comm. & nonsplit L L C D D D M M D

— Hot water heating HPs L D D C D C D D D D D D D

— Space heating HPs L C D C D C D D D D D D D

Chillers

— Positive displacement C C D D D D D D D D D D

— Centrifugal L D D D

Mobile air conditioning

— Cars D L D D D

— Public transport C D D D D

4.4 Domestic refrigeration

4.4.1 Introduction 

Domestic refrigeration sub-sector comprises appliances that are broadly used domestically, such as 

refrigerators, freezers and combined refrigerator/freezer products. Beverage dispensing machines are 

similar products and are commonly included in domestic refrigeration, but represent a small fraction 

of total units. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 57

Approximately 100 million domestic refrigerators and freezers are produced annually, and it is 

estimated that this quantity is equally divided between non-Article 5 and Article 5 countries. A 

typical product includes a factory-assembled, hermetically sealed, vapour-compression refrigeration 

system employing a 50 to 250 watt induction motor, and now also linear motors, containing 50 to 250 

grams of refrigerant. Commercially available alternative technology to vapour-compression 

refrigeration is employed in specific products, such as absorption cycles for small fridges in hotels 

and so. The age distribution of the global installed products is extremely broad with median age 

estimates ranging from 9 to 19 years at retirement, being higher values typical for Article 5 countries. 

Long product life and high volume annual production combine for an estimated 1500 to 1800 million 

unit global installed inventory.

Old refrigerant CFC-12 was replaced by non-ODS refrigerants in almost all new products. Presently, 

the main refrigerants used are HC-600a and HFC-134a. More than 50% of current new production 

(globally) employs HC-600a, whilst the remainder uses HFC-134a (approximately 1% employs either 

HFC-152a or HCFC-22 or blends comprising these). 

Improvement in energy efficiency is the main effort in new product development, through the use of 

advanced components such as variable speed compressors (virtually all new high level products in 

Europe have frequency variation device) and vacuum panel insulation. Energy benefits are also 

obtained with the use of electronic controls.

In certain countries progress continues on product redesign for the transition from HFC-134a to HC600a.

4.4.2 HFC-134a

HFC-134a was originally the predominant refrigerant for domestic refrigeration since the phase-out 

of CFC-12. It is a class A1 refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable) and as such there are no 

significant safety implications concerning its use. 

Energy efficiency is similar to that of CFC-12, although with continual optimisation the current HFC134a refrigeration units are considerably more efficient that those that used CFC-12, and the products 

are marginally more costly than CFC-12 because they are less compact. 

4.4.3 HC-600a

HC-600a was the other main energy-efficient and cost-competitive alternative to HFC-134a used for 

CFC-12 replacement. Concerns in connection with the high flammability at the introduction of the 

refrigerant in 1994 in Europe no longer exist, particularly as the charges required for domestic 

refrigeration are below 150 g. 

When the statutory requirements for safety are met (e.g. IEC 60335-2-89), HC-600a is the ideal 

refrigerant for domestic refrigeration products, giving about higher efficiency than HFC-134a while 

at the same time reducing noise level of the unit. .

According to (Schwarz et al., 2011), in a study for a review of the European Regulation (EC) on 

fluorinated greenhouse gases, the investment cost for domestic refrigeration HC-600a equipment is 

1,7% higher than for HFC-134a, which is in real terms represents around €7, considering European 

average costs. Basically due to larger size of compressors and higher production cost related to the 

requirements for safety systems. The report also mentions that annual running costs and lifetime cost 

of HC-600a equipment are lower, resulting in overall negative cost differential in case of HC-600a.

In general there are no significant barriers to the use of HC-600a, exemplified by the existence of 

over 500 million domestic fridges in the market to date. However, in some regions the use of HC-
58 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

600a is almost non-existent (e.g. USA) and this can be considered to be due to a number of factors. 

These include general concerns regarding public safety (or the perception of), misconceptions about 

flammability safety and accidents and are similarly reflected in the restrictive national standards and 

the reluctance to be one of the early movers in the region. Whilst legal concerns have so far limited 

the use of HC-600a in USA, in 2011 their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved HC600a and an HC blend (R-441A) under their Significant New Alternatives Policy Program (SNAP) 

for household and small commercial refrigerators and freezers. As such some North American 

manufacturers have started production of high-end products with HC-refrigerants. 

HC-600a is the standard refrigerant for European domestic refrigerators and freezers. Worldwide 

over 50 million appliances each year are produced with HC-600a. Increased energy efficiency and the 

use of HC-600a refrigerant have drastically reduced the climate impact of household refrigerators, 

due to mitigation of direct (refrigerant) and indirect (CO2 associated with electricity consumption) 

GHG emissions.

4.4.4 Other refrigerant alternatives

HFC-1234yf

It is feasible to use HFC-1234yf in domestic refrigerators and freezers and its application can be 

considered as some way between the use of HFC-134a and HC-600a, since the pressure and capacity 

are slightly lower than HFC-134a and it has lower flammability characteristics than HC-600a. The 

lower flammability makes application easier in countries that have still strong reservations related to 

the application of HC-600a.

Initial developments to assess the use of HFC-1234yf in domestic refrigeration have begun, but it is 

not being pursued with high priority, which is more demanding in automotive applications. A 

preliminary assessment is that HFC-1234yf has the potential for comparable efficiency to HFC-134a, 

although often slightly worse in practice. As such, investment costs for equipment are estimated to be 

1% higher than for HFC-134a technology due to the larger surfaces of heat exchangers applied (to 

account for poorer energy performance) and given the price, an additional 1% higher investment cost 

results from the cost of the refrigerant for the first charge. As implied above, two main barriers are 

the cost implications and the flammability, although in most cases the latter is not of major concern 

given the acceptability of HC-600a.

R-744

Currently, experience on the use of R-744 is available from a large number of vending machines 

which have been in use since many years, and are similar, low-charged applications.

R-744 application will imply an additional cost, which can be attributed to the greater mass of 

materials necessary to achieve the minimum level of efficiency, particularly for freezers in all 

climates and for both refrigerators and freezers in warmer climates. However, since the majority of 

these appliances are used indoors, the impact of outside temperature will have a lesser impact on the 

ambient temperature and thus the efficiency degradation. Higher cost is also predicted in the 

evaporator construction when applying high pressure R-744.

The main barrier associated with the use of R-744 in these systems is that a higher cost requirement 

associated with the system materials, thus making commodity products uncompetitive. In addition 

there are some more peripheral hurdles such as a general perceived fear of high pressures, effects of 

national and international standards which requirements result in greater cost, lack of training 

materials and higher costs for servicing equipment.

No major domestic refrigerator manufacturers are actively developing R-744 systems for 

commercialisation, so it is unlikely that its use will become widespread in this sector. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 59

Due to the cost-efficiency implications and the fact that other low-GWP alternatives (such as HC600a) are widely accepted, it is unlikely that R-744 will become commercialised to any major extent. 

4.4.5 Not-In-Kind

Considering not in kind technologies that are in the way to get closer to commercialization, magnetic 

refrigeration can be cited, and two firms have recently announced plans for commercialization of 

products based on this technology (Heat TS, 2013).

Magnetic refrigeration does not use refrigerant and employs an active magnetic regenerator, 

comprising magneto-caloric materials exposed to an intermittent magnetic field. At lower cooling 

power, it presents higher efficiency over conventional vapour compression.

To decrease the price of the technology, the use of an iron-based alloy to provide the magnetic charge 

has been considered as an alternative to the rare-earth magnets such as gadolinium used originally.

4.5 Commercial refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration is characterised by storing and displaying food and beverages at different 

levels of temperature for chilled and frozen food. The refrigerating capacities of equipment vary from 

some hundreds of Watts to 1.5 MW. Commercial refrigeration consists of three main categories of 

equipment: stand-alone equipment, condensing units, and supermarket systems. Refrigerant choices 

depend on the refrigerant charge, the level of temperature, the energy efficiency, as well as on 

regulations.

4.5.1 Stand-alone equipment

Stand-alone equipment consists of systems where all refrigeration components are integrated; in case 

of the smallest types, the refrigeration circuit is entirely brazed or welded. 

R-717 has not so far been used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces 

related to safety and toxicity concerns. 

Carbon dioxide is mainly used in vending machines and bottle coolers; the technology is operating 

well, but forms a technical challenge. The energy efficiency of the vending machine and bottle cooler 

cassettes is similar to HFC-134a machines with an energy penalty at high ambient temperature 

conditions. The cost is slightly higher, but the one global company so far ordering this type of 

equipment has made a political and environmental choice. R-744 has been chosen instead of 

hydrocarbons since the safety risk in public areas is lower. The high technological level of expertise 

required forms a barrier for the application. 

Where it concerns low GWP HFCs, HFC-1234yf can replace HFC-134a in any application but 

availability of HFC-1234yf is limited and therefore there is no large amount of equipment available. 

The energy efficiency of HFC-1234yf will be in the same range as the one of HFC-134a, based on 

tests published. There are reciprocating compressors that are already approved for the use of HFC1234yf. Vending machines using this refrigerant have already been introduced in Japan. As 

mentioned, a barrier for the current application is the refrigerant availability question. To some 

extent, the additional cost of the chemical would increase the cost of the equipment a small amount.

HC-600a and HC-290 are the two hydrocarbons used for small commercial equipment. HC-600a is 

chosen for smaller refrigeration capacities. For bottle coolers both refrigerants will be used. Ice 

machines and small display cases use HC-290. The energy efficiency of a hydrocarbon based system 

is always as good or even better compared to HCFCs or HFCs as commonly used in those 
60 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

applications. The small additional cost associated to safety is integrated in the price, increasing the 

price a small amount compared to HFC equipment.

The EN 378 standard in Europe allows the use of HCs up to 1.5 kg in public areas if the volume of 

the room is sufficiently large. Large global food companies have committed to not use HFCs in their 

new systems. The uptake of HCs is significant for small commercial equipment with refrigerant 

charges varying from 15 g to 1.5 kg.

HFC-134a and R-404A are still the dominant refrigerants for stand-alone equipment; in Europe R404A is currently seen as a short-term option. Where it concerns barriers and restrictions, the GWP is 

the issue for both refrigerants and potential future regulations, including the ones set for the EU, are 

expected to eliminate or severely restrict the option of R-404A due to its GWP compared to lower 

GWP options available, while also limiting future use of HFC-134a under an HFC phase-down. 

At this stage, there are three possible replacements for R-404A:

1) R-407F, which is an intermediate solution with a GWP of 1800, i.e. half the GWP of R404A, or other similar lower GWP blends of saturated HFCs (such as R-407A);

2) Non-flammable options such as new low GWP HFC blends such as N-40 and DR-33; 

3) Low flammable refrigerant blends such as L-40 or DR-7, which enables a further reduction of 

the refrigerant GWP.

As for HFC-134a, there are also three types of replacements:

1) Non-flammable options such as N-13 and XP-10; 

2) Class 2L flammable refrigerants such as HFC-1234yf and HFC-1234ze(E);

3) Class 3 refrigerants such as HC-600a and HC-290.

The saturated HFCs (and blends consisting mainly or wholly of them) are still the current standard 

options but are not seen as viable longer than 10 years.

4.5.2 Condensing units

Condensing units exhibit refrigerating capacities ranging typically from 1 kW to 20 kW. They are 

composed of one (or two) compressor(s), one condenser, and one receiver assembled into a so-called 

“condensing unit”, which is normally located external to the sales area. Condensing units are 

typically installed in specialty shops such as bakeries, butcher shops, and convenience stores. In most 

Article 5 countries there is an extensive use of condensing units. 

R-717 is never used in these systems for cost and safety issues. Some new carbon dioxide based 

condensing units are sold in Northern Europe, but the market penetration is low. R-744 systems 

require a double-stage design if high ambient temperatures occur frequently. Single-stage systems are 

designed for cold climates. The additional cost for a double-stage system is significant; cost is the 

main barrier for these R-744 systems. Further development is possible when there are general 

decisions to not choose HCs; however, it is likely that the future market share will be limited.

Several indirect condensing units with HC-290 or HC-1270 are operating in Europe with typical 

refrigerant charges varying from 1 to 20 kg. The energy efficiency is good. The indirect system 

energy penalty is limited if the secondary loop is well designed, with larger heat-exchanger areas. 

Costs for these HC based systems are typically 5 to 15% higher compared to HFC systems.

Choosing hydrocarbons usually requires a “policy” decision of the commercial chain management. 

The development of hydrocarbons for condensing units depends on the outcome of the competition 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 61

with future low GWP HFCs. Hydrocarbons are seen as one possible long-term solution and require a 

better refrigerant management due to safety precautions in maintenance.

A number of possible low GWP blends (e.g., L-40, N-40) have been introduced in technical 

conferences, however, so far there are no commercially available options in this subsector. Most of 

the activities are at the level of trials by manufacturers. 

HFC-134a, R-404A, and, to a small degree, R-410A are HFCs of choice for condensing units. HFC134a is chosen for small capacities and evaporation temperatures > -15°C. R-404A or R-410A are 

chosen for larger capacities for all temperature levels. HFCs form the energy efficiency references for 

benchmarking other refrigerants. R-407A and R-407F are the alternative options at present, N-40, 

DR-33, L-40 and DR-7 may all be future options.

As in all other commercial applications, the high GWP HFCs are seen as short-term options, even if 

they are still dominating the market at present. 

4.5.3 Centralised systems

Centralised systems are the preferred option in supermarkets. They operate with racks of compressors 

installed in a machinery room. Two main design options are used, i.e., direct and indirect systems. 

Direct systems are the most widespread. The refrigerant circulates from the machinery room to the 

sales area, where it evaporates in display-case heat exchangers, and then returns in the vapour phase 

to the suction headers of the compressor racks. The supermarket cold rooms are cooled similarly. 

Ammonia is used in indirect systems for large capacities; usually carbon dioxide is then used at the 

low-temperature level. Due to safety issues, the number of installations is limited so far. Ammonia is 

an efficient refrigerant for refrigeration applications. The additional cost is in the range of 10 to 15% 

compared to indirect systems using HFCs and R-744, because of the use of steel instead of copper, 

although at capacities larger than several hundred kW, economics of scale make them more 

competitive. Ammonia competes with HFCs, hydrocarbons and even with carbon dioxide in cold 

climates, however, ammonia will remain dependent on the user preference. Even though it is an 

efficient solution, it is unclear what its future market potential in this sub-sector will be.

R-744 systems are applied in either cascading systems (several options) or in transcritical systems 

(single stage or two stage equipment).

The preferred option for large European commercial companies is HFC-134a at the mediumtemperature level (-10 to -15°C) cascading with a R-744 direct system for the low temperature (-35 to 

-38°C), since this is a global option, applicable in all climates. 

R-744 is efficient for a condensing temperature below 25°C. Based on this energy efficiency in 

moderate climate zones, two stage transcritical systems have seen a significant expansion in Northern 

Europe with more than 1300 centralised systems of various cooling capacities in 2011 (Shecco, 

2013). The penetration rate of those transcritical systems has to be carefully monitored for high 

ambient temperatures (above 30°C), where the trans-critical cycle implies a significant energy 

penalty, although developments are on-going to make the R-744 technology more energy-competitive 

under these conditions. The additional cost is again limited to 10 to 15%. The lower energy efficiency 

for high ambient temperatures forms a barrier. The high pressure under which R-744 operates 

requires a higher brazing quality than used for the usual HFC design. R-744 is seen as a long-term 

solution for low temperatures in cascade with a medium-temperature refrigerant. Taking into account 

ambient climate conditions, R-744 alone is seen as the main option for Northern and Central Europe 

and elsewhere with similar climates. In summary, R-744 clearly is an important option for centralised 
62 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

systems in future commercial refrigeration, either in cascade systems with another refrigerant at the 

medium temperature level or in trans-critical systems.

Hydrocarbons are applied in about 100 centralised systems in Europe that use either HC-290 or HC1270; there has been no significant commercial expansion during the last five years. HC-290 or HC1270 is efficient in both medium and low temperature stages of commercial refrigeration equipment. 

The additional costs are related to containment and safety. The refrigerant charge limit, directly 

associated with regulations and standards, forms a barrier. The competition with R-744 as a low 

GWP option has limited the expansion of HCs in centralised systems. In summary, HCs in large 

centralised systems will have a limited market share mainly due to safety issues. 

For low GWP HFCs, the situation is similar to what has been previously mentioned; there is no 

available single low GWP HFC currently proposed for centralised systems. Non-flammable options 

such as the blends N-40 and DR-33, which can be used for retrofit of existing systems, may improve 

energy-efficiency (~7%). Lower flammability refrigerants such as L-40 can be used in indirect 

systems such as with brine or pumped CO2 where the flammability can be addressed. For HFC-134a, 

there are additional replacements. Non-flammable options such as N-13 and XP-10 can be used for 

the retrofit of existing systems. Furthermore, lower flammability refrigerants such as HFC-1234yf 

and HFC-1234ze(E) could be applied in cascade systems at the medium temperature level.

In the non-low GWP refrigerant series, R-404A is currently the dominant refrigerant; however, it is 

now being replaced in new installations by HFC-134a, specifically at the medium-temperature level. 

Some trials have been done using R-410A in new installations without significant success. R-407A 

and R-407F have also been proposed as intermediate options. 

The price levels of R-404A are currently decreasing. The GWP of R-404A will limit its use in Europe 

over the next few years, in particular due to the updated F-gas regulation that will enter into force. As 

a conclusion, high GWP HFCs have a limited future in all developed countries, much dependent on 

when (HFC) regulations enter into force. 

4.6 Transport refrigeration

Technical requirements for transport refrigeration systems are extremely complex. The equipment 

has to operate over a wide range of ambient temperatures and weather conditions (wind, solar 

radiation, rain, sea water spray, etc.). The equipment has to be able to carry any one of a wide range 

of cargos with different temperature needs and even different temperatures simultaneously in 

different compartments.

The refrigerant of choice for transport refrigeration systems within non-Article 5 countries is HFCs, 

with refrigerant charges from less than 1 kg (refrigerated vans) to more than several kg (trucks, 

trailers and reefer containers) to 3,000 kg on board large fishing vessels (Schwarz et al., 2011). 

Leakage rates are estimated at 20% for trucks/trailers, 30% for vans and up to 40% for fishing vessels 

(Schwarz et al., 2011). All intermodal containers use hermetic or semi-hermetic systems, which have 

an estimated leakage rate below 5%. 

Trucks, trailers and intermodal containers.

R-404A has become a preferred choice for practically all trailers and large trucks. One German 

manufacturer uses R-410A. HFC-134a is used in small trucks and vans, because they can utilise 

automotive components. Not that HFC-134a is excellent – it is convenient. Some small trucks and 

vans use R-404A when a higher capacity is needed. ODS have not been used in new equipment for 

many years. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 63

A phase-out of current refrigerants with an objective to reduce the refrigerant GWP would put all 

road transport equipment on the spot. Testing of low-GWP alternatives is in progress elsewhere, but 

no option seems viable in the short term. The main issue is that the performance of R-404A is 

difficult to meet. Although R-410A outperforms R-404A, it has higher pressures (requires technology 

change for most manufacturers) and it still has a relatively high GWP.

HFC-134a and its low-GWP alternatives may look attractive, but validations for frozen cargo (in 

addition to chilled cargo where it could be acceptable) have to be done. 

Current and previous tests with trucks using R-744 suggest that introduction of R-744 will be 

possible when more efficient compressors with more than one compression stage, which are under 

development, will be commercially available. In 2012, three manufacturers of transport refrigeration 

equipment exhibited concepts of trailer or vans refrigeration units with R-744 at a trade show 

(Thermoking, 2012; Konvekta, 2012; Carrier, 2011). Although these systems feature several 

advantages, a detailed comparison with today’s standard equipment, and development leading to 

market introduction, is yet to be seen. The challenges include reduced energy efficiency under high 

ambient temperatures, larger physical space requirements, possible higher failure rate associated with 

circuit complexity, and higher price, at least initially. 

The use of hydrocarbons (mainly HC-290) in truck refrigeration units has been tested with a small 

number of vehicles in the UK, Australia and Germany. If not for flammability concerns, they would 

be the preferred choice because they can provide lower energy consumption in the order of 20% or 

more. Recently, a refrigerated truck with propene (HC-1270) was developed by a German company 

and is now in field tests for a supermarket chain in Germany. The system was reported to be superior 

to R-404A and comparable to R-410A (Burke, 2011). For a broader market introduction, 

manufacturers and customers require specific legal rules and standards for hydrocarbons to ensure 

safety in mobile applications. 

In contrast to trucks and trailers, intermodal containers use HFC-134a in most cases and R-404A in 

some. The reasons for choosing HFC-134a could have been the global availability of HFC-134a, and 

lower cost per kg, otherwise R-404A (or today R-410A) would be more suitable. Because HFC-134a 

systems operate at lower pressures, they can have lower leak rates than R-404A but also a higher risk 

of air intake to circuits cooling frozen cargo. 

Initial field tests with small fleets of containers using R-744 have started. In 2011, a large global 

manufacturer of transport refrigeration equipment exhibited a container refrigeration system with R744 at a trade show. By using two-stage compression, cylinder unloading and variable speed drive, 

the R-744 design was reported to deliver efficiencies equal to their best-in-class R-134a HFC 

container unit (Carrier, 2011). Griffin (ATMOsphere Europe, 2012) states that while energy 

efficiency of the R744-unit on average, taking all ambient temperatures experienced by the marine 

container at sea into consideration, was better at high cargo temperatures (up to 30% at 14 °C) it was 

lower by 25% for frozen cargo (-18 °C).

Ammonia is deemed unacceptable in all truck, trailer and intermodal container applications because 

of toxicity and material compatibility.

Cryogenic or open loop systems, which evaporate the liquid CO2 or N2 charged to an insulated 

container aboard the truck, are alternatives to the vapour compression cycle for recurring distribution 

routes. The systems have advantages of being quiet and reliable. They offer a constant capacity that is 

independent of the engine (vehicle) speed. On the other hand, systems that discharge CO2 or N2 to the 

cargo box (not all do) bear a risk of asphyxiation if not equipped by gas sensors. They require energy 

for the liquefaction of the cryogenic liquid, which can make the systems more or less expensive to 

operate, depending on the energy source. The systems need periodic refilling; consequently, the user 
64 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

needs to provide storage and refilling infrastructure for the liquefied gases. Energy usage of 

cryogenic systems has been evaluated with various outcomes. While some reports claim that the 

systems are the most inefficient and least environmentally friendly because of energy demand for gas 

liquefaction, other studies estimate the overall energy consumption from extraction to consumption of 

liquid nitrogen systems to reduce the CO2 emissions several times, compared to diesel engine 

powered trucks. 

One Japanese manufacturer has developed a system using ice slurry charged trucks for delivery of 

chilled goods in large cities with air pollution restrictions. The ice slurry is produced in a stationary 

refrigeration system and special compartments on board the trucks are charged with ice slurry prior to 

loading chilled food. Ice slurry can due to its heat of fusion keep truck and food cool for 8 to 10 

hours.

Vessels

The variety of types is great. The majority of them uses HCFC-22, which can be replaced by R-417A 

or R-422D. Other HFC alternatives, namely R-410A, R-407C and R-427A, require modifications. 

The GWP of these fluids ranges between 1700 and 2700. Modern cruise ships use R-410A and HFC134a for air conditioning. Where refrigeration is needed for provision rooms or process cooling, R404A is used. Low-GWP alternatives are considered, but except R-717 and R-744 in limited 

numbers, these options have not been commercialised.

An important issue aboard ships is safety – ships are difficult to evacuate. Specific requirements 

inherent to vessels mean that not all stationary systems can be applied at sea, and if so, they require 

modifications. 

Natural refrigerants have been commercialised to some extent aboard marine vessels world-wide 

(ammonia, CO2) (RTOC, 2010). For European fishing vessels highly efficient ammonia-CO2-cascade 

systems are the systems of choice, using approximately 6% less energy (Schwarz et al., 2011). 

Hydrocarbons are technically feasible, but the strict safety concerns currently do not favour 

application of flammable refrigerants aboard vessels.

4.7 Industrial refrigeration

Industrial refrigeration systems are characterised by heat extraction rates in the range 10 kW to 10 

MW, typically at evaporating temperatures from –50 °C to +20 °C. About 75% of all industrial 

refrigeration capacity is installed in the food industry, the rest in industrial processes and leisure 

applications (Schwarz et al., 2011). Over 90% of the large industrial refrigeration installations use R717 whereas the market share of R-717 is only 5% (India and China) to 25% (Europe and Russia) for 

smaller industrial refrigeration systems (RTOC, 2010). Ammonia is not used in very small systems, 

which tend to require hermetically sealed units. Toxicity is an additional concern for ammonia in 

light industrial applications. Currently, low GWP options for small industrial refrigeration systems 

include hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide.

Industrial ammonia systems are in general 15% more energy efficient than their HFC-counterparts 

and 40% of the European industrial refrigeration systems use R-717 (Schwarz et al., 2011). While 

industrial refrigeration systems using R717 are very tight due to the pungent smell of R717, HFC 

systems in the EU show leakage rates of 8-10% at present (Schwarz et al., 2011).

Carbon dioxide can be used in some cases as an alternative to glycol or brine solutions, offering 

significant reductions in volume flowrate which gives operating cost reductions of up to 20% 

(Maratou, 2013).
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 65

Alternatives to HCFCs include R-717, which is already widely used, hydrocarbons, R-744 for low 

temperature (freezing), HFCs and air for very low temperatures.

A replacement of a 3.2 MW HCFC-22 refrigeration system by one using R-717 resulted in 40% 

reduction of energy consumption (McNeill, 2011). As the new plant utilises heat recovery and water 

heating by means of an additional heat pump, the total annual cost savings are more than £1.4 

million, resulting in a payback time of 2.7 years (McNeill, 2011). Applying improvement levers such 

as reduced condensing temperature, increased evaporation temperature, variable speed compressors 

and multistage systems, the energy consumption of the ammonia plants can be drastically reduced 

(Gerwen, van, 2011).

Hydrocarbons are not widely used, other than in situations where safety measures are already 

required, e.g. in a petrochemical plant or for compact chillers. They offer excellent efficiency, and 

compatibility with most materials and lubricants. However the precautions required to prevent 

ignition are significantly more expensive than those required for ammonia systems (RTOC, 2010).

R-744 is used with excellent efficiency in systems as the low temperature stage to a cascaded upper 

ammonia system especially in the food industry where the refrigerant has to evaporate in freezing 

equipment in the factory. According to van Gerwen (2011) “the use of R-744 as a refrigerant in the 

low pressure stage of a cascade refrigeration system, with ammonia in the high stage, could be an 

opportunity for further improvement”. In colder climates R-744 is energy efficient as the sole 

refrigerant.

Air can be used with good energy efficiency in low temperature applications, namely below -60 °C. 

At least one manufacturer is offering such systems (Machida, 2011).

According to Unilever: “The refrigerant choice for industrial refrigeration is ammonia, using an 

optimised standard core design concept and an appropriate safety management system” (van Gerwen, 

2011). Nestlé committed to the use of natural refrigerants in 2001, and has since also supported the 

use of R-717/R-744 systems: “As already publicly stated in 2001, Nestle reiterates its commitment to 

the use of natural refrigerants that are environmentally friendly. Especially and whenever feasible, 

carbon dioxide (CO2) in combination with ammonia (NH3) must be used for all low temperature 

applications. Beyond many technical and economic advantages, carbon dioxide is safer for the 

environment, people and goods” (Nestle, 2008).

Industrial refrigeration sometimes uses compression chillers; these are discussed in more detail in 

section 4.9.

4.8 Air conditioning and heat pumps 

4.8.1 Small self-contained (window, portable, through-the-wall, packaged terminal)

Small Self-Contained (SSC) air conditioners are small capacity air conditioners in which all of the 

refrigeration system components are contained within a single package. These products have cooling 

capacities typically ranging from 1.0 kW to 10 kW. This category of products includes window 

mounted, through-the wall, portable and packaged terminal ACs. Small self-contained ACs are 

designed to heat or cool single spaces, such as bedrooms, small shops, restaurants and offices.

R-717 has so far not been used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces 

related to safety and toxicity concerns. In addition, the construction requirements for smaller 

capacities would take up too much space as well, in that conventional components using copper or 

copper alloys are not compatible with R-717. 
66 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

R-744 is not widely considered for use in SSC ACs. However, there are developments on units for 

specific purposes, where both cooling and heating is needed, such as so-called environmental control 

units (ECUs). Whilst the performance at lower ambient temperatures may be favourable, as the 

temperature approaches or exceeds the critical temperature of R-744 (31°C), efficiency can degrade 

at a greater rate than refrigerants with much higher critical temperatures. Thus, at standard rating 

conditions, which typically require a 35°C outside air temperature (e.g., EN 14511) the efficiency of 

a “baseline” cycle (Lorentzen, 1988) non-enhanced R-744 system is theoretically lower than for other 

refrigerants. Nevertheless, recent work on this type of system using advances features such as 

ejectors have shown to improve efficiency considerably even at high ambient temperatures, 

comparable to conventional units (e.g., Liu et al, 2012; Lee et al, 2011). However, when systems are 

designed also to provide heating, the overall efficiency can even for countries which experience hot 

climates be favourable (e.g., Hafner et al, 2007). Literature relating to the costs associated with the 

use of R-744 in SSC ACs is sparse, but depending on component selection and material requirements, 

R-744 units about 150-200% of units with HCFC-22. 

In conclusion it can be said that there are developments ongoing globally for R-744 systems, but no 

production of systems except for niche applications. The main barriers for SSC air conditioners are 

those described previously in regards to efficiency and cost implications. In addition, there may also 

be poor availability of components in certain regions. Due to efficiency implications, the use of 

cooling only R-744 systems is not really feasible. Where reversible models are developed, this 

technology is considered to be more interesting. It is possible that some commercially available 

products will become available in the future but only for regions where both cooling and heating is 

required.

HC-290 has been used in portable ACs for many years and several companies are producing them. 

Window units are also under development. HC-290 seems to be preferred over HC-1270 for smaller 

capacity systems, whilst HC blends are not known to be in use. HC-290 has the same or higher COP 

than HCFC-22. For example, Teng et al (2012) reports HC-290 has the same or greater cooling 

capacity and a higher COP than HCFC-22, provided the charge is properly optimised. At higher 

ambient temperatures the performance deterioration of HCFC-22 and HC-290 are equivalent. For 

SSC systems, there is negligible additional cost, if at all, considering the additional cost for safe 

electrics and cost savings from the use of smaller heat exchangers. Zheng (2012) reports that the 

overall cost for a specific HC-290 model using R-290 compressor and dedicated lubricant is less than 

an R-410A model, whilst gaining 10% improvement in efficiency. For SSC ACs the safety issues 

pose less safety-related hurdles than for systems that have to be site-installed because refrigerant 

handling is not necessary. However, certain safety standards impose obstructive limits on refrigerant 

charge sizes for certain categories of equipment. Nevertheless, several manufacturers are now newly 

developing HC-290 SSC ACs. In conclusion, HC-290 is an attractive refrigerant for SSC ACs, 

offering good efficiency and cost implications. 

R-407C has been used in a large proportion of SSC ACs, more so earlier on in the transition from 

HCFC-22 in non-Article 5 countries since the vapour pressure is a close match for HCFC-22. 

Because it is a class A1 refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable) there are no significant safety 

implications concerning its use. Energy efficiency is typically poorer than HCFC-22, although similar 

COPs can be achieved for cooling -only equipment, if the system is carefully designed to 

accommodate temperature glide. Comparable efficiency in heating mode is difficult achieve with 

reversible systems. Generally systems are marginally more costly than HCFC-22. Since R-407C is 

well established, it is evident that there are no significant barriers to its use. Where R-407C has been 

used widely, it use is declining in favour of R-410A whilst in other countries who transitioned from 

HCFC-22 later, it is unlikely that it will be used to any significant extent. 

R-410A is used in most SSC ACs, where HCFC-22 is not used. The design of the system components 

is different because of the higher operating pressure. Because it is a class A1 refrigerant (lower 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 67

toxicity, non-flammable) there are no significant safety implications concerning its use. Energy 

efficiency is about the same as HCFC-22, although higher COPs can be achieved if the system is 

carefully designed. As ambient temperatures increase the efficiency (and cooling capacity) degrades 

at a greater rate than HCFC-22 does. Generally systems are marginally more costly than HCFC-22. 

Since R-410A is well established, it is evident that there are no significant barriers to its use, except 

for the issues relating to high ambient temperatures and concerns within the service sector over the 

higher operating pressures. Currently, R-410A is developing as the standard refrigerant for air 

conditioning systems. 

It is feasible to use HFC-32 in SSC ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. Although HFC32 is flammable, the required charge of such units is unlikely in the event of a leak into the room to 

reach concentration that can be ignited (LFL). HFC-32 has the optimum heat transfer at higher flow 

rate in heat exchanger compared to HCFC-22 and R-410A, so a relatively better COP can be achieved 

in compact products. Energy efficiency deterioration due to high ambient is a few per cent worse than 

HCFC-22, but not as severe as R-410A. Under high ambient temperatures the compressor discharge 

temperature can be very high, that can be solved with injection technology or wet suction control but 

at a >0 – 10% cost penalty to the AC, although the technology is not widely developed yet. The costs 

of units are equivalent to R-410A and HCFC-22 in small units. Electric components of these units are 

unlikely to ignite HFC-32, but initial confirmation of it requires certain cost. One major Chinese 

manufacturer has made an application to commercialise compact SSC units with HFC-32 in 

Australia. Another manufacturer has applied to introduce HFC-32 in SSC ACs in the USA. 

It is also proposed to use the L-41 blend in SSC ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. 

Since L-41 has low flammability, the required charge of such units if released is unlikely to reach a 

concentration that can be ignited (LFL). In principle the main barrier is the flammability; however, 

guidelines in the form of international standards do not restrict their use in this type of equipment 

under most situations. Currently there are no reported developments of L-41 SSC underway. 

The use of single component unsaturated HFCs, such as HFC-1234yf and especially HFC-1234ze(E), 

have not been seriously considered for SSC ACs because their volumetric capacity is much lower 

than HCFC-22, which implies much bulkier systems and – along with high anticipated refrigerant 

price – implies a considerable increase in product cost.

4.8.2 Mini-split (non-ducted)

Residential and light commercial air-conditioning is often done with non-ducted split air 

conditioners. Non-ducted split ACs are widely applied in commercial buildings, schools, apartments 

and free-standing residences. They comprise a compressor/heat exchanger unit (condensing unit) 

installed outside the space to be cooled or heated. The outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant piping 

to a fan-coil unit located inside the conditioned space, generally on the wall but also can be ceiling or 

floor mounted designs. In cool and cold climates reversible ACs (heat pumps) are gaining market 

acceptance in some regions and are dominant in others, where they are used primarily for heating but 

also provide cooling during summer operation.

R-717 is never used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces and the small 

capacity and installation requirements would also mean that they are not competitive. 

Currently no split ACs are available using R-744, although some studies have been carried out to 

investigate the performance and viability of R-744 in these systems. As detailed for SSC ACs, the 

cooling COP at rated conditions makes R-744 seem non-competitive. However, when considering 

seasonal efficiency and when including for heating mode, a reversible R-744 air conditioner with up 

to date ejector technology (Elbel, 2011) can achieve the same seasonal efficiency as a state-of-the-art 

R-410A unit (Hafner, 2009). Whilst certain studies, particularly the EU Ecodesign study (ENTR Lot 
68 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

6: “Air-conditioning and ventilation systems”) came to contrary conclusions, it can be seen that this 

is because it had not accounted for current developments on such refrigerants. Whilst the Hafner 

study considers current high-end product performance, the conclusions may be optimistic for lower 

efficiency baseline systems which are standard in some regions or pessimistic for future high 

efficiency levels anticipated in other regions. The cost implications for split ACs are the same as with 

SSC ACs using R-744, although a greater cost increment is likely due to larger motor, thicker tube 

and site-installed pipework. Certain parties propose that the compressors must be oversized to 

account for the peak temperature conditions. The barriers for split ACs are the same as with SSC 

ACs, although there are additional hindrances associated with installation of the piping and the 

necessity for technicians to be competent in handling R-744. As with SSC ACs, there are ongoing 

research and development activities. Due to efficiency implications, the use of cooling only R-744 

systems is not really feasible but where models are developed to also provide heating, this technology 

is considered to be more interesting. It is possible that some commercially available products will 

become available in the future but only for regions where both cooling and heating is required.

HC-290 has been used in split ACs for many years on a limited scale but now with some companies 

developing and producing them on a larger scale. Although HC-290 seems to be the preferred HC 

option, HC-1270 is under evaluation by some companies to get better matching to the capacity of R22. The HC blends are not known to be in use in new systems. In most cases, HC-290 has the same or 

higher COP than HCFC-22, with numerous studies reporting changes, often improvements, in COP 

ranging from -2% to +16% with a midrange average improvement of +7% (without capacity 

reduction) (Colbourne and van Gerwen, 2012). There is a discussion relating to the effect that nonoptimised oils have on the larger efficiency improvements, which can of course be the case, although 

other work also indicates that if optimised oils with the appropriate additives are used the COP 

degradation can be negligible (Chen and Guo, 2011). At higher ambient temperatures even up to 

52°C, the capacity and COP deterioration of HC-290 (using specific HC-290 compressors with 

dedicated HC-290 oils) are almost the same to that of units with R-22 from nominal operating 

condition (Chen, 2012). There is negligible additional cost; considering the additional cost for safe 

electrics and the cost savings from the use of smaller heat exchangers there can be improvements in 

cost effectiveness. Additional expenditure is necessary for more in-depth technician training and 

certain tooling. Two main barriers exist; one is that technicians require additional training in order to 

handle flammability issues and another is that certain safety standards impose obstructive limits on 

refrigerant charge sizes for certain categories, characteristics and capacity sizes of equipment, 

although such restrictions are rarely legal requirements. 

HC-290 units are available from several companies and other manufacturers report that models will 

become available once production lines are completed. In particular, China has committed to 

converting some 18 production lines from HCFC-22 to HC-290 by 2015 and is expected to be used 

eventually in 70% of room AC equipment production (Zhou, 2012). Similar activities are also 

underway in India and several other countries. Commensurate to this, extensive research and 

development are continuing on safety matters and on charge size reduction. HC-290 is an attractive 

refrigerant for split ACs within the smaller capacity range, offering good efficiency and cost 

implications. 

R-407C is used in a portion of split ACs, more so earlier on in the transition from HCFC-22 in nonArticle 5 countries since the vapour pressure is a close match for HCFC-22. Because it is a class A1 

refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable) there are no significant safety implications concerning its 

use. All other aspects are as for SSC ACs. 

R-410A is used in most split ACs, where HCFC-22 is not used. The design of the system components 

is slightly different because of the higher operating pressure. Because it is a class A1 refrigerant 

(lower toxicity, non-flammable) there are no significant safety implications concerning its use. All 

other aspects are as for SSC ACs. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 69

Again, the L-41 blend is feasible for use in split ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. 

Since L-41 has low flammability, the required charge of such units if leaked is unlikely to reach 

concentration that can be ignited (LFL). The efficiency is comparable to that of R-410A, although 

data has not found for high ambient conditions. The cost implications should be comparable to that of 

R-410A although marginally greater due to the refrigerant cost. In principle the main barrier is the 

flammability, however, guidelines in the form of international standards do not restrict their use in 

this type of equipment under most situations. Currently there is extensive testing and trialling 

ongoing and manufacturers in Japan, Korea, China and New Zealand are developing prototypes and 

at least one company has recently showed prototypes in exhibitions. 

It is feasible to use HFC-32 in split ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. Since HFC-32 

has low flammability, the required charge of such units is unlikely to reach concentration that can be 

ignited (LFL) in the event of a leak. 

HFC-32 has comparable efficiency to that of R-410A and HCFC-22 in many mini-split ACs. As 

theoretical COP, heat transfer properties and transport properties are better than R-410A, 

optimisation to HFC-32 is likely to result in better COP than R-410A and HCFC-22. Recently, a 

number of performance evaluations have been carried out on HFC-32. Barve and Cremaschi (2012) 

tested HFC-32 in an R-410A reversible AC, with various optimisation. In cooling mode, COP varied 

by 0% to -2% but with up to +8% higher capacity. In heating mode, COP was +2% to +16% with -5% 

to +1% change in capacity. Pham and Rajendran (2012) reported on drop-in tests with HFC-32 in an 

R-410A system gave about +3% higher cooling capacity with -1% lower COP and in heating mode 

capacity was about 4% higher with negligible change in COP. Three different R-410A ACs were 

tested with HFC-32 by Guo et al. (2012). The capacity increased by about +5 to +6% whilst COP was 

-3% to 0% lower. However, optimisation in compressor design could increase capacity and COP. As 

part of the AHRI “low GWP AREP” programme, HFC-32 was tested against R-410A in two 

reversible heat pump air conditioners (Crawford and Uselton, 2012). Depending upon the conditions, 

the cooling capacity ranged from -1% to +3% of R-410A with cooling COP and heating COP varying 

by -1% to +2% and -6% to +4%, respectively. In a subsequent report (Li and By, 2012), HFC-32 was 

shown to have an increased cooling capacity ranging from +2% to +4% and a COP of 1% to 2% 

higher. 

Under high ambient temperatures the compressor discharge temperature can be very high; that can be 

solved by injection technology or wet suction control but at a >0 – 10% cost penalty to the AC, 

although the technology is not widely developed yet. Costs of units are equivalent to R-410A and 

HCFC-22 in small units whilst costs of larger units are equivalent to ones with R-410A, but slightly 

higher than HCFC-22 due to higher operating pressure. Electric components of these units are 

unlikely to ignite HFC-32, but initial confirmation of it is required. One Japanese company 

commercialised mini-split products with HFC-32 in 2012 in Japan and in 2013 in India. A few 

companies have recently showed prototypes in exhibitions. In conclusion HFC-32 has a high 

potential to penetrate this market due to its balanced property in cost, energy efficiency, and safety.

Use of the L-20 blend is feasible in split ACs, for example, where HCFC-22 or R-407C are already 

used. Since L-20 has low flammability, the required charge of such units is unlikely to reach 

concentration that can be ignited (LFL) in the event of a leak. The efficiency is comparable to that of 

HCFC-22, although data has not been found for high ambient conditions. The cost implications 

should be comparable to that of HCFC-22 and R-407C although probably greater due to the 

refrigerant cost. In principle the main barrier is the flammability; however, guidelines in the form of 

international standards do not restrict their use in this type of equipment under most situations. 

Currently there is extensive testing and trialling ongoing and manufacturers in Japan, Korea and 

China are developing prototypes. 
70 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

It is also feasible to use the DR-5 blend in split ACs, for example, where R-410A is already used. 

Although DR-5 has low flammability, the required charge of such units is unlikely to reach 

concentration that can be ignited (LFL) in the event of a leak. The efficiency is comparable to that of 

R-410A, although data has not been found for high ambient conditions. The cost implications should 

be comparable to that of R-410A although somewhat greater due to the refrigerant cost. 

A number of studies have been recently published on DR-5 in split systems. Leck et al (2012) tested 

DR-5 in a R-410A reversible split system. With an equal capacity, the cooling COP dropped by 2% 

but gave 4% higher COP for heating mode. In a different article, Leck (2011) tested DR-5 in four 

different split systems and adjusted compressor capacity to achieve the same capacity. The cooling 

COP varied by -2% to +4% and the heating COP by +1% to +4%. Biswas and Cremaschi (2012) 

tested DR-5 in an R-410A reversible AC, with various optimisation. Depending upon the condition, 

for cooling mode, DR-5 showed between +4% to +7% higher COP and with a capacity of up to +4% 

higher. In heating mode the capacity was +1 to +22% higher but with a drop in capacity of -5% to -

10%.

Again, the principle barrier for A2L refrigerants (including L-20 and DR-5) is the flammability; 

however, guidelines in the form of international standards do not restrict their use in this type of 

equipment under most situations. Currently there is extensive testing and trialling ongoing and 

manufacturers in Japan and USA are developing prototypes. It should be noted that zeotropic blends 

with a notable glide can have performance degradation in reversed cycle mode due to difficulty in 

optimising the heat exchanger for both heating and cooling mode. 

The use of single component unsaturated HFCs, such as HFC-1234yf and especially HFC-1234ze(E), 

have not been seriously considered for single split ACs because their volumetric capacity is much 

lower than HCFC-22, which implies much bulkier systems and – along with high anticipated 

refrigerant price – implies a considerable increase in product cost. Some exceptions may exist for 

niche situations in systems intended for regions with very high ambient temperatures. 

4.8.3 Multi-split

A second type of non-ducted products are multi-split; essentially the same as a single split (as 

described in 3.6.2) but a single condensing unit may feed two or more indoor units (sometimes, up to 

50). Whilst dual indoor unit models may be used for residential applications, this category of split 

systems is more often used in commercial buildings. As with single splits, multi-splits also offer 

reversible (heating) options. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are a sub-category of the 

multi-split non-ducted air conditioning systems and are distinguished from regular multi-split systems 

by their ability to modulate the refrigerant flow in response to the system demand. VRF systems have 

capacities ranging from 10 kW to over 130 kW.

R-717 is never used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces.

There are at least two manufacturers producing multi-split ACs using R-744. However, as with other 

system types described before, it is preferable where at least half of the demand is for heating. The 

same energy efficiency considerations as for other types of air conditioners also apply for multisplits. As with single splits, the cost implication of using R-744 in multi-splits is greater than R-744 

in self-contained systems since even more site-installed pipework is required. The same barriers exist 

for R-744 multi-splits as with the other types of air conditioners above, however, for larger systems 

an additional barrier can be that the use can be restricted due to the possibility of relatively large 

quantities of refrigerant being leaked into small occupied spaces resulting in acute toxicity effects to 

occupants. Introducing advanced safety features could help overcome this. It is expected that if not 

already, other manufacturers will be issuing R-744 multi-split systems for heating and cooling, 

although these will be aimed at colder temperature climates and will not be in wide scale use. At least 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 71

one manufacturer has developed a dual cooling/heating multi-split system but such systems are 

unsuitable for situations where the primary demand is for cooling. 

Although feasible in a minute proportion of situations, HCs are not used in these systems due to 

charge size limitations in occupied spaces. 

For R-407C and R-410A, all aspects are as with single split ACs. 

In principle, it is feasible to use L-41 in multi-split systems, for example, where R-410A is already 

used. It is likely that the efficiency is comparable to that of R-410A, although again there is no data 

found for high ambient conditions. The cost implications should be comparable to that of R-410A 

although slightly greater due to the refrigerant cost and additional features for handling flammability. 

In principle the main barrier is the flammability where guidelines in the form of international 

standards can currently introduce some restrictions to their use in this type of equipment. However, 

work is underway to enable the use more accessible. Currently there are no developments of L-41 

multi-splits reported. 

It is feasible to use HFC-32 in most types of multi-split ACs. The pressure loss of HFC-32 is lower 

than HCFC-22 and R-410A due to its smaller molar mass, higher pressure, and lower required 

circulating mass of refrigerant so it has a greater potential to be used in such systems from an energy 

efficiency viewpoint. The cost should be equivalent to R-410A and slightly higher than HCFC-22 due 

to high operating pressure. The concerns over high discharge temperatures in high ambient 

temperatures are of a lesser concern in multi-split systems and compressor injection technology is 

less likely to have an observable cost impact. Especially if components for large multi-splits are close

to the boundary to ignite, detailed tests are necessary. Since multi-split systems has the potential to 

release the entire charge to one of the many occupied spaces that the system serves it may generate a 

significant flammable cloud. However, it is proposed that the probability of rapid refrigerant release 

indoors is not so high so safety measures have to be established to minimise such concentrations. A 

risk assessment study for multi-split with A2L refrigerants is on-going in Japan. In conclusion the 

commercialisation of HFC-32 in this category seems to take a few years. 

In principle, it is feasible to use L-20 in multi-split systems, for example, where HCFC-22 or R-407C 

is already used. The efficiency is comparable to that of HCFC-22 and R-407C, although data is not 

found for high ambient conditions. The cost implications should be comparable to that of R-407C 

systems although slightly greater due to the refrigerant cost and additional features for handling 

flammability. In principle the main barrier is the flammability where guidelines in the form of 

international standards can currently introduce some restrictions to their use in this type of 

equipment. However, work is underway to enable the use more accessible. Currently there is no 

development work reported for multi-splits. 

In principle, it is feasible to use DR-5 in multi-split systems. Due to the characteristics being very 

close to those of HFC-32, the same observations can be made. Currently there is no development 

work reported for this type of equipment.

Again, it should be noted that zeotropic blends with a notable glide can have performance 

degradation in reversed cycle mode due to difficulty in optimising the heat exchanger for both 

heating and cooling mode. 

The use of single component unsaturated HFCs, such as HFC-1234yf and especially HFC-1234ze(E), 

have not been seriously considered for multi split ACs because their volumetric capacity is much 

lower than HCFC-22, which implies much bulkier systems and – along with high anticipated 

refrigerant price – implies a considerable increase in product cost. 
72 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

4.8.4 Split (ducted)

Ducted, split residential ACs are typically used where central forced-air heating systems necessitate 

the installation of a duct system that supplies air to each room of a residence or small zones within 

commercial or institutional buildings. A condensing unit (compressor/heat exchanger), placed outside 

the conditioned space, supplies refrigerant to one or more indoor coils (heat exchangers) installed 

within the duct system or air handler. Air in the conditioned space is cooled or heated by passing over 

the coil and is distributed to the conditioned spaces by the duct system. Systems can in principle be 

designed as reversible types, although for this category of ducted air conditioners it is done less 

frequently. Capacities range from 5 kW to 17.5 kW.

R-717 is never used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces and the small 

capacity and installation requirements would also mean that they are not competitive.

With R-744 the issues in ducted split systems are similar to those of single and multi-split systems. 

Although feasible in a small proportion of situations, HCs are not currently used in these systems due 

to charge size limitations in occupied spaces.

For R-407C and R-410A, all aspects are as with split ACs. 

As regards HFC-32, the L-20, the L-41 and the DR-5 blends, their application in ducted splits is 

feasible and comparable to that of multi-splits although flammability implications apply. In particular 

a typical installation of ducted split includes small closet, attic, and such, so the rapid release can 

generate flammable concentration in a small space. Therefore special design features must be 

considered and are currently under development under IEC. Risk assessment studies have been 

carried out in the USA. The commercialisation of HFC-32 and the L-41 blend in this category is 

likely to take a few years. Currently there is testing and trialling ongoing and manufacturers in Japan, 

Korea and China are developing prototypes for all of these substances. 

The use of single component unsaturated HFCs, such as HFC-1234yf and especially HFC-1234ze(E), 

have not been seriously considered for ducted split ACs because their volumetric capacity is much 

lower than HCFC-22, which implies much bulkier systems and – along with high anticipated 

refrigerant price – implies a considerable increase in product cost. 

4.8.5 Ducted split commercial and non-split air conditioners

Ducted commercial ACs and heat pumps are manufactured in two forms: split system units which are 

matched with an indoor air handler/heat exchanger assembly and single packaged units which contain 

an integral fan and heat exchanger assembly which is connected by means of ducting to the air 

distribution system of the commercial structure. The majority of ducted commercial packaged ACs 

and heat pumps are mounted on the roof or outside on the ground of offices, shops, restaurants or 

institutional facilities. Multiple units containing one or more compressors are often used to condition 

the enclosed space of low-rise shopping centres, shops, schools or other moderate size commercial 

structures. Commercial ducted systems are offered in a wide range of capacities from around 10 kW 

to over 100 kW.

R-717 is never used in these systems due to limitations on its use in occupied spaces and the small 

capacity and installation requirements would also mean that they are not competitive

There are several companies within Europe that produce R-744 split ducted and rooftop systems, with 

a wide capacity range. As with other R-744 air conditioners, the efficiency at higher ambient 

temperatures of non-enhanced R-744 systems tends to be reduced, although when systems are 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 73

operated at lower ambient temperatures the efficiency is competitive with HCFC-22 and similar 

refrigerants. The cost effectiveness is similar for other types of R-744 air conditioners. 

Although feasible in a small proportion of situations, HCs are not widely used in direct systems due 

to charge size limitations in occupied spaces, although at least two companies are trialling systems.

For R-407C and R-410A, all aspects are as with split ACs. The application of HFC-32, the L-20, L41 or DR-5 blend in commercial ducted and rooftop systems is feasible and most of the issues are 

essentially the same as for ducted splits. The exception is that commercial units are not often installed 

in small utility closets as is found in the residential sector. Leck (2011) reported on tests of two 

different ducted split systems. The cooling capacity was -5% and +3%, both with an increase in 1% 

in COP. Heating capacity was +2% and -2%, both with a -2% change in heating COP. 

The use of single component unsaturated HFCs, such as HFC-1234yf and especially HFC-1234ze(E), 

have not been seriously considered for commercial ducted split ACs because their volumetric 

capacity is much lower than HCFC-22, which implies much bulkier systems and – along with high 

anticipated refrigerant price – implies a considerable increase in product cost. Some exceptions may 

exist for niche situations in systems intended for regions with very high ambient temperatures. 

4.8.6 Hot water heating heat pumps

These are a category of heat pumps designed to heat domestic and other service hot water to 

temperatures between 55 and 90 °C. These operating temperatures must be considered when selecting 

the refrigerant. A HPWH consists of a water storage tank and a heat pump water heating unit and in 

some designs an additional heat exchanger. In the heat pump unit, water supplied from the storage 

tank or directly from the mains water supply is heated by the condenser (or, for transcritical cycles 

the gas cooler) and then returned to the storage tank. Stored hot water is supplied to each tapping 

point, in response to the demand. In order to obtain high water temperatures at low outdoor ambient 

temperatures, air to water heat pump systems can utilise a cascade refrigerating system with two 

different refrigerants.

R-717 is used fairly widely in capacities from 250 kW to very large/industrial-scale (>1 MW) heat 

pumps (although this is thought to be a small market). Such systems are located outside or in special 

machinery rooms in order to handle the higher toxicity characteristics but also due to sound 

reduction. Yearly service and maintenance requirement demands the room to be accessible for 

qualified technicians and engineers. Systems are often used for district heating and cooling systems 

but also for process heating and cooling. The efficiency of R-717 heat pumps is known to be very 

good (Stene, 2008), particularly since the critical point is very high compared to most other 

refrigerants. The cost effectiveness becomes favourable as the heating capacity approaches 250 kW, 

relative to HCFC-22.

As with R-717 systems in general, the main barriers are related to the minimal capacity required for 

cost-effectiveness and certain national regulation controlling installation. Also the perceived danger, 

true or not, is a barrier. Within Europe and North America, there is an increasing tendency to use R717 heat pumps, especially in industrial plants that are already familiar with R-717, although this is 

also commensurate with the increase in the use of heat pump technology anyway. For large 

commercial and industrial applications, R-717 is generally an attractive option and (neglecting 

national regulations) can normally be applied in most situations. The use of heat pumps is more 

restricted by subsidies to the energy sector than by the technology. In many countries the electricity is 

too expensive compared to cheap subsidised fossil fuels. 

Due to the high discharge superheat of R-744 and heat rejection at gliding temperatures, it provides a 

particular advantage when being used for hot water heating from low temperature water. As such a 

large number of manufacturers globally are producing domestic and small commercial sized hot 
74 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

water heating heat pumps using R-744. The energy efficiency is high, highly affected by the design of 

the water storage side. Enhancement technologies like ejectors are commonly used to further improve 

energy efficiency of these heat pump systems. If the cold side is applied for AC during hot water 

production, very high total COPs are achieved. Generally, the efficiency that can be achieved by R744 in hot water heaters is much higher (for example COP = 4.3) than that of other refrigerants (for 

example COP = 4.0) and therefore it is difficult to make a cost-effectiveness comparison. The main 

barrier is the cost relative to that of conventional fossil fuel boilers. Hourly electricity rate supports 

R-744 heat pumps implemented in Smart–grids, so that heat is produced when electricity is cheap. 

Continued growth for R-744 hot water heaters, particularly in Asia is expected and to some extent in 

Europe. It is evident that R-744 is one of the most suitable alternatives for these types of heat pumps. 

Although HCs are viable alternatives for use in hot water heat pumps, they are not in common use but 

examples can be found. For instance, a new heat pump water heater model has recently been put on 

the market by a French company which delivers high energy efficiency using HC-600a with a small 

charge and larger systems using HC-290 by a company in Australia. 

For R-407C and R-410A, all aspects are as with split ACs. R-410A is commonly used in such 

systems in both Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries. HFC-134a is also used in such systems, 

although due to its lower pressure the systems are less compact and as such incur higher costs. 

It is feasible to use HFC-32 in hot water heat pumps, for example, where R-410A is already used. The 

flammability and cost implications associated with the use of HFC-32 in this application are similar 

to that of single split systems. The theoretical cycle efficiency is better than R-410A, but slightly less 

than HCFC-22, whilst the pressure is 1.5 times higher than HCFC-22 and equivalent to R-410A. 

Discharge temperature is higher at high pressure ratio operation, so application in this category 

requires more rapid and accurate control of temperatures. It is not known whether any manufacturers 

are developing HFC-32 based hot water heat pumps commercially. 

It is feasible to use the L-20 blend in hot water heat pumps, for example, where HCFC-22 is already 

used. The flammability implications are the same as with HFC-32. 

HFC-1234ze(E) can also be used in HWHPs that can be used in existing HFC-134a technologies with 

minor modifications (compressor sizing). Due to its lower flammability classification, the safety 

implications are comparable to those of HFC-32 and L-20 blend applications. Otherwise the 

application characteristics are close to HFC-134a except that greater incremental costs would be 

incurred as a result of less compact systems (due to lower pressure) and higher refrigerant price. No 

information about real performance or whether any manufacturers are developing systems using this 

option was found. 

N-13 is a refrigerant blend that can be used in existing HFC-134a technologies with minor 

modifications (compressor sizing). The various implications with using this blend would be the same 

as those with HFC-1234ze(E) except that the flammability issues would not apply. No information 

about real performance or whether any manufacturers are developing systems using this option was 

found. 

4.8.7 Space heating heat pumps

This type of comfort heating heats the room by heating water for distribution to an air handling unit, 

radiator or under floor panel; they are used in domestic, commercial and industrial situations. The 

required water temperature depend on the types of emitter, low temperature application ranging from 

25 to 35 °C for under floor heating, for moderate temperature application such as air handling units 

around 45 °C, for high temperature application such as radiant heating 55 to 60 °C, and for very high 

temperature application, as high as 65 to 80 °C, such as for the fossil fuel boiler replacement market. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 75

The required warm water temperature affects the selection of refrigerant. Heat pump systems are 

more efficient at lower sink temperatures, but each product must fulfil the required operating 

temperature.

R-717 is used fairly widely in systems from 250 kW up to very large/industrial-scale (>1 MW) heat 

pumps. Such systems are located outside or in special machinery rooms in order to handle the higher 

toxicity characteristics and giving the necessary space around the system and giving some sound 

reduction. Systems are normally designed with hot water heating function. The efficiency of R-717 

heat pumps is known to be very good (Stene, 2008). The cost effectiveness becomes favourable as the 

heating capacity approaches 250 kW, relative to HCFC-22. The return on investment of less than 2 

years has been reported. As with R-717 systems in general, the main barriers are related to the 

minimal capacity required for cost-effectiveness and certain national regulation controlling 

installation. Within Europe and North America, there is an increasing tendency to use R-717 heat 

pumps, although this is also commensurate with the increase in the use of heat pump technology 

anyway. For large commercial and industrial applications, R-717 is generally an attractive option and 

can normally be applied in most situations where national or local regulations can be met. The use of 

R-717 heat pumps for district heating is also becoming more popular.

R-744 is used in space heating heat pumps, but not as widespread as it is for hot water heating. This 

is mainly due to the efficiency advantages over HFC refrigerants declining as the output water 

temperature lowers. However, numerous manufacturers are producing such systems, although mainly 

in combination with hot water heating systems where dual temperature levels are needed. The relative 

efficiency of R-744 space heating heat pumps is sensitive to many design considerations, but in 

general, where the supply air temperature is above 40°C, R-744 provides efficiency benefits (Richter 

et al, 2001). This is particularly of interest in systems that, for example, utilise radiators (Khoury, 

2012). However, R-744 heat pumps can operate at very low ambient temperatures with acceptable 

COPs. Water-to-water or air-to-water systems, which are factory sealed arrangements, can be 

comparatively compact, although generally one and a half times heavier than those using 

conventional refrigerants. The addition of certain components needed to improve efficiency can 

result in additional cost compared to conventional HCFC-22 systems. Whilst the market penetration 

is low, the main barrier is cost. However, it is anticipated that as more products enter the market such 

heat pumps (Smart Grid applicable) will become more competitive. Within Asia and Europe more 

manufacturers are producing space water and dual temperature level heat pumps using R-744 and it is 

expected that this trend will continue. The use of R-744 in space heating heat pumps is less straight 

forwards than for hot water heating, but as the technology develops efficiencies are becoming more 

competitive and more products are entering the market. Over time the minimum COPs are likely to 

increase, however, simultaneously technological developments can also be seen to raise COP.

R744 is also being used in industrial sized heat pumps, including for hot water, district heating and 

industrial drying processes.

The share of heat demanded for hot water and space heating also plays a decisive role in determining 

competitive options. According to simulation results of R-744-heat pumps in low energy houses in 

Norway (in the context of the IEA Heat Pump Centre project on the “economical heating and cooling 

systems for low energy houses”), R-744 heat pumps for combined space heating and domestic hot 

water outperforms a conventional (HFC) heat pump if the share of domestic hot water is at least 60%. 

Using improved R-744 compressor and ejector technology the break-even point is shifted to a 

domestic hot water share of 50% (Annex32). Moreover, with the trend towards “near Zero Energy” 

buildings that have minimal needs for space heating, hot water heating is expected to account for 

most of the heat demand in future new buildings.

Historically, HCs, particularly HC-290, had been used widely in Europe for small (domestic) heat 

pumps, although the introduction of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive resulted in a decline in its 

use due to compressor availability. However, in principle their continued use is not otherwise limited 
76 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

and now a number of manufacturers have products on the market. Such systems are located outside or 

in special ventilated enclosures. In addition, there are also large commercial-sized heat pumps using 

HC-290 and HC-1270 being sold within Europe. The HC blends are not known to be currently in use. 

The efficiency of HC-290 and HC-1270 in space heating heat pumps is known to be very good (Palm, 

2005). The cost effectiveness in general is favourable, although sensitive to the design of safety 

features. As with the use of HCs in general, the main barriers are related to the safety guidelines. For 

systems with parts which are located in occupied spaces, the charge size can be prohibitively limited, 

whereas for systems locate outside or in ventilated enclosures there are no major restrictions. Again, 

it is necessary to ensure that technicians are appropriately trained to handle flammability. Within 

Europe there is steady use of HCs in heat pumps, with an increase for commercial sized systems. 

Similarly, research and development is also continuing. In conclusion for small and commercial sized 

applications, HCs are viable alternatives for space heating heat pumps.

Both R-407C and R-410A are widely used in these heat pumps. All aspects apply as with split ACs. 

It is feasible to use HFC-32 and the L-20 blend in space heating heat pumps, as with hot water heat 

pumps. Their efficiency implications are comparable and the cost implications similar to those of hot 

water heat pumps. If refrigerant water heat exchanger is located in outside occupancy, the safety issue 

is easier to solve. It is not known whether any manufacturers are developing HFC-32 or L-20 hot 

water heat pumps commercially. 

4.9 Chillers

Comfort air conditioning in large commercial buildings and building complexes (including hotels, 

offices, hospitals, universities, and other central systems) is provided by chillers in most cases. They 

cool water or other heat transfer fluid (such as a water-antifreeze mixture) that is pumped through 

heat exchangers in air handlers or fan-coil units for cooling and dehumidifying the air. Chillers also 

are used for process cooling in commercial and industrial facilities such as data processing and 

communication centres, electronics fabrication, precision machining, and moulding. District cooling 

is another application that provides air conditioning to multiple buildings through a large chilled 

water distribution system, as opposed to air conditioning each building with separate systems. Chiller 

operation is driven by cooling requirements but provision for heat recovery may be included. The 

principal components of a vapour-compression chiller are one or more compressors driven by electric 

motors (or less commonly, engines or turbines using open drive compressors), a liquid cooler 

(evaporator), a condenser, a refrigerant, a lubrication system, a refrigerant expansion and flow control 

device, a power handling device (commonly a starter or variable speed electronic drive), and a 

control and protection unit. The complete chiller usually is factory assembled and tested; no 

connection between refrigerant-containing parts is required on site by the installer except for very 

large chillers which may be shipped as multiple assemblies. Installation is accomplished by 

connection to water, power, and control systems. Vapour-compression chillers are identified by the 

type of compressor they employ; centrifugal or positive displacement compressors. Chillers can be 

further divided according to their condenser heat exchanger type, the most common being watercooled or air-cooled and less common are evaporatively-cooled condensers and dry coolers.

4.9.1 Positive displacement chillers

Positive displacement chillers include those with reciprocating piston, screw, and scroll compressors. 

Smaller capacity models tends to be air cooled, which accounts for the majority of chillers, but as the 

capacity increases above around 350 kW water-cooled models become more frequent. Capacities can 

exceed several MWs. 

R-717 is used fairly widely in reciprocating and screw chillers for process refrigeration, food storage 

facilities and air conditioning. Chillers must be located outside or in special machinery rooms in 

order to handle the higher toxicity and flammability characteristics. The sound levels from this kind 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 77

of high capacity systems also require a sound limiting room. This type of chillers has been widely 

used in airports and similar high capacity areas. The efficiency of R-717 is high for chillers in both 

medium and high temperature applications (RTOC, 2010). The cost effectiveness becomes 

favourable as the cooling capacity approaches 200 kW and up to about 6 MW, relative to HCFC-22. 

The barriers for chillers are consistent with R-717 systems in general. However R-717 is more 

accepted in industrial and large capacity systems. The regulations have been successfully in place for 

many years. However, there are concerns of possible changes to certain standards. Within Europe and 

North America, there is an increasing tendency to use R-717 chillers, although the total number is 

still small compared to HCFC-22 and HFC machines.

For large commercial and industrial applications, R-717 is generally an attractive option and can 

normally be applied in most situations provided national and local regulations can be met. 

R-744 is now used in reciprocating chillers by many different manufacturers. The capacities range to 

up to several hundred kW and cover both air conditioning and refrigeration applications. As with 

other types of systems, the efficiency is compromised with increasing ambient temperatures. As such 

water-cooled chillers are of more interest in countries with hotter climates. However, where chillers 

are also used for heating purposes, seasonal efficiency benefits can be achieved. With knowledge in 

thermodynamics and system understanding, new concepts are under development, which are more 

energy efficient compared to current HCFC and HFC systems. The cost of small capacity R-744 

chillers is higher than that of HCFC-22 systems due to the piping and component design necessary to 

handle higher pressures, however, at capacities of around several hundred kW the relative cost 

approaches parity. Consistent with other applications, the main barrier for R-744 chillers is the poorer 

efficiency in climates with consistently higher ambient temperatures. At least within Europe, there is 

an increase in the output of R-744 positive displacement chillers. R-744 chillers are widely available 

and are increasingly being used for both air conditioning and refrigeration applications. However, due 

to efficiency constraints their use is preferred for cooler climates. 

Both HC-290 and HC-1270 are produced by a number of manufacturers in Europe and some

countries in other regions. Historically they have been used widely in petro-chemical industry but are 

now being applied for air conditioning, food storage and process refrigeration. The majority of 

chillers are reciprocating and screw type and cover a capacity range of 40 kW to over 1 MW. The 

various HC blends appear not to be currently used in chillers. The efficiency of HC-290 and HC-1270 

is the same or greater than HCFC-22 in both medium and high temperature applications. Most 

manufacturers report that their HC models have higher COP than their equivalent HCFC/HFC 

models. Generally the cost implications of applying HCs in chillers are negligible, although the 

incremental cost depends on how safety measures are handled. Two Danish companies report 

investment costs for their HC chillers to be 5-6% higher compared to the HFC reference system as a 

result of higher cost of the production line and the safety features for the units. However during 

operation, the efficiency of HC-290 is 10% better than efficiency of current HFC systems according 

to another source (Pedersen, 2012).

There are certain barriers with HCs, depending upon the chiller configuration. For air-cooled or 

water-cooled chillers that are positioned in the open air (within certain separation distances), there 

are no significant hindrances. For systems installed in machinery rooms, electrical equipment must be 

suitable for hazardous areas and gas detection with emergency ventilation is required (although in 

fact this should be applied to any refrigerant). The main barrier is that unless properly designed with 

additional safety measures, HC chillers cannot be used below ground level (such as in cellars). In 

addition, technicians must be suitably trained. At least within Europe and some other regions, there is 

an increasing tendency to use HCs in chillers, although the total number is still small compared to 

HCFC-22 and HFC machines. For commercial and industrial applications, HCs are generally a viable, 

efficient cost effective alternative except for situations that require installation below ground level. 
78 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

HFC-1234ze(E) is suitable for chillers and has been trialled in systems in Europe. When used in with 

reciprocating, scroll or screw type of compressors, this refrigerant produces efficiency levels 

comparable to HFC-134a. HFC-1234ze(E) was included in the testing of the AHRI “low GWP 

AREP” scheme (Schultz and Kujak, 2013a); whilst the COP was +2% higher than HFC-134a, the 

cooling capacity dropped by around -25%. When used in scroll and reciprocating compressors, the 

same POE lubricant oil can be used. For screw compressors, the same type of oil (POE) can be used 

but the viscosity grade should be verified with the equipment manufacturer. Although HFC1234ze(E) is a low flammability refrigerant, there are guidelines and standards available which 

provide guidance on safe installation, at least for outdoor locations. HFC-1234ze(E) is a refrigerant 

that can be used in existing HFC-134a technologies with minor modifications (compressor sizing). 

Due to its high critical temperature, it will perform very well in warm climates. 

Both R-407C and R-410A are widely used in positive displacement chillers and all aspects are as 

with split and other types of ACs and heat pumps.

HFC-134a is used widely in various capacity reciprocating, scroll and screw chillers. The design of 

the system components is slightly different from HCFC-22 (and R-407C and R-410A) because of the 

lower operating pressure. Because it is a class A1 refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable) there 

are no significant safety implications concerning its use. The energy efficiency is similar to that of 

HCFC-22, although higher COPs can be achieved if the system is carefully designed. Generally 

systems are marginally more costly than HCFC-22 because they are less compact. Since HFC-134a is 

well established, it is evident that there are no significant barriers to its use. Currently, HFC-134a use 

in chillers is neither declining nor increasing significantly. 

The L-20 blend is a replacement for HCFC-22 or R-407C in positive displacement chillers that 

employ reciprocating or scroll compressor technologies. No major modifications are needed as its 

pressures are similar to HCFC-22 and R-407C. Although L-20 is a low flammability refrigerant, there 

are guidelines and standards available which provide guidance on safe installation. These are the 

same as those for the flammability aspects of R-717 for both chiller design and machinery room 

requirements. Under the AHRI “low GWP AREP” programme, L-20 was compared against HCFC-22 

in an air-cooled chiller, which showed that with no change in capacity, there was a -5% change in 

cooling COP (Schultz and Kujak, 2012b). It is not known whether any manufacturers are developing 

equipment with this refrigerant.

The N-13 blend is feasible for use in positive displacement chillers and can be used in existing HFC134a technologies with minor modifications (compressor sizing). When used with reciprocating, 

scroll or screw type of compressors, this refrigerant produces efficiency levels comparable to HFC134a. The AHRI “low GWP AREP” scheme tested N-13 and XP-10 in an HFC-134a chiller (Schultz 

and Kujak, 2013a), which showed the cooling capacity fell by -12% with a drop in COP of -5%. 

When used in scroll and reciprocating compressors, the same POE lubricant oil can be used. For 

screw compressors, the same type of oil (POE) can be used but the viscosity grade should be verified 

with the equipment manufacturer. Due to its high critical temperature, it will perform very well in 

warm climates. Testing and trials are being carried out in reciprocating and screw chillers and 

prototypes are under development by manufacturers in Europe and the USA.

The XP-10 blend is feasible for use in positive displacement chillers as is the N-13 blend in systems 

based on HFC-134a architecture with only minor modifications (primarily compressor sizing). When 

used in with reciprocating or scroll compressors, this refrigerant produces efficiency levels 

comparable to HFC-134a. The AHRI “low GWP AREP” scheme tested XP-10 in an HFC-134a 

chiller (Schultz and Kujak, 2013a), where there was no change in capacity but a -4% lower COP. 

When used in scroll and reciprocating compressors, the same POE lubricant oil can be used. It is not 

known what the real performance implications are relative to HFC-134a chiller and similarly it is not 

known whether any manufacturers are developing equipment with this refrigerant. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 79

It is feasible to use HFC-32 in positive displacement chillers, for example, where R-410A is already

used, provided that the flammability characteristics are handled appropriately. The energy efficiency 

is equivalent or slightly better than HCFC-22 and R-410A due to its better heat transfer properties. 

HFC-32 was included in the AHRI “low GWP AREP” testing (Schultz and Kujak, 2012) and gave a 

+8% higher cooling capacity and -1% to -2% lower COP than R-410A. Larger capacity per 

compressor swept volume is beneficial for chiller with large scroll compressors. On the contrary, it is 

disadvantage for ones with small screw compressors. Better heat transfer properties are beneficial for 

chillers as they are limiting factor in water heat exchangers. Lower pressure drop in air cooled heat 

exchanger is a merit of HFC-32 for large air cooled chillers. Flammability requirements for 

machinery rooms are comparable to those for R-717. Electric switching components for large chillers 

have potential to ignite HFC-32, but ventilation in machinery room is mandatory to prevent 

flammable concentration. So, requirements for such switching components are not established for 

A2L specifically. A risk assessment study for chillers with A2L refrigerants is on-going in Japan. 

HFC-32 may be employed for small chillers, but large ones will probably employ the HFC-1234 

series substance mainly. 

4.9.2 Centrifugal chillers 

These are chillers, which employ centrifugal compressors with one, two, and three compression 

stages. They are generally used for air conditioning applications in very large buildings and for 

district cooling. Centrifugal compressors most commonly are used in water cooled systems, 

especially those with capacities exceeding 1 MW. Air cooled centrifugal chillers are less common. 

These chillers operate by using the momentum of a molecule to increase pressure. A simplified 

description would be that, the lighter the molecule, the higher the chiller speed has to be. Natural 

substances, lacking the relatively heavy halogens in their structure, thus tend to require a more 

complex rotor (higher speed, diameter, more stages) than halogenated substances. Consequently, their 

use so far has been limited.

R-717 is seldom used in centrifugal chillers, although products are available and installed for certain 

applications. R-744 is not currently used in centrifugal chillers. 

HCs are used to a limited extent in centrifugal chillers typically within certain petro-chemical 

industries where hazardous area protection is already in common use. However, they are not 

generally considered as alternatives for replacement of HCFC based centrifugal chillers. R-718 

(water) chillers are in use in several installations in Europe and a consortium of companies recently 

developed a new centrifugal compressor, which may outperform HFC-134a. 

Where it concerns HFC-1234ze(E) use in centrifugal compressors, this refrigerant is expected to 

produce efficiency levels slightly better than HFC-134a. Since most of these chillers are located 

outside, the safety concerns are minor, but nevertheless, the same as for positive displacement 

chillers. Due to its high critical temperature, they are expected to perform very well in warm climates. 

Reportedly, there are already several chillers using this refrigerant currently in operation. 

HCFC-1233zd(E) (a low-GWP HCFC) can replace HCFC-123 in low pressure centrifugal chillers. 

When used in centrifugal compressors, this refrigerant is expected to produce efficiency levels 

slightly better than HCFC-123, allowing the design of systems with high energy efficiency. As a new 

molecule, this refrigerant has a higher cost than HCFC-123. Still this cost would be moderate and 

will have a reasonable payback period due to the high energy efficiency of the refrigerant which 

lowers the expenses for end users. This refrigerant is currently under evaluation by manufacturers. 

HFC-134a is used widely in various capacities of centrifugal chillers. The design of the system 

components is fairly different from HCFC-123 because of the higher operating pressure and smaller 

molar mass. Because it is a class A1 refrigerant (lower toxicity, non-flammable) there are no 
80 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

significant safety implications concerning its use. The energy efficiency is marginally lower than that 

of HCFC-123. Generally, systems require significant design changes to cope with the higher pressure 

of HFC-134a than HCFC-123. Since HFC-134a is well established, it is evident that there are no 

significant barriers to its use. Currently, the HFC-134a use in chillers is neither declining nor 

increasing significantly. 

It is not practical to use HFC-410A and HFC-32 in centrifugal chillers. The thermal conductivity is 

basically better than R-134a, but due to high internal leak flow and high pressure difference with 

smaller molar mass, the compressor efficiency is not as high as one with HFC-134a or other low 

pressure refrigerants such as HFC-1234ze. In addition, boiling volume is not as high as HFC-134a 

and HFC-1234ze, so use of HFC-410A and HFC-32 will result in a larger evaporator. Consequently, 

the use of high pressure HFCs is very limited and negligible in general centrifugal chillers.

4.10 Mobile air conditioning

Cars and truck cabins used the same refrigerant CFC-12 from the 50’s to 1992; it was then replaced 

by HFC-134a, which is still in use everywhere, even with the European ban that should have begun in 

2011 for “new model” cars. Dependent on the country, the preferred option is to keep going with 

HFC-134a or to shift to HFC-1234yf. The uptake of HFC-134a replacement refrigerants did not occur 

as expected, neither for HFC-1234yf nor for CO2; part of the reason was the allowance of the EU 

considering new model approvals as “old model” type ones.

For city or long haul buses and also train cabins, choices have always been somewhat more open. 

They were CFC-12 and HCFC-22, followed later by HFC-134a and R-407C. In Germany, some buses 

are operated on R-744 and the alternative air cycle (Brayton-Joule) technology has been installed on 

more than 100 ICE trains.

4.10.1 Cars 

The car industry has organised its global production (being more than 60 million vehicles in 2012) 

with a high level of specialisation. Air-conditioning systems are supplied by tier 1 suppliers that 

manufacture the complete AC system: heating, cooling and ventilation, as well as the control system. 

The car companies are interested in a strong competition among their suppliers and the consequence 

is that the best refrigerant should be a single, unique, and global one. From the carmaker point of 

view, the refrigerant has to be a commodity in terms of availability and costs. History shows that 

HFC-134a has been the only refrigerant chosen by all car companies to replace CFC-12, and until 

recently the expectation was that there will again be a single refrigerant world-wide.

As previously stated, R-744 equipment has seen a number of developments from 2000 to 2010 and 

several manufacturers reportedly reached “implementation readiness”. Tier 1 suppliers as well as car 

makers have developed several technical options with R-744: internal heat exchangers, external 

control compressors, micro-channel gas coolers, and evaporators dedicated to R-744. New hoses with 

ultra-low permeation have also been developed. The interest in and development of R-744 in this subsector declined significantly around 2009-2010, as car manufacturers and suppliers concentrated their 

efforts on HFC-1234yf. In 2013 there has been a renewed interest in R-744 MACs, with several 

German OEMs announcing their intention to develop such systems (see e.g. www.R744.com, 2013) 

and some of which stating their preference to stay with HFC-134a until R-744 will have been 

commercialised. However, to date no global OEM has installed R-744 for automotive airconditioning,

A number of tests have been performed in hot and cold climates. R-744 has been demonstrated to be 

similar in efficiency as best in class HFC-134a systems for some experimental fleet vehicles, except 

when the vehicle is idling and also under high temperature conditions (above 35°C)
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 81

The main barriers for R-744 systems have been issues such as costs, reliability and servicing aspects. 

Even for a series of at least 150,000 R-744 AC systems per year, costs would at least double 

compared to the baseline, according to Tier 1 suppliers (in the year 2010). The CO2 option not being 

a global one, requires two AC systems (one for R-744, another one for HFC-134a) to be mounted on 

the same assembly line. Two other barrier issues were related to reliability and servicing:

 the shaft of the open-type compressor was a highly potential leak-prone component with no 

lessons learned at large scale, 

 R-744 servicing requires special training and also specific equipment making it necessary to 

develop a new world-wide servicing network for global car companies.

For electric cars or hybrid cars, available high voltage hermetic compressors can be used.

Consequently, the shaft seal issue would disappear, which makes the R-744 MAC system a reliable 

one. Nevertheless, the cost issue for this type of system remains. In summary, R-744 is technically 

difficult to operate and creates a barrier in finding enough technical offers from the Tier 1 suppliers; 

only the best in class Tier 1 companies have been able to develop efficient R-744 compressors.

Hydrocarbons are efficient refrigerants and, like other refrigerants, have to be chosen according to 

their condensing and evaporating pressures. Safety concerns are a clear and strong barrier against the 

use of HCs in cars. During the competition between R-744 and HFC-152a, HFC-152a received a very 

strong opposition from the German car makers that are vehemently against any use of flammable 

refrigerants in cars. 

The sales of HC blends for car AC systems for the aftermarket will continue in some countries, but 

this does not constitute a global trend and will not receive the support of any carmaker. In conclusion, 

HCs are not a global option for car AC systems.

Because of the flammability issue, two low-GWP non-flammable blends “Blend H” and “DP-1” have 

been proposed by chemical manufacturers in 2003. Blend-H failed for reason of decomposition issues 

and DP-1 failed due to the toxicity of one of its component. Additionally, as of 2011, other blends 

have been proposed, in particular AC-5 and AC-6, which are currently being evaluated by an SAE 

International Cooperative Research Program. 

HFC-1234yf with its low GWP of 1 is seen as the global solution for the car industry medium-sized 

manufacturing plant has started operation and is supplying some models built primarily in Europe, 

Japan, and the United States. However, if HFC-1234yf is to be a global solution for the entire 

industry, additional production capacity will be needed. HFC-1234yf is now being implemented in 

several models, especially in Europe, where the regulation requires refrigerants with a GWP < 150 

for new model cars since 2011, although enforcement of the requirement was delayed until 2013 

while chemical production capacity was being installed. The change from HFC-134a to HFC-1234yf 

seems to be one of the likely options because the car industry favours global options for AC systems. 

The preference of companies outside Germany would be to change to HFC-1234yf. It is also 

supported by LCCP analysis, which shows that HFC-1234yf would be superior to R-744 for most 

ambient temperatures. It can be mentioned that HFC-1234yf is currently available to some extent and 

the first cars using this refrigerant are therefore in production now. Even though slightly flammable, 

its thermodynamic properties are very close to those of HFC-134a and so the adaptation is easy 

without significant constraints due to its very low flammability. German car manufacturers in 2012 

raised again the issue of HFC-1234yf flammability and postponed its introduction in their assembly 

lines, until a separate safety assessment would have been conducted. Since then, two separate studies 

have been completed. Another Cooperative Research Program by the SAE confirmed previous 

conclusions that HFC-1234yf could be used safely for automotive air conditioning. Germany's motor 

vehicle department KBA concluded that while HFC-1234yf was inherently more dangerous than 

HFC-134a in severe conditions, it could be applied safely. 
82 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Many tests have been performed on HFC-1234yf and some adaptations on the suction line diameter 

and on the heat-exchanger tuning have been done in order to match HFC-134a energy performances. 

Developments have been made and no significant differences are measured compared to the best in 

class HFC-134a systems. The cost of the chemical is announced to be 5 to 7 times more than that of 

HFC-134a, but it is known that, in the chemical industries, prices could vary from 1 to 10 depending 

on the sales volume. One OEM implementing this refrigerant stated that the total cost of the system, 

including the chemical and other components, was $75 more than an HFC-134a system.

The mass-production of HFC-1234yf has being delayed up to the beginning of 2014 based on current 

information. Due to the slow uptake of HFC-1234yf, even in Europe, HFC-134a is currently charged 

in most new AC systems. HFC-134a AC systems are the bench mark technology for all alternatives. 

The cost is also the reference for mass produced AC systems with a strong competition among Tier 1 

suppliers. Obviously the only barrier is its GWP. It is likely that HFC-134a will be replaced under 

different schedules in the various world regions.

4.10.2 Public transport

AC systems of both trains and buses are similar and are produced in small series of some hundreds 

per year. The cooling capacities vary from 10 to 35 kW depending on the size of the bus or the train 

car. Due to the small market of this application, technologies in use are coming from stationary airconditioning industry for heat exchangers. For buses, compressors are open-type compressors driven 

by the engine as for the car AC system. For trains, compressors are electrically-driven hermetic 

compressors. The refrigerant choice could therefore be different for those applications.

Carbon dioxide has been developed in Germany since 1996 by one company and the total fleet is 

about 50 city buses. In moderate climates, R-744 performs well and lessons learned from several 

years of experiences do not show significant troubleshooting. Another German manufacturer 

proposes and sells R-744 based AC systems for trains. The energy efficiency under German climate 

conditions appears to be in the same range as for the reference refrigerant HFC-134a. For high 

ambient conditions, the energy efficiency is lower at equal design efforts. The main barrier is related 

to costs, design habits and also the required sophisticated designs for hot climates. R-744 systems as 

developed for refrigerated transport by companies also manufacturing the “usual” HFC based AC 

systems for buses and trains, may trigger the change to R-744 systems for buses and trains. 

In conclusion, AC systems for buses and trains are a niche application. New developments with R744 will be a consequence of developments in larger market application and regulatory constraints.

HCs are not applicable in trains and buses due to safety issues for public transportation.

The HFC-1234yf development for car AC systems will have direct consequences for bus and train 

AC systems currently operated on HFC-134a. The shift can be done, based on first lessons learned in 

the car industry. For train AC systems, the use of R-407C or the use of new blends containing the 

chemicals HFC-1234yf or HFC-1234ze could be proposed in the near future.

As mentioned for car AC systems, the energy efficiency can be as good as the reference line with 

HFC-134a, based on simple adaptations taking into account thermodynamic properties of HFC1234yf. The refrigerant cost, although greater than the usual price, is not a strong barrier, because its 

cost represents less than 1% of the total cost of those AC systems. The current barrier is related to the 

fact that no current regulation constraints exist. The change from HFC-134a to HFC-1234yf is a 

relatively easy option, as well as the possible shift from R-407C to new low GWP blends.

Air systems based on the reverse Brayton-Joule cycle with air compressors and turbines are the 

standard system for airplane AC systems. The difference between airplanes and trains is the outdoor 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 83

temperatures (-50°C for airplanes). The efficiency of air systems is relatively poor and intrinsically 

lower compared to vapour compression systems. For high ambient temperatures, the cooling capacity 

is decreasing rapidly. For moderate climates, air systems are possible. The advantage is the absence 

of refrigerant; the drawback is the limited cooling capacity for high ambient temperatures.

Currently, the two dominant refrigerants are HFC-134a and R-407C in developed countries and HFC134a and HCFC-22 in developing countries. R-407C is often chosen for train cars, due to the inherent 

compactness of the AC system to be integrated in the roof of the train car. Barriers are based on the 

GWP of those refrigerants, even if those applications could be exempted of using low-GWP 

refrigerants for another couple of years in Europe. Within the next 10 years, R-407C is expected to be 

replaced by all the different alternatives previously mentioned. 

While the current HFCs could be used for a long period in train and bus niche applications, the shift 

from these high-GWP refrigerants to alternatives will be related to the overall developments in 

stationary AC systems.

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 85

5 Foams 

5.1 ODS alternatives

The foam sector has made significant strides in addressing the phase-out of ozone depleting 

substances since the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The availability of hydrocarbons at an 

early stage of the transition period has made it that a genuine low-GWP and cost-effective alternative 

has been available for large parts of the foam sector throughout that period, even at the time of the 

phase-out of CFCs in non-Article 5 Parties. Therefore, the account of the transition history since 

1987 in the polyurethane and phenolic product sectors is dominated by whether a specific foam subsector could adopt hydrocarbon technologies or not. There have been a number of reasons cited over 

the period to explain why hydrocarbon solutions were not appropriate. These have included:

 The flammability risks associated with the production/deposition process

 The flammability risks associated with product installation and use

 The higher gaseous thermal conductivity leading to poorer thermal efficiency of the foam

 The cost of flame-proofing measures for production processes in relation to the size of the 

manufacturing plant (lack of economies of scale) 

 Local health & safety regulations

 Local regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 

 Waste management issues

Some of these have largely been discounted in more recent times, but others continue to be of 

importance and some are even growing in significance (e.g. waste management issues) as 

hydrocarbon blown foams reach end-of-life. Nevertheless, the market penetration of hydrocarbon 

technologies has had a substantial impact as shown by the graph below: 
86 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

The dominance of the hydrocarbon technologies is even greater than it appears from the graph, since 

the blowing efficiency of hydrocarbon blowing agents is considerably better than the CFCs and 

HCFCs that were replaced. This means that the amount of foam blown by the 170,000tes of 

hydrocarbons predicted to be used in the foam industry in 2014 will be 30-40% greater than would be 

achieved by the same quantity of CFCs. The optimisation of hydrocarbon technologies over the years 

has also resulted in improvements in thermal performance through improved cell structure, thereby 

negating some of the earlier concerns about poorer thermal efficiency. 

It can be seen that the other major groups of blowing agents being used for the polyurethane and 

phenolic foam sectors at this point are HCFCs (in Article 5 Parties) and HFCs (in non-Article 5 

Parties. The reasons for this will be explained in the sections that follow within this chapter. 

In the Extruded Polystyrene sector, the main low-GWP and cost-effective alternative has been CO2

itself. Again, the main challenge throughout has been to understand why this solution could not be 

universal in its application. Reasons have included: 

 Processing difficulties with CO2 and even CO2/HCO blends

 The higher gaseous thermal conductivity leading to poorer thermal efficiency of the foam 

 Costs of conversion - including licensing constraints resulting from patents

 Loss of processing flexibility ruling out some board geometries completely

For these reasons considerable proportions of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) industry have remained 

using HCFCs and HFCs rather than CO2. This will be explained further in section 5.8 of this chapter.

In the intervening years, the search for low-GWP, high performance blowing agents without the 

limitations of hydrocarbons and CO2 has been continuing. For the first time, the emergence of 

unsaturated HCFCs and HFCs seems to be offering a level of performance which not only allows the 

replacement of blowing agents with high-GWPs such as HCFCs and saturated HFCs, but also 

threatens to replace some elements of the hydrocarbon and CO2-blown sectors, based primarily on 

improved thermal properties. However, the continuing unknowns with these technologies are the 

overall system cost and the global availability. Until, these issues are fully addressed, it will be 

difficult to elevate their status beyond ‘emerging’. Most manufacturers are indicating levels of 

commercialisation between late 2013 and 2015. However, in the first instance, this availability is 

likely to be targeted in markets within non-Article 5 Parties where the requirement for improved 

thermal efficiency is best identified. Even in these markets, it is expected that blowing agent blends 

will become predominant, especially where unsaturated HCFCs and HFCs can be blended with 

hydrocarbons to obtain better thermal performance with minimum system cost increase.

Other blowing agents are also emerging as potential replacements for HCFCs and HFCs. These 

include a group of oxygenated hydrocarbons (HCOs) which include methyl formate and methylal. 

These are generally seen as less flammable than the hydrocarbons themselves, although the 

significance of those differences can often depend on local product codes and the regulatory 

frameworks governing foam manufacture. Again, there is a growing tendency to see these used as 

components of tailored blends where they can contribute to overall performance criteria. 

For the XPS sector, the emergence of gaseous unsaturated HFCs such as HFO-1234ze also presents a 

significant opportunity to replace any remaining HCFCs, saturated HFCs and even CO2 in some 

instances. However, cost remains a key issue and blending with oxygenated hydrocarbons (e.g. 

dimethyl ether) may well be required to deliver a commercially viable alternative technology. 

In summary, the following table provides an overview of the blowing agent classes which have either 

previously offered, or are currently offering, alternatives to ozone depleting substances in the sectors 

being specifically considered in this chapter. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 87

Sector CFCs HCFCs HFCs HCs HCOs HFOs CO2-based

ODS being replaced

PU Appliances CFC-11 HCFC-141b

HCFC-22

HFC-245fa

HFC-365mfc/227ea

cyclo-pentane

cyclo/iso-pentane

MethylΔ

Formate

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

CO2 (water)*Δ

PU Board CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-365mfc/227ea n-pentane

cyclo/iso pentane

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

PU Panel CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-245fa

HFC-365mfc/227ea

n-pentane

cyclo/iso pentane

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

CO2 (water)*

PU Spray CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-245fa

HFC-365mfc/227ea

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

CO2 (water)*

Super-critical 

CO2

PU In-situ/Block CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-245fa

HFC-365mfc/227ea

n-pentane

cyclo/iso pentane

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

CO2 (water)*

PU Integral Skin CFC-11 HCFC-141b

HCFC-22

HFC-245fa

HFC-134a

Methyl 

Formate

Methylal

CO2 (water)*

XPS Board CFC-12 HCFC-142b

HCFC-22

HFC-134a

HFC-152a DME HFO-1234ze(E) CO2CO2/ethanol

Phenolic CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-245fa

HFC-365mfc/227ea

n-pentane

cyclo/iso pentane

HFO-1233zd(E)

HFO-1336mzzm(Z)

AFA-1 (undisclosed)

*CO2(water) blown foams rely on the generation of CO2 from reaction of isocyanate with water in the PU system itself

Δ Primarily in the commercial refrigeration sector (e.g. vending machines) 

5.2 Polyurethane - appliances

In the strictest sense, this sector covers both domestic and commercial appliances, although the major 

trends characterised in this section of the chapter will be related to the larger, and more 

homogeneous, domestic sector. However, the statistical information presented graphically will cover 

both groups of appliances. 

5.2.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The Task Force Report in response to Decision XXIII/9 provided a full list of HCFC replacement 

options and offered a summary of the pros and cons of each option, as well as some additional 

commentary on critical aspects for decision-making in the appliance sector. Decision XXIV/7 has 

requested that the commercially available options and the alternatives under development (emerging 

options) be treated separately. Therefore, the Decision XIII/9 Report tables have been reconstituted 

and updated accordingly. 
88 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR APPLIANCES (DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL), 

TRUCKS & REEFERS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Domestic refrigerators/freezers

Cyclopentane & cyclo/iso blends

Low GWP Highly flammable

High incremental capital costs but 

most enterprises in sub-sector are 

large

Low operating costs Global industry standard 

Good foam properties

Saturated HFCs (HFC-245fa)

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital costs

High operating costs Improved insulation (cf. HC)

Good foam properties Well proven technology

Commercial refrigerators/freezers plus vending equipment

Cyclopentane & cyclo/iso blends

Low GWP Highly flammable High incremental capital cost, 

may be uneconomic for SMEs

Low operating costs Well proven technology

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/227ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital cost

Good foam properties High operating costs Improved insulation (cf. HC)

O2 (water)

Low GWP

Moderate foam 

properties – high 

thermal conductivity & 

high foam density

Low incremental capital cost

Non-flammable High operating costs 

Improved formulations (second 

generation) claim no need for 

density increase vs HFC co-blown

Methyl Formate

Low GWP

Moderate foam 

properties -high thermal 

conductivity & high foam 

densityModerate incremental capital cost 

(corrosion protection 

recommended)

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

High operating costs 

Refrigerated trucks & reefers

Cyclopentane & cyclo/iso blends

Low GWP Highly flammable High incremental capital cost, may 

be uneconomic for SMEs

Low operating costs

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc /227ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital cost

Good foam properties High operating costs Improved insulation (cf. HC)

CO2 (water) Low GWP

Moderate foam 

properties -high thermal 

conductivity & high foam 

densityLow incremental capital cost

Non-flammable High operating costs Not used in reefers

The assessment of these alternatives against the criteria of commercial availability, technical proof of 

performance, environmental soundness (encompassing efficacy, health, safety and environmental 

characteristics), cost effectiveness (capital and operating) and processing versatility in challenging 

ambient conditions is, in itself, a challenging objective. Typically, performance against such criteria 

can only be judged fully on a case-by-case basis and assessments made at a higher level will only be 

indicative. With this in mind, the following table seeks to give such an indicative assessment based 

on a nominal ranking of seven categories from ‘+++’ (the best) to ‘---‘ (the worst): 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 89

c-pentane i-pentane HFC-245fa HFC365mfc/227ea CO2(water) Methyl 

Formate

Proof of performance +++ +++ +++ ++ + +

Flammability --- --- ++ +(+) +++ --

Other Health & Safety 0 0 + + - 0

Global Warming +++ +++ -- --- ++ ++

Other Environmental - - 0 0 ++ -

Cost Effectiveness (C) -- --- ++ ++ ++ 0

Cost Effectiveness (O) ++ +++ -- -- + +

Process Versatility ++ ++ ++ + 0 0

As has been noted in previous reports, the mix of performance properties (technical, economic and 

environmental) does not lead unambiguously to one single selection. Indeed, the proliferation of 

blends across the whole of the foam sector and nowhere more so than the appliance sector is an 

indication of the reality that there is no single best solution. Often a key factor is the size of the 

manufacturing plant, since the economies of scale have a considerable bearing on the relative 

importance of capital and operational costs. Cost also is a major factor in the consideration of the 

major emerging technologies. 

 

5.2.2 Emerging Alternatives

As noted in the 2012 Task Force Report in response to Decision XXIII/9, the major emerging 

technologies in the appliance sector are based mostly around liquid unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs. These 

are all fairly similar in their properties and all seem to suggest a stepwise improvement in thermal 

performance over other low-GWP alternatives. The following table provides an overview of the 

‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of these technologies. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR APPLIANCES (DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL), 

TRUCKS & REEFERS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Domestic refrigerators/freezers

Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs) 

Low GWP High operating costs

Successful commercial trials; 

first expected commercialization 

in 2013

Non-flammable

Promising energy efficiency 

performance: equal or better than 

saturated HFCs

Low incremental capital cost

Commercial refrigerators/freezers plus vending equipment

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs) 

Low GWP High operating costs First expected commercialization 

in 2013

Non-flammable

Promising energy efficiency 

performance: equal or better than 

saturated HFCs

Low incremental capital cost

Refrigerated trucks & reefers

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs) 

Low GWP High operating costs First expected commercialisation 

in 2013

Non-flammable

Promising energy efficiency 

performance: equal or better than 

saturated HFCs

Low incremental capital cost

The range of unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs remains unchanged from the Decision XXIII/9 Report, with 

the disclosure of the molecule behind Arkema’s code name AFA-L1 still awaited. However, the 
90 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

following table provides an analysis of these new molecules against the criteria considered for the 

commercially available alternatives based on limited experience in appliance sector trials. 

HFO-1234ze(E) HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

gaseous liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance + ++ ++ +

Flammability ++ +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- -- --

Process Versatility + + + +

The appliance sector is clearly one of the most sensitive to the thermal performance of the insulation 

contained within the cabinet, since this dictates both external dimensions and internal storage space. 

Evidence from trials in the sector continue to reinforce the fact that unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs will 

deliver 8-12% better thermal performance than cyclo-pentane and 2% better performance than HFC245fa. The key question is whether these differences will be sufficient to drive the adoption of these 

alternatives, in place of existing hydrocarbon technologies, in both non-Article 5 and Article 5 Parties. 

For HFC-245fa replacement in non-Article 5 Parties, the driver will be more about environmental 

pressure to transition from high-GWP solutions. Finally, where HCFCs are still in use within Article 

5 Parties, the question is whether these new blowing agents will be commercially available in time to 

pose a genuine alternative to hydrocarbon options. 

5.2.3 Barriers and restrictions

As noted above, the commercialisation time-line and global availability of the various unsaturated 

HCFCs/HFCs will have a considerable bearing on their widespread adoption under the HCFC Phaseout Management Plans currently being enacted. Two of the three potential manufacturers are 

committing to timelines of 2015 or better, but the supply/demand curves for these alternatives are still 

not fully understood. 

One factor in the adoption of these new technologies is the potential use of blends of unsaturated 

HFCs/HCFCs with hydrocarbons to achieve intermediate thermal performance benefits at affordable 

cost. If the compromises made are too great, then the benefits will be too marginal to justify transition 

from existing hydrocarbon solutions where they are already in place, and to prefer unsaturated 

HCFC/HFC solutions over hydrocarbon where they are not. However, with the cost of these new 

compounds not completely established at this point, it is not clear whether solutions maximising the 

thermal performance benefits will be affordable. 

For those still using HCFC-141b, one strategy being considered in the case of some manufacturers is 

to make an intermediate transition to a high-GWP (lower investment) technology option such as 

saturated HFCs on the written understanding that a further transition to a low-GWP option will 

follow within a specified period. 

The choice would be left open until such time as optimum technology approaches have been 

established. For transitions directly from HCFC-141b to hydrocarbons, there are potential strategies 

to reduce the investment costs for smaller enterprises. These include the potential for using preblended mixes containing cyclo-pentane. However, this approach is not expected to impact the 

domestic appliance sector too greatly, since economies of scale would generally support a more 

comprehensive conversion strategy. Nevertheless, in the case of some manufacturers of commercial 

appliances (e.g. vending machines), there may be more relevance. Further information is covered 

under Section 5.4.3. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 91

5.3 Polyurethane - boardstock

This is one of the largest markets for rigid polyurethane foams in non-Article 5 Parties, but has only 

recently started to grow significantly in Article 5 Parties as requirements for building energy 

efficiency have increased. The historical analysis therefore focuses primarily on the non-Article 5 

experiences. 

5.3.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Boardstock – continuously produced

Cyclopentane & n-Pentane

Low GWP Highly flammable

High incremental capital costs 

but most enterprises in subsector are large 

Low operating costs Industry standard

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital cost

Good foam properties High operating costs

Improved insulation (cf. HC)

Again, drawing from the evaluations conducted for Decision XXIII/9 with relevant updates where 

necessary, the following table illustrates the commercially available options for the polyurethane 

boardstock sector. 

In general, saturated HFCs have shown little uptake in most PU boardstock markets because the 

hydrocarbon-based products have been shown to be fit-for-purpose at a more competitive cost. Since 

new capacity in the industry can accommodate hydrocarbon process safety issues at the design stage, 

the high incremental capital costs associated with later transitions can be mitigated to some extent. 

As building energy standards increase, there could be increasing pressure for better thermal 

efficiency, especially where space is limited and product thickness is constrained. There has therefore 

been some interest in possible blends of hydrocarbons with saturated HFCs. Indeed, it is suspected 

that some manufacturers may have adopted this strategy commercially, although it is difficult to track 

because no further plant modifications would normally be necessary. Such trends may also be shortlived, since there is increasing market pressure (e.g. through LEED and other environmental building 

schemes) to avoid the use of saturated HFCs.

According to the chosen criteria, the relative performance of alternative technology solutions in this 

sector can be summarised as follows: 

c-pentane n-pentane i-pentane HFC-245fa HFC365mfc/227ea

Proof of performance +++ +++ +++ ++ ++

Flammability --- --- --- ++ +(+)

Other Health & Safety 0 0 0 + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ -- ---

Other Environmental - - - 0 0

Cost Effectiveness (C) -- -- -- ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) ++ +++ +++ -- --

Process Versatility ++ ++ ++ ++ +

The slight environmental concerns reflected for hydrocarbon options relate to some emerging 

concerns about local VOC regulations. In some regions there are exemptions for thermal insulation 

manufacturing plants, but this approach is not universal. 

 
92 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

5.3.2 Emerging alternatives

The market pressure on saturated HFCs outlined in the previous section opens up the possibility for 

hydrocarbon blends with unsaturated fluorocarbons (both HCFCs and HFCs). The uncertainty of cost 

makes this option even less clear cut for PU boardstock than it is for domestic appliances. 

Nonetheless, there continues to be sufficient interest in the option to justify its inclusion in this 

section as an emerging technology – albeit as a blend with hydrocarbons. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Boardstock – continuously produced

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs) Low GWP High operating costs First expected commercialization in late 2013

Non-flammable Trials in progress, particularly with 

blends 

Low incremental capital cost

The overall assessment of the criteria for unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs is very similar to that shown for 

PU appliances.

HFO-1234ze(E) HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

gaseous liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance + ++ ++ +

Flammability ++ +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- -- --

Process Versatility + + + +

The only potential difference is that the use of a gaseous option being used in the PU boardstock 

sector is less likely than for PU Appliances. Nevertheless, it has been retained for completeness. 

5.3.3 Barriers and restrictions

In practice, the quantity of PU boardstock foam still using HCFCs is very limited and this fact alone 

testifies to the lack of barriers to appropriate transition. As noted earlier, much of the new capacity in 

the sector has been installed since the ozone issue emerged and the necessary requirements for 

hydrocarbon have typically been designed in.

The only likely transition pressure now emerging relates to the on-going goal of improved thermal 

efficiency. The major barrier to the adoption of blends of saturated HFCs with hydrocarbons is 

market pressure, while the potential barrier to the wider use of unsaturated HFCFs/HFCs is one of 

cost and, in the short term, availability. 

5.4 Polyurethane - panels

In the context of this analysis, the primary panels being referred to are steel-faced and either 

continuously or discontinuously produced. The market for such panels has developed very differently 

in various regions of the world, with the early adoption being mostly in Europe. However, the 

prefabricated approach to building that these panels allow is becoming increasingly widespread 

globally and manufacturing capacity has continued to grow to meet the need. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 93

5.4.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The following table illustrates the main commercially available alternatives in the panel sector. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Steel-faced panels – continuously produced

Cyclopentane & n-Pentane

Low GWP Highly flammable

High incremental capital costs 

but most enterprises in subsector are large 

Low operating costs Industry standard

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital cost

Good foam properties High operating costs

Improved insulation (cf. HC)

Steel-faced panels – discontinuously produced

Cyclopentane & n-Pentane

Low GWP Highly flammable High incremental capital cost, 

may be uneconomic for SMEs 

Low operating costs

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea, 

HFC-134a

Non-flammable High GWP Low incremental capital cost

Good foam properties High operating costs Improved insulation (cf. HC)

CO2 (water)

Low GWP

Moderate foam properties 

-high thermal 

conductivityLow incremental capital cost

Non-flammable

Methyl Formate

Low GWP

Moderate foam properties 

- high thermal 

conductivityModerate incremental capital 

cost (corrosion protection 

recommended)

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

As noted earlier, the pressure for improved thermal performance in the architectural (cladding) panel 

is less pronounced than it is for other building insulation types because of the structural requirements 

which are associated with that application. However, the same cannot be said for refrigerated 

transport where additional benefits in thermal performance can improve the load-carrying capacity of 

a vehicle. Therefore, there is on-going interest in saturated HFCs as legitimate alternatives, or at least 

components of blends for that application. 

In the discontinuous sector, there are other potential technologies based around CO2 (water) and 

HCOs such as methyl formate. These reduce the perceived risks associated with the use of 

hydrocarbons on discontinuous plants but do result in some compromises in foam properties 

including higher density and potentially poorer thermal performance. Nonetheless, they do offer lowGWP solutions in markets which may not be too sensitive to thermal performance issues. 

These are all important considerations in the Article 5 context where the need to phase-out HCFCs 

requires the widest range of alternatives, especially for small and mixed use discontinuous panel 

facilities. The strengths and weaknesses of these alternatives are once again shown in the following 

table – this time relating to the panel sector. 
94 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

c-pentane

i-pentane 

n-pentane

HFC-245fa HFC365mfc/227ea CO2(water) Methyl 

Formate

Proof of performance + ++ ++ ++ ++ +

Flammability --- --- ++ +(+) +++ --

Other Health & Safety 0 0 + + - 0

Global Warming +++ +++ -- --- ++ ++

Other Environmental - - 0 0 ++ -

Cost Effectiveness (C) -- --- ++ ++ ++ 0

Cost Effectiveness (O) ++ +++ -- -- + +

Process Versatility ++ ++ + ++ + +

 

5.4.2 Emerging alternatives

Again, the major emerging alternatives are unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs. In view of the relative 

abundance of commercially available alternatives, these blowing agents are likely to be focused on 

niche markets in the panel sector. 

In principle, unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs offer opportunities for improving thermal performance while 

retaining a low-GWP blowing agent. For reasons stated in respect of other foam sectors, the cost of 

these blowing agents is still uncertain and could prevent reliance on them in isolation. That said, the 

added value of a panel is certainly greater than that of boardstock, so the ability to adsorb cost could 

be greater in this sector. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Steel-faced panels – continuously produced

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs Low GWP High operating costs First expected commercialisation in 2013

Non-flammable Trials in progress

Low incremental capital cost

Steel-faced panels – discontinuously produced

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs Low GWP High operating costs First expected commercialisation in 2013

Non-flammable Trials in progress

Low incremental capital cost

Nevertheless, the most likely approach will be the adoption of blends with hydrocarbons provided 

that an incremental improvement in thermal performance can be achieved. This will be particularly 

important for the thermally sensitive applications such as refrigerated transport. The proof of 

performance is at a lower level in this sector than elsewhere and this is reflected in the following 

table: 

HFO-1234ze(E) HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

gaseous liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance 0 + + 0

Flammability ++ +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- -- --

Process Versatility + + + +
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 95

5.4.3 Barriers and restrictions

The major barriers to the substitution of alternatives in the panel sector are not primarily related to 

the technologies available but to the wide range of enterprises involved (both in size and location) 

and the broad spectrum of applications served. Versatility is a key necessity for any technology in the 

discontinuous sector, but no single solution has emerged as being as versatile as the ozone depleting 

substances replaced. This may act as a deterrent to early phase-out of the remaining HCFC use in 

Article 5 enterprises where local requirements need to be matched. 

5.5 Polyurethane - spray

Polyurethane spray foam has been used for many years as an efficient means of insulating structures 

which would be difficult to insulate in other ways, because of shape or location An example would be 

that of an insulated road tanker. Another would be the insulation of large flat roofs which may not be 

as flat as might be presumed! More recently, however, polyurethane spray foams have emerged as a 

vital component of renovation strategies for existing buildings. Again, the efficiency and versatility 

of application, as well as the relative durability and thermal efficiency are all characteristics which 

have contributed to the rapid growth of PU spray foam in both developed and developing regions. 

 

5.5.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The commercially available technologies have been largely referenced already in the narrative, but 

can be summarised as follows: 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Spray foam

Cyclopentane & n-Pentane Low GWP Highly flammable Unsafe to use in this application

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP Industry standard

Good foam properties

High operating costs but 

improved by using mixed 

HFC/ CO2 (water)

CO2 (water) Low GWP

Moderate foam properties 

-high thermal conductivity 

& high densityExtra thickness leading to a cost 

penalty

Non-flammable

Methyl Formate Low GWP

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

Safety concerns when used for 

this application

It is important to note that the impacts of the saturated HFCs have been reduced by co-blowing with 

CO2 (water) in order to deliver a lower overall global warming impact. However, one of the other 

major drivers has been to reduce cost. As will be seen in Section 5.5.2, this may be an important 

approach for the future. 

HCOs (most notably methyl formate) have also been used for some PU spray work. The potential of 

supplying the system to site as blended polyol is believed to contribute to the management of risk, but it is 

still unclear whether the hazards seen with hydrocarbons in confined spaces have been avoided using the 

slightly less flammable methyl formate. Work continues in this area, although some systems are already 

being used commercially. The performance of these ODS alternatives against the criteria for this report can 

be summarised as follows: 
96 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

HFC-245fa HFC365mfc/227ea Super-critical CO2 CO2(water) Methyl 

Formate

Proof of performance +++ +++ ++ ++ +

Flammability ++ +(+) ++ +++ --

Other Health & Safety + + + - 0

Global Warming -- --- ++ ++ ++

Other Environmental 0 0 + ++ -

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ 0 ++ 0

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- + ++ ++

Process Versatility ++ ++ + + +

5.5.2 Emerging alternatives

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Spray foam

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs Low GWP

High operating costs but 

improved by using mixed 

HFC/ CO2 (water)

First expected commercialisation 

from 2013

Non-flammable Trials in progress

Low incremental capital cost

Alongside the appliance sector, the PU spray foam sector is attracting the most interest for potential 

adoption of the unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs. The rapid growth rate for the sector overall, the absence of 

serious low-GWP contenders and the fact that relatively high emission rates make the climate impact 

more immediate all align to encourage the manufacturers to focus on this application. 

The cost of the alternatives remains the key question but this consideration is slightly diffused by the 

fact that the CO2(water) technology developed around HFC-245fa and HC-365mfc/227ea looks 

transferable to the unsaturated blowing agents as well. Manufacturers are in the process of field trials 

and the development of fairly sophisticated life cycle assessments to ensure that they have assessed 

the environmental impacts correctly. The co-blowing solution does not detract significantly from the 

overall thermal performance of the foam and the introduction of a low-GWP solution of this type 

would clear the way for widespread use of PU spray foam in a wide variety of refurbishment 

applications over the next 30-50 years as global attention focuses increasingly on building energy 

efficiency in existing stock. A summary of these blowing agents against the report criteria is as 

follows: 

HFO-1234ze(E) HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

gaseous liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance 0 ++ ++ 0

Flammability ++ +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- -- --

Process Versatility + ++ ++ +
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 97

5.5.3 Barriers and restrictions

Since the future of the sector rests largely on the emerging technologies, the main barriers relate to 

the economics and availability of the unsaturated blowing agents. Much of the PU spray foam activity 

in China remains reliant on HCFC-141b and there is reluctance to make a transition to a sub-optimal 

solution when an emerging technology could out-perform it within 5 years. Various strategies are 

being considered including a two-step option via saturated HFCs. However, there is a need to gain 

commitment to the second conversion at the outset. 

5.6 Polyurethane – in-situ/block

One of the enduring advantages of polyurethane chemistry in general, and polyurethane foams in 

particular, is their ability to meet a broad range of applications. Since these applications can be 

diverse, ranging from cavity filling (e.g. buoyancy on leisure boats) to the fabrication of complex 

shapes required for pipe and flange insulation, the in-situ and block processes provide a resource to 

meet these needs. Self-evidently, these applications are also difficult to track in any organised way 

since they vary so much. Nevertheless, it is possible to track the manufacturing facilities that provide 

these products and services.

5.6.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The commercially available alternatives to HCFCs in the in-situ and block sectors are summarised in 

the following table:

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Insulated pipes (pipe-in-pipe for district central heating systems)and other in-situ systems

Cyclopentane 

Low GWP Highly flammable High incremental capital cost

Low operating costs Industry standard

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP

Good foam properties High operating costs 

CO2 (water)

Low GWP

Moderate foam properties 

-high thermal 

conductivityNon flammable

Block foams for various applications including panels, pipe insulation section, etc

Cyclopentane & n-Pentane 

Low GWP Highly flammable High conversion costs, may be 

uneconomic for SMEs

Low operating costs Well proven technology

Good foam properties

HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low conversion costs

Good foam properties

High operating costs but 

improved by using mixed 

HFC/ CO2 (water)

CO2 (water)

Low GWP

Moderate foam properties 

-high thermal conductivity 

& poor ageingExtra thickness leading to a cost 

penalty

Non flammable

As with other thermal insulation sectors, saturated HFCs are used in block foams with a CO2(water) 

co-blowing agent to limit climate impact and also to optimise the cost/performance relationship. It 

has generally been found that levels of saturated HFC can be lowered in these formulations to around 

50-60% of the blowing agent mix without having a detrimental effect on thermal performance. The 

blowing agent criteria for block and in-situ foams are shown below. In some instances, more than one 
98 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

rating is providing reflecting the fact that there is a disparate set of processes represented in this 

category. 

c-pentane n-pentane HFC-245fa HFC365mfc/227ea CO2(water)

Proof of performance +/++ +/++ ++ ++ ++

Flammability --- --- ++ +(+) +++

Other Health & Safety 0 0 + + -

Global Warming +++ +++ -- --- ++

Other Environmental - - 0 0 ++

Cost Effectiveness (C) -- --- ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) ++ +++ -- -- +

Process Versatility ++ ++ ++ ++/+++ +/++

 

5.6.2 Emerging alternatives

In this instance, the Task Force has chosen to categorise methyl formate in the emerging alternative 

category. This reflects the fact that some of the applications across the sector have yet to be trialled 

using this HCO blowing agent. There are expected to be some limitations based on densities 

achievable and risks of corrosion with some equipment, but the availability of a relatively low cost, 

low-GWP solution with lower flammability than the pentanes may still prove of relevance for the 

sector going forward. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PU FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Block foams for various applications including panels, pipe insulation section, etc

HCO (Methyl Formate) Low GWP Higher density required Density increase necessary 

through role of MF as a solvent 

Liquid Unsaturated HFC/HCFCs 

(HFOs

Low GWP High operating costs Trials in progress

Non-flammable 

The option of liquid unsaturated HCFCs/HFCs in this sector is legitimate, but there is some concern 

that price and geographic availability may be significant limiting factors. Again, co-blowing with 

CO2 (water) may prove helpful for cost reasons, but uptake is expected to be more limited than in 

other sectors of the foam industry. The following table shows an assessment against the report 

criteria: 

Methyl Formate HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance 0/+ ++ ++ 0

Flammability -- +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- -- --

Process Versatility + ++ ++ ++

5.6.3 Barriers and restrictions

One of the major barriers to transition in this sector is the size and location of the enterprises 

involved. The provision of sophisticated low-GWP alternatives does not extend easily to these more 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 99

diffuse networks and the effectiveness of transitions relies massively on the competence and 

commitment of the systems houses supplying the small and micro-enterprises. Efforts are needed to 

raise the profile of these operations with blowing agent technology providers and their supply 

networks. 

5.7 Polyurethane – integral skin

Integral skin foams are the one group of foams which are not primarily used for thermal insulation 

purposes. They sub-divide into two types – ‘rigid integral skin’ (typically items such as steering 

wheels in automobiles) and ‘flexible integral skin’ (typically covering items such as shoe soles and 

some packaging foams). As the name suggests, the primary feature of integral skin products is their 

ability to encapsulate a relatively low density core (for weight saving purposes) with an integrated 

skin which is made from the same material and in the same process. As a polymer, polyurethane is 

particularly versatile in forming a resilient skin when moulded and this provides a level of utility 

which is rarely seen in other product types. 

5.7.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The following table lists the commercially available options as of today: 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR INTEGRAL SKIN PU FOAMS FOR TRANSPORT & 

FURNITURE APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Integral skin foams

CO2 (water) 

Low GWP Poor skin quality Suitable skin may require inmould-coating – added expense

Low conversion costs Well proven in application if skin 

acceptable

n-Pentane

Low GWP Highly flammable High conversion costs, may be 

uneconomic for SMEs

Low operating costs Low operating costs

Good skin quality Well proven in application

Shoe-soles

CO2 (water) 

Low GWP Well proven in application with 

polyester polyol technology

Low conversion costs

Skin quality suitable for 

sports shoe mid-soles

HFC-134a or HFC-245fa Used to give required 

skin in town shoes High GWP/Cost

The specific ranking of these blowing agent options is shown in the table below. 

 n-pentane HFC-134a HFC-245fa CO2(water)

Proof of performance ++ ++ + ++

Flammability --- +++ ++ +++

Other Health & Safety 0 + + -

Global Warming +++ --- --- ++

Other Environmental - 0 0 ++

Cost Effectiveness (C) --- ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) +++ -- -- +

Process Versatility ++ ++ ++ 0
100 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

5.7.2 Emerging alternatives

The area of most interest with respect to emerging technologies is the potential use of oxygenated 

hydrocarbons (HCOs). Both methyl formate and methylal are being considered for these applications 

and the early indications are that they could be significant future alternatives in the sector. Although 

both a flammable, the level of flammability is less than that associated with pure hydrocarbons. There 

is also the potential that systems houses may be able to formulate blended systems in such a way as to 

avoid flammability issues in the workplace. One area of concern for methyl formate is the potential 

corrosion of moulds, but at the levels of addition, this may not be a problem in practice. The other 

issue relating to both HCOs the high solvency power of the blowing agents which could lead to some 

softening of the skins. The following table summarises the issues: 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR INTEGRAL SKIN PU FOAMS FOR TRANSPORT & 

FURNITURE APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Integral skin foams

Methyl formate

Low GWP

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

Moderate conversion costs 

Good skin quality Moderate operating 

costs

Newly proven in application 

Methylal

Low GWP

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

High conversion costs, may be 

uneconomic for SMEs

Good skin quality Moderate operating 

costs

No industrial experience 

Shoe-soles

Methyl formate

Low GWP

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

Moderate conversion costs 

Good skin quality Moderate operating 

costs

Newly proven in application 

Methylal

Low GWP

Flammable although 

blends with polyols may 

not be flammable

High conversion costs, may be 

uneconomic for SMEs

Good skin quality Moderate operating 

costs

No industrial experience 

Again, the specific performance ranking of the blowing agents is shown in the table below: 

Methylal Methyl Formate

Proof of performance + ++

Flammability -- --

Other Health & Safety 0 0

Global Warming ++ ++

Other Environmental - -

Cost Effectiveness (C) + 0

Cost Effectiveness (O) ++ ++

Process Versatility +(+) +(+)

It is noteworthy to mention that unsaturated HFCs/HCFCs are not seen as a realistic emerging 

technology in this sector because of the cost implications and the lack of any significant performance 

enhancement. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 101

5.7.3 Barriers and restrictions

There are no fundamental barriers to the introduction of the emerging technologies, although pilot 

projects on the pre-blending of HCOs in polyols will be necessary. There have been some concerns in 

the past about the implications of the limited supplier base and access to intellectual property, 

although these have been largely addressed. However, the biggest challenge to the replacement of any 

remaining use of ozone depleting substances will be the roll-out of these technologies on a 

sufficiently widespread basis. 

If the widespread introduction of HCOs can be successful, there is likely to be the gradual 

replacement of both saturated HFCs (HFC-134a and HFC-245fa) and CO2(water) blown technologies. 

The replacement of saturated HFCs, will certain deliver some additional climate benefits. 

5.8 Extruded polystyrene - board

Extruded polystyrene board is unique amongst the foam sectors considered in this report in that it is 

blown exclusively with gaseous blowing agents. This is a consequence of the extrusion process. 

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) should not be confused with expanded polystyrene (EPS – also 

sometimes called ‘bead foam’) which uses pre-expanded beads of polystyrene containing pentane. 

EPS has never used ozone depleting substances and is seldom addressed in UNEP Reports for the 

Montreal Protocol. XPS is used primarily as a building insulation and often competes with PU 

boardstock. Its particular competitive advantage is in relation to its moisture resistance which makes 

it especially useful for under-floor insulation applications. There is another form of XPS known as 

‘Sheet’ which is typically used for non-insulating applications such as leisure products (e.g. surf 

boards) and packaging materials. XPS sheet exited from CFC use early in the history of the Montreal 

Protocol and has used hydrocarbons almost exclusively ever since. 

5.8.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The following table illustrates the commercially available alternatives in the extruded polystyrene 

sector: 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR XPS FOAM

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Extruded Polystyrene Foams 

Butane Low GWP Highly flammable

Low operating costs

HFC-134a/HFC-152a

Non-flammable High GWP

Good foam properties, 

especially thermal 

performance

Medium/high operating 

costs

CO2 /Ethanol/DME

Low GWP, low unit cost Small operation 

window

Difficult to process especially for 

more than 50mm thickness board 

Non-flammable Flammable co-blowing 

agent

Need ethanol and DME as coblowing agent 

As described earlier in this section, these three alternatives describe the primary options available in 

each of the three main non-Article 5 regions of the world. It should be noted that blends of saturated 

HFCs (HFC-134a/HFC-152a) are substantially used in Europe and, to a lesser extent in Japan, 

primarily by smaller producers who do not have the access to CO2 technology or serve markets that 

cannot accept the flammability of hydrocarbon solutions. The assessment of these blowing agents via 

the criteria of this report is shown in the following table: 
102 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

 butane HFC-134a/

HFC-152a

CO2 with ethanol 

or DME

Proof of performance ++ +++ ++

Flammability --- +++ ++

Other Health & Safety 0 + +

Global Warming +++ --- +++

Other Environmental - 0 0

Cost Effectiveness (C) -- ++ ---

Cost Effectiveness (O) +++ -- ++

Process Versatility ++ ++ +

5.8.2 Emerging alternatives

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR XPS FOAM

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Extruded Polystyrene Foams 

Gaseous unsaturated HFCs 

(HFOs) Low GWP High unit cost Semi-commercial availability –under evaluation

For all the reasons expressed in this section, there is considerable interest in the potential of 

unsaturated gaseous HCFCs/HFCs as either blowing agents or co-blowing agents with HCOs such as 

ethanol or dimethyl ether (DME). The technological solution has the potential of becoming a relative 

standard in the industry, but the key deciding factor in that respect will be the cost. This aspect is 

reflected in the criteria assessment below: 

HFO-1234ze(E)

Gaseous

Proof of performance +

Flammability ++

Other Health & Safety +

Global Warming +++

Other Environmental +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) --

Process Versatility ++

5.8.3 Barriers and restrictions

For the HCFC consuming market in China and elsewhere, the challenge is to decide whether there is 

a transitional option that moves to a low-GWP alternative before the availability of unsaturated HFCs 

such as HFO-1234ze(E) is secured. It is clear that hydrocarbons would have been an obvious option 

and that would have been a high priority for a number of producers in China operating under the 

HCFC Phase-out Management Plan there. However, in recent years, there have been a series of fires 

(mostly in the construction phase of major building projects) which have caused a reaction against 

organic insulation materials in general and XPS in particular. One of the underlying problems has 

been the inconsistency in use of flame retardants within XPS formulations, with recycled feedstock 

not being properly characterised in some instance. The XPS industry is making a strong case that 

properly formulated XPS board can be used safely throughout its lifecycle, but these developments 

have created a further barrier to the introduction of hydrocarbons as blowing agents at this sensitive 

time. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 103

The introduction of unsaturated HFCs will certainly avoid such a controversy, but the availability of 

such technology in Article 5 Parties is uncertain – particularly when the technology is yet to be 

commercially adopted elsewhere. There is also the unanswered question concerning the impact on 

cost. A temporary switch to saturated HFC blends could ensure that the Montreal Protocol objectives 

are met, but this will do little to benefit the climate when over 1 billion tonnes of CO2-eq could be 

avoided by a more benign solution. 

5.9 Phenolic foams

Phenolic foams are manufactured by a number of different processes, many of which shadow those 

already discussed for polyurethane foams. The largest markets for the product are as phenolic 

boardstock (manufactured by continuous lamination) and block foams, used primarily for fabricating 

pipe work insulation. Although the product made an entry into the North American market in the 

early 1980s, the particular technology was dogged with problems. As a result, there is little use of 

phenolic foam in that region today. However, successful phenolic boardstock technologies emerged 

in both Europe and Japan, with sales of the product continuing to grow, not only because of overall 

increases in the demand for thermal insulation, but also because of gains in market share. Phenolic 

foam’s main competitive advantage rests in its intrinsic fire and smoke properties. However, since it 

is made by an emulsion process, it also offers smaller cells which result in improved thermal 

performance. More recently, the product has begun to emerge on the Chinese market - in part as a 

response to concerns over recent fires. 

The use of phenolic foam as pipework insulation also stems from the intrinsic fire and smoke 

properties of the product and the growth of the product’s use has been particularly strong in regions 

where internal fire regulations are strict or where the high rise nature of construction requires 

additional fire precautions. 

5.9.1 Commercially available alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances 

The following table sets out the commercially available alternatives for the phenolic foam sector: 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PF FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Continuous processes (including flexibly-faced lamination and pipe section manufacture)

n- pentane/iso-pentane 

Low GWP Highly flammable High incremental capital cost

Low operating costs Industry standard

Good foam properties

HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP

Good foam properties High operating costs 

2-chloropropane

Low GWP Negligible ODP 

Non flammable

Block foams for various applications including panels, pipe insulation section, etc

HFC-365mfc/277ea

Non-flammable High GWP Low conversion costs

Good foam properties

High operating costs but 

improved by using mixed

HFC/ CO2 (water)

The lack of low-GWP alternatives for discontinuous block foams signals the need for further work in 

this area. However, the ranking of these options against the report criteria can be summarised as 

follows:
104 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

n-pentane

i-pentane

2-chloropropane HFC-365/227ea

Proof of performance +++ +++ +

Flammability --- 0 ++

Other Health & Safety 0 0 +

Global Warming +++ +++ ---

Other Environmental - 0 0

Cost Effectiveness (C) --- - ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) +++ + --

Process Versatility ++ + ++

5.9.2 Emerging alternatives

As with other sectors, there is considerable focus on the potential of unsaturated HFCs/HCFCs. 

HCFC REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR PF FOAM FOR BUILDING/ CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

SECTOR/OPTION PROS CONS COMMENTS

Continuous processes (including flexibly-faced lamination and pipe section manufacture)

Unsaturated HFC/HCFC liquids

Non-flammable Low conversion costs Limited trials at this stage

Good foam properties High operating costs 

Block foams for various applications including panels, pipe insulation section, etc

Unsaturated HFC/HCFC liquids

Non-flammable Low conversion costs Limited trials at this stage

Good foam properties High operating costs

One drawback for the adoption of this technology in phenolic foam is that there is no CO2(water) coblowing to offset some of the cost. Another option might be to use unsaturated HFCs/HCFCs as 

components of blends with hydrocarbons or other blowing agents. However, care will need to be 

taken with discontinuous block foams to avoid process flammability issues. The following table 

summarises the current status of these emerging options with respect to phenolic foam.

HFO-1336mzzm(Z) HFO-1233zd(E) AFA-L1

liquid liquid liquid

Proof of performance 0 - --

Flammability +++ +++ +++

Other Health & Safety + + +

Global Warming +++ +++ +++

Other Environmental + + +

Cost Effectiveness (C) ++ ++ ++

Cost Effectiveness (O) -- -- --

Process Versatility +(+) +(+) +(+)

5.9.3 Barriers and restrictions

The main technical barriers to the transition to unsaturated HFCs/HCFCs have already been set out in 

the previous section and these need to be addressed in a first stage assessment. However, even if the 

technical hurdles are overcome, the investment case may not be compelling for the transition out of 

saturated HFCs in the discontinuous block foam sector in view of the small quantities consumed. It 

may require market pressure on the continued use of saturated HFCs or evidence of significant 

thermal performance improvements to provide additional support for the next transition step. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 105

6 Fire protection alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances

6.1 Introduction 

This section addresses the requirements of “Decision XXIV/7: Additional information on alternatives 

to ozone-depleting substances” (given in chapter 1) as it pertains to fire protection. The Halons 

Technical Options Committee (HTOC) has provided these responses at the request of the Task Force 

addressing the Decision.

The production and consumption of halons used in fire protection ceased in non-Article 5 Parties on 

January 1, 1994 and ceased elsewhere on January 1, 2010. The production and consumption of 

HCFCs for use in fire protection continues. Ozone depleting substances (ODS) used as fire 

extinguishants possess unique efficacy and safety properties that serve as a basis of fire protection 

systems where the application of water (by hose stream or sprinkler heads), dry chemical agents, or 

aqueous salt solutions is problematic, especially in high-value commercial electronics environments 

and in military systems, to name only two of many applications where such systems had many serious 

technical disadvantages. 

Development of alternatives to ODS fire extinguishing agents, beginning in the early 1990’s, has 

progressed steadily and is now relatively mature. Interest remains, however, in development of new 

alternatives that offer further advancements in efficacy, safety, and environmental characteristics. 

This section summarises the alternatives to ODS fire extinguishing agents that have achieved a 

significant presence in the marketplace, their key physical, safety, and environmental characteristics, 

and the status of prospective new alternatives that have yet to be commercialised. 

The following terms, used in the tables below, have the meanings indicted. 

Efficacy refers to suitability for fire extinguishing. Values of minimum design concentrations (MDC) 

are given for Class A and Class B hazards. [6]

Agent toxicity is benchmarked against the maximum agent concentration in air for which use in 

normally occupied spaces is allowed in many jurisdictions. The exposure limit for halogenated agents 

is related to inhalation toxicity and the risk of causing an adverse cardiac effect. The exposure limit is 

usually one of the following: [7]

(a) the NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) value; or

(b) the LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) value; or

(c) a value based on PBPK (physiologically-based pharmaco-kinetic) modeling.

For the use of inert gas agents, other than carbon dioxide, in normally occupied spaces, the limiting 

agent concentration is related to the minimum allowed residual oxygen concentration achieved after 

discharge. On this basis the limiting inert gas agent concentration has been set at 52 vol% (See ISO 

14520-1).

Carbon dioxide is not suitable for use as a total flooding fire extinguishing agent in normally 

occupied spaces owing to its toxicity. 

Safety characteristics are taken to mean with respect to aspects of an agent that relate to safe 

operational and handling activities.

Environmental characteristic refers to ozone depletion potential (ODP) and GWP (100-year Global 

Warming Potential) or other characteristics, if applicable.

6

See ISO 14520 parts 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15

7

See ISO 14520-1:2006, Annex G (informative), Safe personnel exposure guidelines.
106 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

The use of ODS in fire protection applications in high ambient temperatures and high urban density 

cities does not require special attention, i.e. they have no impact on the use. 

The use of ODS in fire protection applications at low ambient temperatures (< -20 C) is addressed. 

6.2 Response to Question 1(a)

6.2.1 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives to ODS for total flooding fire 

protection using fixed systems

In the tables below, cost effectiveness is represented by an index that is benchmarked against carbon 

dioxide total flooding systems, averaged over a wide range of application sizes, exclusive of the cost 

of pipe, fittings and installation and is based on 2003 data. Owing to commercial confidentiality, it 

has not been possible to use more current data, but nevertheless the indices are believed to be 

relatively accurate.

6.2.1.1 Halocarbon Agents (with ODP zero) 

Agent FK-5-1-12 HFC-23 HFC-125 HFC-227ea

Efficacy For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A)8= 5.3 

vol%

MDC(B) = 5.9 

vol%

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 16.3 

vol%

MDC(B) = 16.4 

vol%

 Suitable for 

inerting some 

flammable 

atmospheres at 

concentrations 

< LOAEL value. 

 Suitable for use at 

low temp (< -20 C).

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 11.2 

vol%

MDC(B) = 12.1 

vol%

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 7.9 

vol%

MDC(B) = 9.0 

vol%

Toxicity NOAEL = 10 vol% 

LOAEL > 10 vol%

NOAEL = 30 vol%

LOAEL > 30 vol%

NOAEL = 7.5 

vol%

LOAEL = 10 vol%

 Approved for use 

in occupied spaces 

at up to 11.5 vol% 

based on PBPK 

modelling.

NOAEL = 9 vol%

LOAEL = 10.5 

vol%

 Approved for use 

in occupied spaces 

at up to 10.5 vol% 

based on PBPK 

modelling.

Some acidic decomposition products are formed when a halogenated fire extinguishing 

agent extinguishes a fire.

Safety 

Characteristics

Liquid at 20 C

B.P. = 49.2 C

Liquefied. 

Compressed gas.

B.P. = -82 C

Liquefied 

compressed gas.

B.P. = -48.1 C

Liquefied 

compressed gas.

B.P. = -16.4C

[9] GWP GWP = 1[10] GWP = 12 000 GWP = 3400 GWP = 3500

Cost-Effectiveness, 

avg. 500-5000 m3 

volume (2003 data)

~1.7 to 2.0 ~2.0 to 2.3 Not available ~1.5

8 MDC(A) and MDC(B) refer to the minimum design concentration for a Class A or Class B fire hazard.

9

100-year GWP, IPCC Third Assessment Report: Climate Change 2001

10 Reported by manufacturer 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 107

6.2.1.2 Inert Gas Agents

Agent IG-01 IG-100 IG-55 IG-541

Efficacy For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 41.9 

vol%

MDC(B) = 51 

vol%

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 40.3 

vol%

MDC(B) = 43.7 

vol%

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 40.3 

vol%

MDC(B) = 47.5 

vol%

For use in occupied 

spaces

MDC(A) = 39.9 

vol%

MDC(B) = 41.2 

vol%

Toxicity 52 vol% limit for 5 min. Egress

Safety 

Characteristics

High-pressure compressed gas up to 300 bar

Environmental 

Characteristics

No adverse characteristics

Cost-Effectiveness, 

avg. for 500 to 

5000 m3 volume 

(2003 data)

~1.8 ~1.8 ~1.8 ~1.8

6.2.1.3 Carbon Dioxide

Agent Carbon dioxide, CO2

Efficacy For use in unoccupied spaces

Basic design concentration = 34 vol% for a “material factor” of 1.

Design concentrations for specific combustible materials are determined by 

multiplying the basic design concentration by an applicable material factor. [11]

Toxicity Progressively more severe physiological effects as exposure concentration increases, 

especially above 10 vol%. Carbon dioxide concentrations that exceed 17 vol% 

present an immediate risk to life. [12]

Pre-discharge alarm and discharge time delay required.

Safety 

Characteristics

Liquefied compressed gas 

Storage pressure:

High-pressure cylinder: 55.8 bar at 20 C

Low-pressure tanks (refrigerated): 21 bar at -18 C

Sublimes at -78.5 C at atmospheric pressure; cold exposure hazard.

Vapours are denser than air and can accumulate in low-lying spaces. 

Environmental 

Characteristics GWP = 1

Cost-Effectiveness, 

avg. for 500 to 

5000 m3 volume 

(2003 data)

1

11 See ISO 6183:2009 

12 See U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon Dioxide as a Fire Suppressant: Examining the Risks,” 

February 2000.
108 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

6.2.1.4 Water Mist Technology

Agent Water mist

Efficacy For use in occupied spaces.

Uses ~1/10th water as a traditional sprinkler system to suppress fires, where tested.

Toxicity None

Safety 

Characteristics No adverse safety characteristics

Environmental 

Characteristics No adverse characteristics

Cost-Effectiveness, 

avg. for a 3000 m3

application space

~2 

6.2.1.5 Inert Gas Generators

Agent Inert gas by pyrotechnic generator

Efficacy For use in occupied spaces.

Toxicity None for generators that produce nitrogen or nitrogen-water vapour 

Safety 

Characteristics

Potentially hot-gas discharge; potential hot surfaces of generator body. Insulating 

consideration required by generator manufacturer.

Environmental 

Characteristics No adverse characteristics

Cost-Effectiveness Not available 

6.2.1.6 Fine Solid Particles (Powders)

Agent Fine solid particles 

Efficacy For use in normally unoccupied spaces.

Toxicity Precautions require evacuation of spaces before discharge. 

Safety 

Characteristics

For establishments manufacturing the agent or filling, installing, or servicing 

containers or systems to be used in total flooding applications, United States EPA 

recommends the following:

- adequate ventilation should be in place to reduce airborne exposure to constituents 

of agent;

- an eye wash fountain and quick drench facility should be close to the production 

area;

- training for safe handling procedures should be provided to all employees that 

would be likely to handle containers of the agent or extinguishing units filled with 

the agent; 

- workers responsible for clean-up should allow for maximum settling of all 

particulates before re-entering area and wear appropriate protective equipment

Environmental 

Characteristics No adverse characteristics

Cost-Effectiveness Not available 

6.2.2 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives to ODS for local application 

fire protection using portable systems

In the tables below, cost effectiveness is represented by an index benchmarked against the 

approximate cost of a portable carbon dioxide extinguisher unit that has a UL 10B rating. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 109

6.2.2.1 Carbon Dioxide

Agent Carbon dioxide, CO2

Efficacy For use on Class B fires

Can be used on most electrically energised equipment fires.

Toxicity High exposure risk where carbon dioxide gas accumulates in confined spaces that 

may be entered by personnel. 

Safety 

Characteristics

Liquefied compressed gas 

Storage pressure: 55.8 bar at 20 C

Solid CO2 (“dry ice”) sublimes at -78.5 C at atmospheric pressure.

Presents a cold-exposure hazard.

Vapours usually flow to floor level so personnel exposure risk is normally low. 

Environmental 

Characteristics GWP = 1

Cost-Effectiveness 1

6.2.2.2 Halogenated Agents

Agent Halogenated agents 

Efficacy For use on Class A fires 

For use on Class B fires

For use on fires involving electrified equipment

Toxicity Vapour exposure risk usually low. 

Vapour toxicity low to moderate.

Safety 

Characteristics

Pressurised hand-held container. 

Environmental 

Characteristics HFC agents: ODP = 0; GWP = 1430 to 9810 [13]

Cost-Effectiveness Varies from about 1 to about 2

6.2.2.3 Dry Chemical

Agent Dry chemical 

Efficacy For use on Class A fires 

For use on Class B fires

For use on fires involving electrified equipment

Dry chemical applied to some electrical or sensitive equipment may cause damage 

otherwise not caused by a fire.

Toxicity Low

Safety 

Characteristics Pressurised containers 

Environmental 

Characteristics Low environmental risk

Cost-Effectiveness ~ 0.2 

13 IPCC 4th Assessment Report: Climate Change, 2007. 1.
110 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

6.2.2.4 Water

Agent Water, straight stream , ~9 litre

Efficacy Where approved for use on Class A fires, water-stream extinguishers should not be 

used on fires involving electrified equipment or that involve materials that are 

reactive with water (e.g. metals).

Not suitable for Class B fires.

Water applied to some electrical or sensitive equipment may cause damage 

otherwise not caused by a fire.

Toxicity Non-toxic

Safety 

Characteristics The possibility of electrocution if used on electrically energised equipment.

Environmental 

Characteristics No significant risk

Cost-Effectiveness ~0.5

6.2.2.5 Fine Water Spray

Agent Water, fine spray 

Efficacy For use on Class A fires including use on electrified equipment up to 10 kV. Not 

suitable for use on materials that are reactive with water (e.g. metals). 

Not suitable for Class B fires. 

Water applied to some electrical or sensitive equipment may cause damage 

otherwise not caused by a localised fire.

Toxicity Non-toxic

Safety 

Characteristics No adverse characteristics

Environmental 

Characteristics No significant risk

Cost-Effectiveness ~0.6 (~9 litre extinguisher unit; cost index compared to a 10B-rated CO2 unit)

6.2.2.6 Aqueous Salt Solutions

Agent Aqueous salt solutions, fine spray 

Efficacy For use on Class A fires not involving electrified equipment or materials that are 

reactive with water (e.g. metals). 

Suitability for use on Class B fires depends on formulation and means of delivery. 

Used on cooking oil fires where nozzle design limits splatter of hot oil.

Salt solutions may cause damage to some electrical equipment not otherwise 

damaged by fire.

Toxicity Varies from low to moderate.

Safety 

Characteristics

pH usually basic varying from 8 to 13. Possible short-exposure skin irritation 

depending on duration of exposure if wetted with agent. 

Environmental 

Characteristics No significant risk

Cost-Effectiveness ~0.7 to 1 (~9 litre extinguisher unit; cost index compared to a 10B-rated CO2 unit)
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 111

6.2.2.7 Aqueous Film-forming Foam

Agent Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) 

Efficacy For use on Class A fires not involving electrified equipment or materials that are 

reactive with water (e.g. metals). 

For use on Class B fires. 

Toxicity Moderate.

Safety 

Characteristics pH is approximately neutral, varying between about 6.5 and 8. 

Environmental 

Characteristics

Uncontained run-off of agent poses risks of contamination of soil, streams, and 

rivers.

Cost-Effectiveness ~0.6 (~9 litre extinguisher unit; cost index compared to a 10B-rated CO2 unit)

6.3 Response to Question 1(b)

6.3.1 Alternative total flooding agents under development for use in fixed systems

One chemical producer reports that significant progress has been made on a new, but as yet 

undisclosed, chemical agent. Physical, toxicological, and fire extinguishing properties have not yet 

been published. The chemical producer has an undetermined amount of additional work to complete 

in order to establish efficacy and approval under national and international standards. 

6.3.2 Alternative local application agents under development for use in portable systems

6.3.2.1 FK–6–1–14, C7 fluoro-ketone blend 

This substitute is a blend of two C7 isomers: 

3-Pentanone, 1,1,1,2,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)- 813-44-5 (55 – 65%)

3-Hexanone, 1,1,1,2,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-undecafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)- 813-45-6 (35 – 45%)

Currently under review for use as a streaming agent in non-residential applications. Product approval 

program to be completed.

6.3.2.2 2-BTP, 2-Bromo-3,3,3-Trifluoropropene, CAS#: 1514-82-5

This substitute has been under study for more than ten years and its fire extinguishing characteristics 

are closer to halon 1211 than any other alternative so far developed. 

Its environmental properties are: ODP ~ 0.003, GWP ~ 0.26

It is reported by one manufacturer that research on the efficacy of 2-BTP in some applications has 

looked sufficiently promising to continue development to achieve final approval.

Final performance research and toxicity testing remain to be completed.

For information on 2-BTP research see references.

6.4 Response to Question 1(c) 

Every fire hazard is unique and needs to be assessed by a fire protection engineer or other competent 

person skilled in modern fire protection technologies. Previously when using ODS for fire protection 

applications, the agent choice was usually very simple; halons were the agent-of-choice for fixed 

flooding applications, as well as for local application and portable applications. Today, the user is 
112 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

faced with a wide range of potential fire protection options, and they need to make a choice in a 

logical, hierarchical manner. 

Working through a logical decision process will lead the user to selection of a suitable ODSalternative fire extinguishing agent and system. In some cases there will be a different “weighting” 

among the several requirements. In some regions of the world there are economic barriers to the 

adoption of environmentally-sound alternatives. There are, however, no other barriers to adoption of 

an environmentally sound alternative to an ODS fire extinguishing system.

Several environmentally sound alternatives to ODS fire extinguishing agents for both total flooding 

and local applications uses have been introduced to the market. If an environmentally sound 

alternative agent works in any specific application there is no barrier to its adoption other than 

economic considerations. New environmentally sound alternatives are presently under development 

that may increase the number of applications where environmentally sound alternatives are

technically viable.

6.5 Response to Question 1(d)

The HTOC is of the opinion that it is not possible to report or even estimate values in response to the 

question posed.

The production of PFCs and HFCs for use in fire extinguishing systems and portable fire 

extinguishers as well as the production of alternatives (without negative environmental impacts) to 

these agents for uses in the same applications is performed by very few manufacturers, all of whom 

treat the information on their historical, present and projected production as proprietary. The required 

factual data is thus not available. So, without a clear understanding of these production levels for the 

alternatives without negative environmental impacts and also for the PFCs and HFCs, there is no 

basis for making a judgement about the overall utility of any alternatives in replacing PFCs and HFCs 

in the fire protection sector, and doing so may result in data that is misleading.

Regarding the PFCs, we can also say that the fire protection community has acted responsibly in 

dealing with what have turned out to be unsuitable alternatives from an environmental impact 

perspective. The subject of the use of PFCs was debated at the International Maritime Organization 

(IMO) over a three years period and in the end PFCs were prohibited in fire extinguishing systems on 

all merchant ship new builds. The IMO decision was based entirely on the availability of several 

HFCs that collectively could perform as well if not better than the PFCs in shipboard applications and 

at the same time present a more favourable environmental impact. The prohibition of PFCs by IMO 

led to the collapse of any demand for the agent as other major industries, e.g., oil and gas production, 

followed suit, and led to the manufacturer abandoning the products.

However, the need for chemical agents remains as inert gases, water mist and other agents are not 

suitable for many fire protection applications that had previously used halon. HFCs have filled that 

role and, since about 2005 a fluoroketone (FK) has increasingly become more accepted – cost was 

initially a barrier but its physical properties also make it unsuitable in some applications, e.g., 

aviation and use in very cold climates.

With respect to HFCs, as stated above, although specific production data has not been provided, 

according to one HFC producer, estimates for volumes sold 2008-2012 (see the following table), are 

reasonably accurate and the percent over that time frame, world-wide, is fairly constant ±3-5%. Note 

this is not GWP weighted or emissions, just raw tonnage sold globally. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 113

Sector Percentage

Refrigeration 68%

Foam Expansion 23%

Propellants 5%

Pharmaceutical 1.1%

Fire Protection 1.0%

Electronic Gases 0.3%

Cleaning 0.17%

Miscellaneous 1.43%

Unlike the other sectors, fire protection is highly regulated and there are design standards that have to 

be followed in consideration of life safety and property protection. As the agents are very valuable 

and are easily contained, recycling of HFCs in this sector is already mature.

The fire protection industry is still evaluating alternatives that have low environmental impacts. In 

addition, the Halons Technical Options Committee is assessing regional biases in fire protection 

agent, systems and costs across the spectrum of available choices, which may provide additional 

clarity on market penetration options for low environmental impact agents in the future. 

6.6 Response to Question 1(e)

The use of HCFCs in fire protection is declining, with the only total flood agent being provided for 

the maintenance of legacy systems that are themselves phasing out. Only HCFC-123 is used in any 

quantity in portable extinguishers and if the development of 2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene proves 

to be commercially successful, owing to its fire extinguishing characteristics being closer to halon 

1211 and it having a low environmental impact, it would be the natural replacement for it and halon 

1211 – particularly in the aviation industry.

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 115

7 Solvents

7.1 Introduction

This section provides the updated information on alternatives that are used for solvent applications to 

addresses the requirements of “Decision XXIV/7”, which is given in chapter 1.

Solvents are widely used as process agents in a variety of industrial manufacturing processes 

although they are not contained in the final products to consumers. The main applications of solvents 

are metal cleaning, electronics cleaning, precision cleaning. Then career solvents and heat transfer 

media have minor shares.

Among ODSs controlled by Montreal Protocol, CFC-113 and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) use as 

solvents were banned in both of Article-5 and non-Article 5 countries except one essential use 

exemption. 

Several reports that describe the use of HCFCs in solvent applications have been published in the 

past. These include the IPCC TEAP Special Report, the TEAP Decision XXI/9 Task Force Report, 

XXIII/9 Task Force Report, and the Assessment Reports of CTOC and STOC.

Among ODSs controlled by Montreal Protocol, CFC-113 and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) use as 

solvents were banned in both of Article-5 and non-Article 5 countries except one essential use 

exemption. 

The only HCFC solvents currently used are HCFC-141b and HCFC-225ca/cb with ODP of 0.11 and 

0.025/0.033 and GWP-100yr of 713 and 120/586, respectively. Although HCFC-141b use as solvents 

in non-Article 5 countries was banned by 2010, its use in Article 5 countries may still be increasing.

HCFC-225ca/cb has been used as drop-in replacement for CFC-113 in many cases, as it resembles 

CFC-113 in its chemical and physical properties. It is higher in cost compared to CFC-113 and the 

market for it seems to remain only in Japan and USA with consumption of the order of thousand 

metric tons level.

The elimination of HCFCs from solvent applications still leaves many options available. Many 

alternative solvents and technologies developed so far since 1980s are the candidates for HCFC 

alternatives, which include, not- in kind technologies such as aqueous cleaning, semi-aqueous 

cleanings, hydrocarbon and alcoholic solvents, and in-kind solvents such as chlorinated solvents, a 

brominated solvent, and fluorinated solvents with various levels of acceptance. However, no single 

option seems well suited to replace HCFCs completely. 

The following terms, used in the tables below, have meanings as given. 

Efficacy refers to suitability for solvent applications. It indicates merits of the agents in cleaning 

performances 

Toxicity refers to Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). As solvents

are usually used as process agent in the cleaning process, their toxicity concerns are mainly focused 

on the allowable exposure limit to those who works in the process.

Safety characteristics refer to flammability of agents. The flash point and the combustible range are 

also noted in in-kind solvents.

Environmental characteristic refers to ozone depletion potential (ODP) and GWP (100-year Global 

Warming Potential) or other characteristics, if applicable

Cost effectiveness refers to investment cost and solvent cost. Due to the wide variety of alternatives 

available to replace HCFCs, a full discussion of the costs of these alternatives is not practical. So the 

capital investment is roughly compares as one time cost and solvent cost is roughly compared as 

operating cost. Solvent cost is classified as shown below.

Solvent Cost ($/kg): A=~5, B=5~10, C=11~20, D=21~50, E=51~80
116 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

7.2 Response to Question 1(a)

7.2.1 Commercially available, technically proven alternatives for solvent cleanings

7.2.1.1 Not-in-kind alternatives

Aqueous cleaning

Agent Water, surfactant, alkali/acidic agent , other additives

Efficacy Applicable to wide range of materials and parts to be cleaned by choosing additives

Toxicity Depend on additives

Safety Characteristics Non flammable

Corrosive when alkali or acidic agents are used

Environmental 

Characteristics

ODP: 0

GWP: 0

Waste water treatment is necessary

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Very large

A-B

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

Semi-aqueous cleaning

Agent Glycol ethers/water, terpenes, Glycol ethers

Efficacy Applicable to wide range of materials and parts to be cleaned

Toxicity Low to moderate (depend on organic solvents used)

Safety Characteristics Some organic solvents are flammable. Explosion proof equipments are necessary 

in the case.

Environmental 

Characteristics

ODP: 0

GWP: low

Waste water treatment is necessary

VOC

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Very large

A~D

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

These aqueous and semi-aqueous processes can be good substitutes for metal degreasing or even

electronics and precision cleaning when corrosion of the materials is not an issue. The availability of 

good quality water and water disposal issues need to be taken care of, right from the start of the 

process conception. Some aqueous cleaning processes have a low environmental impact (no VOC, 

low GWP, no ODP) and a low toxicity. However, others involving additives may emit VOCs and use 

toxic and corrosive chemicals. Investment costs can be high but operating costs are generally lower 

than those with solvents alternatives.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 117

Hydrocarbon solvent cleaning

Agent n-Paraffin, iso-Paraffin, aromatic solvents

Efficacy High solvency to oil and grease

Toxicity Low to moderate (depend on solvents)

Safety Characteristics Flammable: to avoid explosion, the solvents with high flash points (>55°C)

are used. Explosion proof equipments are necessary

Environmental 

Characteristics

ODP: 0

GWP: low

VOC

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Large

A – C

Difficult

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

This process has proven to be a good solution with paraffin hydrocarbon formulations; cleaning is 

efficient but the non-volatile or less-volatile residues can be incompatible with some downstream 

manufacturing or finishes. Their environmental impact is low (low GWP, no ODP) but they are 

generally classified as VOC and emissions are subject to regulation. Their toxicity is also low. Owing 

to their combustibility (flashpoint > 55°C), they have to be used in open tank equipment at a

temperature at least 15°C below their flashpoint. 

Alcoholic solvents

Agent iso-propyl alcohol (IPA)

Efficacy High solvency to flux resin 

Toxicity (TLV or OEL) 200 ppm

Safety Characteristics Flammable

Explosion proof equipments are necessary

Environmental 

Characteristics

ODP: 0

GWP: low

VOC

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Large

A

Difficult

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

These substances have been used for many years in cleaning applications. IPA is the most popular 

solvent. Their cost and environmental impact are low (low GWP and zero ODP), but they are 

classified as VOCs and may contribute to ground level ozone pollution. Also they require explosion 

proof equipment. 
118 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

7.2.1.2 In-kind alternatives

Chlorinated solvents

Agent Trichloroethylene Tetrachloroethylene Dichloromethane

Boiling point 87 ̊C 121 ̊C 40 ̊C

Efficacy High solvency due to the presence of chlorine atom. Good to remove oil and 

grease. Incompatible with some materials

Toxicity*

TLV or OEL(USA) 10ppm 25ppm 50ppm

Safety Characteristics*

Flash point 

Combustible range

None

8-10.5[vol%]

none

none

none

13-23[vol%]

Environmental 

Characteristics*

ODP:0.005

GWP:5

Lifetime: 13days

ODP:0.005

GWP:12

Lifetime: 0.3yrs

ODP:0.005

GWP:9

Lifetime: 0.38yrs

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Medium

A

Possible

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

The primary in-kind substitute for TCA has been the chlorinated alternatives such as 

trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and methylene chloride. These substitutes have very small 

(0.005-0.007) ozone depletion potentials and are generally classed as zero-ODP. They have similar 

cleaning properties to TCA. Therefore, material compatibility of cleaned parts must be checked if 

HCFCs are replaced by these chlorinated solvents. 

Brominated solvents

Agent n-Propyl bromide

Boiling point 72 ̊C

Efficacy* High solvency due to the presence of bromine atom. Good to remove 

oil and grease. Incompatible with some materials

Toxicity TLV or OEL(USA)* (0.1ppm)

Safety Characteristics*

Flash point 

Combustible range

None

None

Environmental Characteristics* ODP: 0.0049-0.01

GWP: very low

Lifetime: 20~25days

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Medium 

C

Possible

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

A brominated solvent, n-propyl bromide has been another alternative for TCA and CFC-113 because 

of its similar cleaning properties. However, there has been significant concern about the toxicity of npropyl bromide. ACGIH proposed the reduction of the TLV for n-propyl bromide from 10 ppm to 0.1 

ppm in February 2012. No additional information has been announced yet. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 119

HFC solvents

Agent HFC-43-10mee HFC-365mfc HFC-c447ef

Boiling point 55 ̊C 40 ̊C 82 ̊C

Efficacy* Easy drying, good material compatibility due to their mild solvency

Toxicity*

TLV or OEL(USA) 200 ppm 1000 ppm** 120 ppm

Safety Characteristics*

Flash point 

Combustible range

None

None

≤27 ̊C**

3.6~13.3 [vol%]**

None

None

Environmental 

Characteristics*

ODP: 0

GWP: 1640

Lifetime: 15.9yrs

ODP: 0

GWP: 794

Lifetime: 7.0yrs

ODP: 0

GWP: 250

Lifetime: 3.4yrs

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Medium 

C – E

Possible

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

**Data were supplied by the manufacturers

Although HFCs are available in all regions, their uses have been primarily in non-Article 5 countries, 

due to relatively high cost and important demands in high tech industries. On account of increasing 

concern about their high GWP, uses are focused in critical applications for which there are no other 

substitutes. Therefore, growth is expected to be minimal.

HFE solvents

Agent HFE-449s1 HFE-569sf1 HFE-64-13s1 HFE-347pc-f2

61 ̊C 72 ̊C 98 ̊C 56 ̊C

Efficacy* Easy drying, good material compatibility due to their mild solvency

Toxicity*

TLV or OEL(USA) 750ppm 200ppm 100ppm 50ppm

Safety Characteristics*

Flash point 

Combustible range

None

None

None

2.1~10.7[vol%]

None

None

None

None

Environmental 

Characteristics

ODP: 0

GWP: 297

Lifetime: 3.8yrs

ODP: 0

GWP: 59

Lifetime: 0.77yrs

ODP: 0

GWP: 210

Lifetime: 3.8yrs

ODP: 0

GWP: 580

Lifetime: 7.1yrs

Cost Effectiveness*

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Medium

D – E

Possible

*May 2012 TEAP Task Force Report

HFE (hydrofluoroether) is a new homologue of fluorinated solvents. All of these compounds are used 

as replacements for CFCs, HCFCs and are potential replacement for high GWP HFC solvents. The 

pure HFEs are limited in use in cleaning applications owing to their mild solvency. Therefore HFEs 

are usually used as azeotropic blends with other solvents such as alcohols and trans-1,2-

dichloroethylene and in co-solvent cleaning processes giving them broader cleaning efficacy. The 

relatively high cost of these materials limits their use compared to lower cost solvents such as 

chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbons. 
120 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

7.3 Response to Question 1(b)

7.3.1 Alternatives Under Development

7.3.1.1 Unsaturated solvents (HFOs and HCFOs)

Agent HCFO-1233zd

Boiling point 19  ̊C

Efficacy Easy drying, good material compatibility, good solvency to 

common soils

Toxicity TLV or OEL(USA) 300ppm**

Safety Characteristics**

Flash point 

Combustible range

None

None

Environmental Characteristics*** ODP: 0.00024~0.00034

GWP: 4.7~7

Cost Effectiveness

Investment cost

Solvent cost

Retrofitting

Medium

(C- D)

Possible: chiller unit must be strengthened to minimise the 

emission.

*** Federal Register Volume 78, Number 32

Recently unsaturated fluorochemicals such as HFOs and HCFOs have been proposed. They are a new 

class of solvents specifically designed with a low atmospheric lifetime. The unsaturated molecules 

are known to be unstable in the atmosphere and therefore they show these low atmospheric lifetimes. 

HFOs with zero ODP and ultra low GWP (<10) are being developed for the replacement of high 

GWP HFC and low or moderate GWP HFE solvents. They also could be candidates to replace 

HCFCs in certain solvent applications.

HCFO-1233zd (trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene) is now announced for its commercial 

production. It has an atmospheric lifetime of less than one month and a (100 year) GWP smaller than 

5. The ODP is negligibly small due to its very short atmospheric lifetime. Due to the balanced 

solvency, HCFO solvents are potential replacements for HCFCs and potential high GWP HFC 

solvents.

7.4 Response to Question 1(c) 

7.4.1 Barrier and restrictions; the feasibility of options to HCFCs in solvents

The next three tables summarise the feasibility of the alternative solvents in metals cleaning (Table 7-

1), electronics cleaning (Table 7-2) and precision cleaning (Table 7-3).
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 121

Table 7-1: Metals cleaning *1

Cleaning Cost GWP ODP Others

HCFC-225ca/HCFC-225cb Good Difficult C C ODS D

HCFC-141b Good Good C D ODS C

Trichloroethylene

Perchloroethylene

Dichloromethane

Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant A

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(Blending with other solvents) Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-B

Brominated solvents n-Propyl bromide Good Good A B C

HFEs

 HFE-449s1

 HFE-569sf1

 HFE-347pcf2

(Blending with other solvents)

Difficult Difficult B-C A D-E

HFCs

HFC-43-10mee

 HFC-365mfc

(Blending with other solvents)

Difficult Difficult C- A C-E

Unsaturated Fluorocarbons(HFOs, HCFOs)

HCFO-1233zd

Difficult to

Good Difficult A A C-E

Hydorocarbons

n-Paraffine,

iso-Paraffin,

Aromatic solvents

Good Good - -

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-C

Siloxane Methyl siloxanes Good Difficult - - C-D

Semi-aqueous Glycol Ethers/Water

Terpenes, Glycol Ethers/ Water Good Difficult toGood - - Wastewater

Treatment

A-D

Alchoholic iso-Propyl alcohol Difficult Good - - VOC A-B

Aqueous Basic, Neutral, and Acidic systems Good Difficult to

Good - - Wastewater

Treatment

A-B

Others

Supercritical fluids,

Plasma cleaning,

UV / Ozone irradiation

Difficult Difficult - - - -

Chemical Name Feasibility Market

 Price*3

Fluorinated solvents

Chlorinated solvents

ODS Hydrochlorofluorocarbon

Environmental Effect*2

Alternatives

Classification

*1 Cleaning applications are classified according to the definition of SNAP (EPA /Significant New Alternatives Policy)

*2 Environmental Effect

GWP : A=~100 B=100~300, C=300~1000, D=1000~

ODP: A=~0.001, B=~0.01, C=~0.1, D=0.1~

*3 Market Price (May 2012 TEAP XXIII/9 Task Force Report)

Cost($/kg): A=~5, B=5~10, C=11~20, D=21~50, E=51~

Metal cleaning is removing contaminants such as cutting oils, grease, or metal fillings from metal 

parts. High solvency is required to solvents to remove such contaminants. The cleaning is generally 

cost sensitive because most of the metals to be cleaned are not so expensive. So the chlorinated 

solvents, brominated solvent and hydrocarbon solvents are widely used in this application. 
122 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Table 7-2: Electronics Cleaning *1

Cleaning Cost GWP ODP Others

ODS Hydrochlorofluorocarbon

HCFC-225ca/HCFC-225cb

HCFC-141b

(Blending with other solvents)

Good Good C C-D ODS C-D

Trichloroethylene

Perchloroethylene

Dichloromethane

Difficult to

Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant A

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(Blending with other solvents)

Difficult to

Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-B

Brominated solvents n-Propyl bromide Difficult to

Good Good A B C

HFEs

 HFE-449s1

 HFE-569sf1

 HFE-347pcf2

Difficult Good

(Blending with other solvents) Difficult to

Good Good

HFCs

HFC-43-10mee

HFC-365mfc

Difficult Good

(Blending with other solvents) Difficult to

Good Good

Unsaturated Fluorocarbons(HFOs, HCFOs)

HCFO-1233zd

Difficult to

Good Good A A C - E

Hydorocarbons

n-Paraffine

iso-Paraffin

Aromatic solvents

Good Good - -

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-C

Semi-aqueous Glycol Ethers/Water

Terpenes, Glycol Ethers/ Water Good Difficult toGood - - Wastewater

Treatment A-D

Alchoholic iso-Propyl alcohol Good Good - - VOC A-B

Aqueous Basic, Neutral, and Acidic systems Good Difficult to

Good - - Wastewater

Treatment

A-B

Others

Supercritical fluids

Plasma cleaning

UV / Ozone irradiation

Good Difficult to

Good - - - -

Classification Chemical Name

CFluorinated solvents

Environmental Effect* Feasibility 2 Market

Price*3

B-C A D-E

Alternatives

A C-E

Chlorinated solvents

*1 Cleaning applications are classified according to the definition of SNAP (EPA /Significant New Alternatives Policy)

*2 Environmental Effect GWP : A=~100 B=100~300, C=300~1000, D=1000~ ODP: A=~0.001, B=~0.01, C=~0.1, D=0.1~

*3 Market Price (May 2012 TEAP XXIII/9 Task Force Report)

Cost($/kg): A=~5, B=5~10, C=11~20, D=21~50, E=51~

Electronics cleaning is removing contaminants, primarily solder flux residues, from electronics or 

circuit boards. Milder solvency is required in this cleaning so that the parts to be cleaned may not be 

damaged during the process. In the case of HFCs and HFEs, blending with other solvents is 

commonly applied to enhance the solvency.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 123

Table 7-3: Precision cleaning *1

Cleaning Cost GWP ODP Others

ODS Hydrochlorofluorocarbon HCFC-225ca/HCFC-225cb

HCFC-141b Good Good C C-D ODS C-D

Chlorinated solvents

Trichloroethylene

Perchloroethylene

Dichloromethane

Difficult to

Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant A

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

(Blending with other solvents)

Difficult to

Good Good A B

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-B

Brominated solvents n-Propyl bromide Difficult to

Good Good A B C

HFEs

 HFE-449s1

 HFE-569sf1

 HFE-347pcf2

(Blending with other solvents)

Good Good B-C A D-E

HFCs

HFC-43-10mee

 HFC-365mfc

(Blending with other solvents)

Good Good C- A C-E

Unsaturated Fluorocarbons(HFOs, HCFOs)

HCFO-1233zd Good Good A A C-E

Hydorocarbons

n-Paraffine

iso-Paraffin

Aromatic solvents

Difficult Good - -

VOC Water&Soil

Pollutant

A-C

Semi-aqueous Glycol Ethers/Water

Terpenes, Glycol Ethers/ Water Good Good - - Wastewater

Treatment

A-D

Alchoholic Iso-Propyl alcohol Good Good - - VOC A-B

Aqueous Basic, Neutral, and Acidic systems Good Good - - Wastewater

Treatment A-B

Others

Supercritical fluids

Plasma cleaning

UV / Ozone irradiation

Good Difficult to

Good - - - -

Alternatives

Feasibility Environmental Effect*2 Market

 Price*

Classification Chemical Name 3

Fluorinated solvents

*1 Cleaning applications are classified according to the definition of SNAP (EPA /Significant New Alternatives Policy)

*2 Environmental Effect GWP : A=~100 B=100~300, C=300~1000, D=1000~ ODP: A=~0.001, B=~0.01, C=~0.1, D=0.1~

*3 Market Price (May 2012 TEAP XXIII/9 Task Force Report)

Cost($/kg): A=~5, B=5~10, C=11~20, D=21~50, E=51~

Precision cleaning is cleaning to a specific grade of cleanliness in order for products to maintain their 

value. Generally the solvent cost is not an issue because the cleaning performance is quite important 

rather than the cost performance in this cleaning. Depending on the required cleanliness level, 

materials used in the cleaned parts, the shape of cleaned parts, wide variety of solvents can be the 

alternative candidates to HCFCs.

Although the conversion of HCFCs to alternative solvents has been taken place steadily in each 

application, the following should be considered when replacing HCFCs. 

In the case of not in-kind solvent cleanings, some conversion to aqueous cleaning is likely but there 

are limits to its use because some products/processes simply can’t tolerate water. There is also the 

additional requirement that an aqueous cleaning step be followed by a drying step which can be 

energy-intensive and need more floor space. 

Hydrocarbons and alcohols are effective solvents but are extremely flammable. Engineering controls, 

some of which are costly, can reduce the risk but flammability concerns may constrain growth. 

Additionally, most of the commonly used hydrocarbons are VOCs, which may further constrain 

growth in some countries.
124 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

As for in-kind solvents, chlorinated solvents will be available as replacements for HCFCs in a variety 

of cleaning applications owing to their high solvency. However, large-scale conversions to 

chlorinated solvents would seem unlikely because of toxicity concerns. Those solvency powers are 

more aggressive than those of HCFCs. Therefore material compatibility should be evaluated carefully 

when HCFCs are replaced by chlorinated solvents.

n-PB is an effective and useful solvent but widespread growth in its use would seem unlikely because 

of toxicity concerns. ACGIH announced the reduction of the TLV for n-propyl bromide from 10ppm 

to 0.1ppm in February 2012. 

HFC and HFEs are also good candidates for the replacement for HCFCs. Due to their mild solvency, 

however, some modification may be necessary when HCFCs are replaced by HFCs and HFEs. All of 

HFCs and HFEs have zero ODP. Their GWP values vary depending on their structures. The relatively 

high cost of these materials limits their use.

Furthermore, unsaturated HFCs and HCFCs (HFOs and HCFOs) are also stated to be under 

development for the replacement of high GWP HFC and low or moderate GWP HFE solvents. Both 

HFOs and HCFOs have ultra low GWPs. HFOs also could be candidates to replace HCFCs in certain 

solvent applications. HCFO-trans-1233zd has a high solvency with common soils and may be used as 

a direct replacement for HCFCs. The relatively high cost of these materials would limit their use.

7.5 Response to Question 1(d)

The CTOC is of the opinion that it is not possible to report or even estimate values in response to the 

question posed. However, it should be noted that more than 90% of the ODS solvent use has been 

reduced already through conservation and substitution with not-in-kind technologies.

7.6 Response to Question 1(e)

Recently unsaturated fluorochemicals such as HFOs and HCFOs have been proposed. They are a new 

class of solvents specifically designed with a low atmospheric lifetime. The unsaturated molecules 

are known to be unstable in the atmosphere and therefore they show these low atmospheric lifetimes. 

Among them, HCFOs are unique in their balanced solvency due to the presence of chlorine and 

fluorine atom in the molecule. If HCFOs with appropriate boiling points, low toxicity and enough

stability to the practical use be on market, they may replace HCFCs totally.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 125

8 Dealing with what can be avoided in the period to 2020

8.1 What can be avoided in future – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

8.1.1 Introduction and methodology

Chapter 2 gives an adequate overview of the approaches that can be applied in the RAC and foams 

sectors for the calculation of the amounts with negative environmental impact that could have been 

and the amounts that can be avoided.

In the case of refrigeration and air conditioning, one has to deal with a number of subsectors and subsubsectors, each having a number of ODS alternatives in the different sub-subsectors. The fact that 

each of these alternatives is applied with a certain preference in specific equipment (and again often 

under certain conditions), this combined with the fact that the amounts in banks (present in the 

equipment) need recharging (i.e., servicing) over their lifetime (which is assumed to be 15 years) 

substantially complicates all matters for the calculations of Negative Environmental Impact. It 

implies that it is in fact impossible to go back to 1990 and look at the amounts that could have been 

avoided. In that case one would have to define a starting point (i.e., the year 1990) where there is still 

a large amount of equipment (the installed base) in operation from the period 1975-1990, which will 

have a large impact on the refrigerant needs for servicing (integrated in tonnes and in carbon dioxide 

equivalent units). This is not dependent on whether one selects certain alternatives in whatever RAC 

subsectors in the years after 1990. It is for this reason, that for the RAC sector, it has been decided to 

not further go into the determination of amounts with negative environmental impact that could have 

been avoided. 

A BAU case (or scenario) for the calculation of consumption and emissions (banks) has been chosen 

as published by Clodic and co-workers (RTOC, 2010; UNEP, 2009). This BAU case covers the 

period 1990-2015 and considers all subsectors (and sub-subsectors) of refrigeration and air 

conditioning. It also considers the application of ODS, well as the application of ODS replacements, 

such as HFCs and other refrigerants (including low GWP refrigerants) after a certain starting point in 

time (dependent on the type of country, i.e., Article 5 or non-Article 5, and dependent on the specific 

refrigerant).

For this study, the BAU case referred to above has been expanded towards 2020, so that the various 

amounts (of different refrigerants) consumed in new manufacture and in servicing can be calculated 

for the entire period 2013-2020 (low amounts of low GWP refrigerants have been taken into 

consideration until 2013, a significant uptake is assumed as of the year 2013).

The best way to calculate all the amounts with negative environmental impacts that can be avoided as 

of the year 2013, would be to consider all subsectors and sub-subsectors and all possible (or 

available) refrigerants. However, this would lead to an enormous amount of modelling, since the 

construction of Excel work-sheets to go through the specific refrigerant issues for one subsector 

would already cost several days for a real expert. It has therefore been decided to look in a first 

instance at the two main important subsectors where a change from HCFCs to high GWP HFCs or 

other alternatives is taking place, without that any conversion in manufacture or in products (retrofits) 

from high GWP HFCs to lower GWP refrigerants is being considered.

Of course, the change from HFC-134a to low GWP substances in the subsectors mobile air 

conditioning and domestic refrigeration is important. 

However, the size of the domestic refrigeration subsector is not too big and it could be left out at this 

stage; furthermore, it does not concern the phase-out of ODS in this subsector (but is related to the 

consequences of the ODS phase-out), which raises the question whether it should be addressed in this 
126 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

report. The size of the mobile air conditioning subsector is substantial where it concerns the use of 

refrigerant. This would certainly merit further study. However, also in the MAC subsector it does not 

concern a direct ODS phase-out process (but it is again related to the consequences of the ODS 

phase-out), which poses again the question in how far this subsector should be considered in this 

report. The aforementioned argument forms the reason why the amounts with negative environmental 

impact that could be avoided in the MAC subsector have been studied for this report but are only 

given in order to get an impression of the magnitudes involved in the MAC subsector compared to the 

subsectors stationary air conditioning and commercial refrigeration. 

Looking at the consumption, the banks and the emissions, the size of the transport refrigeration 

subsector is in the range of 1-3% of the two subsectors commercial refrigeration and stationary air 

conditioning combined. The large size (industrial) refrigeration sector may be in the order of up to 

5% of the two sectors commercial refrigeration and stationary air conditioning, but this would still be 

relatively small. Given the fact that the results of calculations, based on assumptions to be made, in 

the two main subsectors will definitely have uncertainties larger than 5%, it has been decided to not 

take into account the subsectors transport and large size refrigeration in this report. It then results in 

the consideration of two subsectors, the first one being commercial refrigeration with a number of 

sub-subsectors, each with specific refrigerants and alternative refrigerants, and the second one being 

stationary air conditioning.

The calculations have been done in such a manner that for the period 1990-2020 all the necessary 

refrigerants have been considered, which can be grouped as CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs and other 

alternatives (in essence, being the lower GWP alternatives). Assuming a certain servicing percentage 

of 15%, the amounts necessary in new manufacture and servicing were calculated for the entire 1990-

2020 period (one has to realise that what happens in the year 2013 is a consequence of which bank of 

refrigerants in equipment has been built up between the 1990s and 2013 (dependent on the lifetime of 

the equipment). The calculations as mentioned above will result in amounts of especially HCFCs, 

high-GWP HFCs as well as lower GWP alternatives, in particular for the period 2013-2020.

Targets have been set (based upon best estimates by experts and Task Force members) for the 

penetration rate in the new manufacture of products using different ODS alternatives in the two 

subsectors, all expressed in percentages. In modelling, the penetration rate of the different 

alternatives is then assumed to grow (or decrease) with a certain percentage per year, in this way 

reaching a pre-set percentage for the year 2020. Values are assumed to be different for Article 5 and 

non-Article 5 countries as given below for the two subsectors concerned. 

It should be mentioned here that the BAU case shows growth over the entire 2013-2020 period 

considered, i.e., the assumed economic growth. The calculations made for Article 5 and non-Article 5 

countries assume different growth percentages for each group, i.e., for non-Article 5 countries 4.2% 

and 4.9% and for Article 5 countries 7.9% and 13.0% in stationary air conditioning and commercial 

refrigeration, respectively). 

The output that is important is the amount of tonnes of all non- HCFCs (i.e., HFCs having a low 

GWP and a high GWP, plus other low GWP alternatives) used in new manufacture over the period 

2013-2020. In this way one can calculate the amounts in tonnes that can be avoided in future (this is 

in fact the amount of high GWP HFCs that can be avoided), and this amount could also be expressed 

in tonnes CO2 equivalent, looking at the mix of lower GWP alternatives that is supposed to enter the 

new manufacture process. The numbers for the servicing amounts automatically follow from this 

calculation via the calculation of banks, which determines the servicing amounts. The introduction of 

lower GWP alternatives in new manufacture (i.e., in new products) will decrease the amounts of high 

GWP substances involved in servicing (these are again amounts that can be avoided). For the ease of 

doing the calculations, the servicing percentages of equipment with different refrigerants are assumed 

to be the same. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 127

8.1.2 Stationary air conditioning

The percentage values set for the penetration of the various refrigerants in the year 2020 are as 

follows

Table 8-1: Percentage penetration of the different refrigerants assumed in the year 2020

Country type/

Refrigerant type

Low GWP (HCs, 

HFCs, CO2, etc.) 

with GWP < 150

HFC-32 and blends 

with GWP < 750

HFC-134a, R-407C, 

R-410A (and similar)

HCFC-22

Article 5 10 20 40 30

Non-Article 5 10 15 75 0

In tonnes the following can be shown for both manufacture and servicing in both non-Article 5 and 

Article 5 countries

8.1.2.1 Non-Article 5 countries

Table 8-2: Consumption in ktonnes for the different types of refrigerants in non-Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for stationary air conditioning

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlterNativesTotal

2015 0 90.9 10.2 101.1 23.9 141.1 10.2 175.4

2020 0 81.9 27.3 109.2 10.7 157.8 38.0 206.5

Aggr. 13-20 0 705.9 122.9 828.7 159.6 1171.0 151.0 1481.7

The table above shows that in the year 2020, 38 ktonnes of high GWP substances can be avoided via 

lower GWP substances, which is 18.4% of the total in ktonnes. Integrated over the period 2013-2020, 

the percentage that can be avoided would be 10.2% (151 ktonnes in the total of 1480 ktonnes). 

Table 8-3: Consumption in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in non-Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for stationary air conditioning

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlterNativesTotal HCFC HFC AlterNativesTotal

(no alternatives)*

2015 0 180.9 4.7 185.6 42.7 276.8 4.7 324.2 (324.1)

2020 0 165.1 12.6 177.7 19.1 310.6 17.5 347.2 (404.6)

Aggr. 13-20 0 1409 57 1466 286 2297 69 2652 (2879)

Note: numbers in parentheses give the amounts in case no alternatives with lower GWP would be considered, a 

sort of base case

In a first instance the totals have to be calculated as if no change to alternatives would take place (no 

amounts avoided, result in parentheses); a second result is the one with the use of lower GWP 

alternatives (right column, number without parentheses).

In the year 2020, 57.4percentage t Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided (in a total of 405 Mt CO2-eq.). This 

amounts to 14.2% of the total negative environmental impact. Aggregated over the period 2013-2020, 

the hat can be avoided would be 7.9% (difference of 227 Mt in a total of 2879 Mt CO2-eq.). 
128 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

8.1.2.2 Non-Article 5 countries

Table 8-4: Consumption in ktonnes for the different types of refrigerants in Article 5 countries for the period 

2013-2020, for stationary air conditioning

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

2015 173.7 77.4 25.3 276.4 330.7 78.7 25.3 434.7

2020 67.5 90.0 67.5 225.0 245.2 92.1 94.1 431.3

Aggregated

2013-20 1134.4 649.8 303.8 2088.0 2440.9 661.8 373.3 3476.1

The table above shows that in the year 2020, 94 ktonnes of high GWP substances can be avoided via 

lower GWP substances which is 21.8% of the total in ktonnes. Aggregated over the period 2013-

2020, the percentage that can be avoided would be 10.7% (373 ktonnes in the total of 3476 ktonnes). 

Table 8-5: Consumption in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for stationary air conditioning

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 310.8 153.1 12.9 476.8 591.9 155.1 12.9 759.9 (796.9)*

2020 120.8 177.9 34.3 333.0 438.8 181.4 47.8 668.1 (805.4)

Aggregated

2013-20 2031 1284 154 3469 286 2297 69 5863 (6409)

Note: numbers in parentheses give the amounts in case no alternatives with lower GWP would be considered, a 

sort of base case

In a first instance the totals have to be calculated as if no change to alternatives would take place (no 

amounts avoided); a second result is the one with the use of lower GWP alternatives (right column).

In the year 2020, 37 Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided (in a total of 797 CO2-eq.). This amounts to 4.6% of 

the total negative environmental impact. Aggregated over the period 2013-2020, the percentage that 

can be avoided would be 8.5% (546 Mt in a total of 6409 Mt CO2-eq.). 

8.1.2.4 All countries

Table 8-6: Consumption in ktonnes and in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in all countries 

for the period 2013-2020, for stationary air conditioning

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 354.6 220.0 35.6 610.1 634.6 431.9 17.6 1084.1 (1136.3)

2020 255.8 249.9 132.1 637.9 457.9 492.0 65.3 1015.3 (1113.9)

Aggregated

2013-20 2600.6 1832.8 524.3 4957.8 4655 3601 259 8515 (9288)

Looking at the sum of the numbers for both Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries, the following can 

be mentioned.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 129

In the year 2020, 99 Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided in a total of about 1114 Mt CO2-eq. This amounts to 

8.9% of the total negative environmental impact. Aggregated over the period 2013-2020, the 

percentage that can be avoided would be 8.3% (773 Mt CO2-eq. in a total of 8883 Mt CO2-eq.). 

8.1.3 Commercial refrigeration

Rather than looking at commercial refrigeration as one subsector, one should first study the subsubsectors stand-alone products, condensing units and larger supermarkets. Using market shares in 

the total for the three sub-subsectors and penetration percentages for lower GWP alternatives in each 

of these subsectors, one can calculate the penetration percentages for the year 2020 for the different 

refrigerants for both Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries. 

Table 8-7: Market shares of the three sub-subsectors in commercial refrigeration

Stand alone products Condensing units Large supermarkets

Article 5 7 47 46

Non-Article 5 10 50 40

Table 8-8: Percentage penetration of the different refrigerants in the year 2020 (Article 5)

Low GWP (HCs, 

HFCs, CO2, etc.) 

with GWP < 150

HFC-32 and 

blends with GWP 

< 750

HFCs R-404A/507 HCFC-22

Stand-alone 40 0 60 0 0

Condensing units 10 0 40 10 40

Large supermarkets 20 0 30 10 40

Table 8-9: Percentage penetration of the different refrigerants in the year 2020 (non-Article 5)

Low GWP (HCs, 

HFCs, CO2, etc.) 

with GWP < 150

HFC-32 and 

blends with GWP 

< 750

HFCs R-404A/507 HCFC-22

Stand-alone 60 10 30 0 0

Condensing units 10 15 75 0 0

Large supermarkets 30 10 60 0 0

Table 8-10: Percentage penetration of the different refrigerants in the year 2020

Country type/

Refrigerant type

Low GWP (HCs, 

HFCs, CO2, etc.) 

with GWP<150

HFC-32 and 

blends with 

GWP<750

HFCs R-404A/507 HCFC-22

Article 5 20 5 30 10 35

Non-Article 5 30 15 55 0 0

In tonnes the following can be shown for both manufacture and servicing in both Article 5 and nonArticle 5 countries.

8.1.3.1 Non-Article 5 countries

The table below shows that in the year 2020, 23 ktonnes of high GWP substances can be avoided via 

the use of lower GWP substances, which is 34% of the total in ktonnes. Aggregated over the period 

2013-2020, the percentage that can be avoided would be 20.2% (97 ktonnes in the total of 480 

ktonnes). 
130 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Table 8-11: Consumption in ktonnes for the different types of refrigerants in non-Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for commercial refrigeration

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC 

[R-404A etc]**

AlterNativesTotal HCFC HFC

[R-404A etc]

AlternativesTotal

2015 0 9.2 [9.3]** 6.3 24.7 3.0 9.9 [36.2] 7.1 56.1

2020 0 19.8 [0] 16.2 36.0 0.7 21.8 [22.8] 23.4 68.7

Aggregated

2013-20 0 98.8 [52.3] 73.9 22.4 18.7 107.6 [257.2] 97.0 480.6

**Note: the number in square brackets denotes the (separate) amount of R-404A and R-507; the total of HFCs 

is the sum of the number outside the square brackets plus the number inside

The table above shows that in the year 2020, 23 ktonnes of high GWP substances can be avoided via 

lower GWP substances, which is 34% of the total in ktonnes. Integrated over the period 2013-2020, 

the percentage that can be avoided would be 20.2% (97 ktonnes in the total of 480 ktonnes). 

Table 8-12: Consumption in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in non-Article 5 countries for 

the period 2013-2020, for commercial refrigeration

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC

[R-404A]

AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC

[R-404A]

AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 0 12.5 

[34.6]

1.6 48.7 5.6 13.5 

[134.1]

1.6 154.8 (175.9)

2020 0 27.1 

[0]

4.3 31.4 1.2 29.9

[84.7]

6 121.8 (259.3)

Aggregated

2013-20 0 135 [194] 19 348 35 147 [954] 23 1160 (2348)

In the year 2020, 137.5 Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided (in a total of 259 Mt CO2-eq.). This amounts to 

53% of the total negative environmental impact. Integrated over the period 2013-2020, the percentage 

that can be avoided would be 50.6% (1188 Mt in a total of 2348 Mt CO2-eq.). The percentages are 

huge because the amounts of R-404A are being phased out via the use of low GWP alternatives, plus 

that HCFC new manufacture is zero and servicing amounts of HCFC-22 are decreasing. 

8.1.3.2 Article 5 countries

Table 8-13: Consumption in ktonnes for the different types of refrigerants in Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for commercial refrigeration

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC 

[R-404A etc]

AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC

[R-404A etc]

AlternativesTotal

2015 42.3 17.9 [15.3] 11.7 87.2 154.2 18.5 [25.7] 11.7 210.2

2020 43.8 37.5 [12.5] 31.3 125.0 194.8 39.6 [29.7] 43.6 307.7

Aggregated

2013-20 342.0 190.2 [115.8] 140.6 788.4 1330.9 198.8 [215.1] 172.9 1917.7

The table above shows that in the year 2020, 44 ktonnes of high GWP substances can be avoided via

the use of lower GWP substances which is 14.2% of the total in ktonnes. Integrated over the period 

2013-2020, the percentage that can be avoided would be 9% (173 ktonnes in the total of 1918 

ktonnes). 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 131

Table 8-14: Consumption in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in Article 5 countries for the 

period 2013-2020, for commercial refrigeration

New manufacture Manufacture plus servicing

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC 

[R-404A 

etc]

AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC 

[R-404A 

etc]

AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 75.7 24.5 

[56.7]

2 158.9 276.1 25.4 

[95.1]

2 398.6 (428.6)

2020 78.3 51.4 

[46.3]

5.3 181.3 348.8 54.2 

[110.1]

7.4 520.5 (616.4)

Aggregated

2013-20 612 261 [429] 24 1326 2382 272 [797] 29 3480 (3898)

In the year 2020, 96 Mt CO2-eq. can be avoided (in a total of 616 Mt CO2-eq.). This amounts to 

15.6% of the total negative environmental impact. Integrated over the period 2013-2020, the 

percentage that can be avoided would be 10.7% (417 Mt in a total of 3898 Mt CO2-eq.). 

The amounts that can be avoided, expressed in Mt CO2-eq. are very sensitive to whether or not HCFC 

and HFC servicing amounts slowly decrease (from earlier new manufacture, just before 2013) during 

the period 2013-2020, whilst on the other hand the amount of penetration of lower GWP alternatives 

(expressed in percentage penetration) slowly increases as well.

8.1.3.3 All countries

Table 8-15: Consumption in ktonnes and in Mt CO2-eq for the different types of refrigerants in all countries 

for the period 2013-2020, for commercial refrigeration

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC

[R-404A]

AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC

[R-404A]

AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 157.3 28.4 [61.8] 18.8 266.2 281.7 38.9

[229.2]

3.6 553.4 (604.4)

2020 195.5 61.4 [52.5] 66.9 376.4 350 84.1 

[194.8]

13.4 642.3 (875.6)

Aggregated

2013-20 1349.7 306.3 [472.3] 269.9 2398.3 4655 3601 259 4640 (6245)

When taking the amounts to be avoided in Mt CO2-eq. from the table above, the percentage savings in 

the total is slightly more than 25% for the year 2020. It also is slightly more than 25% for the 

integrated amounts to be avoided over the period 2013-2020. This results from the combination of the 

high number for the amounts that can be avoided in non-Article 5 countries, combined with the lower 

percentages for the amounts that can be avoided in the total in Article 5 countries.

8.1.4 Both subsectors together

Looking at both subsectors (stationary air conditioning and commercial refrigeration), the total 

amounts can be calculated from the two summary tables (Tables 8-6 and 8-15), which are given once 

more below. 

In the case of commercial refrigeration the amounts of HFCs and the amounts of high GWP blends 

(R-404A and R-507) have been taken together, so that the amounts are comparable between the two 

subsectors and can be added to form totals. It should once more be realised that here, it concerns 

amounts, amounts in Mt CO2-eq. and percentages that are derived for a certain scenario with a 

number of assumptions:
132 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

- a certain consumption pattern during the period 1995-2012 for the subsectors

- a certain consumption pattern in separate Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries, which determines 

the specific starting point of 2012 (in tonnes for the various refrigerants in the various subsectors)

- a conservative servicing percentage (of the existing bank) of 15% per year

- an economic growth (and an extrapolated economic growth) taken from percentages over the 

period 2005-2012 (for separate countries or separate groups of countries) 

The two tables are given once more below, as well as a summary table.

Table for all countries, stationary air conditioning

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)*

2015 354.6 220.0 35.6 610.1 634.6 431.9 17.6 1084.1 (1136.3)

2020 255.8 249.9 132.1 637.9 457.9 492.0 65.3 1015.3 (1113.9)

Aggregated

2013-20 2600.6 1832.8 524.3 4957.8 4655 3601 259 8515 (9288)

Table for all countries, commercial refrigeration

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 157.3 90.2 18.8 266.3 281.7 268.1 3.6 553.4 (653.4)

2020 195.5 114.0 66.9 376.4 350.0 278.9 13.4 642.3 (875.6)

Aggregated

2013-20 1349.7 778.7 269.9 2398.3 2417 2170 53.0 4640 (6245)

Total consumption (ktonnes) Total consumption (Mt CO2-eq)

Year/

Substance

HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal HCFC HFC AlternativesTotal

(no alternatives)

2015 511.8 310.2 54.3 876.3 916.3 700.0 21.2 1637.5 (1740.7)

2020 451.4 363.9 199.1 1014.3 807.9 770.9 78.7 1657.6 (2085.7)

Aggregated

2013-20 3950.3 2611.5 794.2 7356.0 7072 5771 312 13155 (15533)

* Note; the amounts given in parentheses are the ones without using (lower GWP) alternatives 

Table 8-16: Total consumption for the various chemicals (in ktonnes and Mt CO2-eq.) for the subsectors 

stationary air conditioning and commercial refrigeration, for all countries (derived from 2 subtables above)

Looking at the totals for 2020 it can be observed that for the BAU case considered

 stationary air conditioning is twice as large as commercial refrigeration in ktonnes

 stationary air conditioning is 30% larger than commercial refrigeration without the application of 

lower GWP alternatives, is about 50% larger with the application of lower GWP alternatives

Looking at the aggregated values it can be observed that 

 stationary air conditioning is about twice as large in ktonnes, about 50% larger in Mt CO2-eq. if 

commercial refrigeration would apply HFCs

 stationary air conditioning would (again) be twice as large in Mt CO2-eq. if a large amount of 

lower GWP alternatives would be used instead of the refrigerants R-404A and R-507. 

In total, for all countries, for both new manufacture and servicing, 794 ktonnes can be avoided during 

the period 2013-2020, which is 11% of the total (7356 ktonnes). During that same period 2378 Mt 

CO2-eq. can be avoided, which is more than 15% of the total.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 133

It should be realised that these numbers are derived for 15% servicing. Should this percentage be 

substantially higher, the amounts that can be avoided calculated in percentages would decrease. This 

could be a subject for a more detailed scenario analysis.

In mobile air conditioning, replacements of HFC-134a by lower GWP chemicals have been studied as 

of the 1990’s, when there was still CFC-12 use, in particular in Article 5 countries (RTOC, 2010). 

Assuming that the use of CFC-12 has stopped, that all vehicles use HFC-134a, assumptions can be 

made on the penetration of low GWP alternatives in the year 2020. As an example, 80% penetration 

of low GWP alternatives has been assumed for non-Article 5 countries, 20% penetration for Article 5 

countries. Growth has been assumed for the MAC subsector, i.e., 2.2% per year in non-Article 5 

countries and 12.3% per year in Article 5 countries. To a certain degree, the servicing amounts will 

again determine the percentage of the amounts that can be avoided.

Aggregated for the period 2013-2020, for all countries, 184 ktonnes can be avoided from a total of 

1304 ktonnes, which equals 14%. Expressed in Mt CO2-eq. for that same period, 247 Mt CO2-eq. can 

be avoided from a total of 1791 Mt CO2-eq., which is 13.8% (the numbers should be more or less the 

same, since it only concerns amounts of HFC-134a that can be avoided, by a mix of low GWP 

alternatives, which give a very small contribution in Mt CO2-eq.). It should be emphasised here that 

the percentage of the amount that can be avoided for non-Article 5 countries would be higher than for 

Article 5 countries (17% vs. about 10%, in Mt CO2-eq., aggregated over 2013-2020).

An important observation is that the total amount aggregated over the period 2013-2020 would be 

1304 ktonnes for MAC (and 1791 Mt CO2-eq.), compared to 7356 ktonnes (and 15533 Mt CO2-eq.). 

It shows that the stationary air conditioning and commercial refrigeration sectors are 5-9 times larger 

than the MAC sector (dependent on whether in ktonnes or in Mt CO2-eq., under the current scenario 

for penetration and servicing percentages. It needs mentioning again that all amounts and percentages 

mentioned above are indicative, given the fact that it concerns a forecast for the subsectors 

considered, with estimates made (on the basis of historic knowledge) for a number of parameters.

8.2 What can be avoided in future – Foams

Moving forward to assess the potential for further savings, the period of assessment has been limited 

to 2013-2020 in view of the uncertainties surrounding market growth in the foam sector beyond that 

date. However, it should be noted that the potential savings will be under-estimated by taking this 

relatively cautious approach. The following four charts show the potential savings available assuming 

an immediate transition in 2013. While recognising that this is not possible in most cases, it does 

compensate to some extent for the relatively short assessment period: 
134 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Figure 8-1: Potential “Savings” achievable by adopting most favourable options (2013-2020)

Again, it should be noted that, although these savings are assumed to remove all of the remaining 

ozone and climate impacts for the period 2013-2020, the ozone-related incremental savings represent 

only 2.3% of the footprint that would have existed without the Montreal Protocol. Similarly, the 

removal of the remaining climate impacts only represents 13.3% of the climate footprint that would 

have existed without the Montreal Protocol. 

With HCFC Phase-out Management Plans now well into their first phase, it is clear that most of the 

significant sectors identified in Article 5 Parties are already being addressed. However, this is not 

necessarily the case in non-Article 5 Parties where the drivers for further transition need to come 

from the climate agenda, bearing in mind that the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances is already 

complete. Apart from regulatory intervention, one of the key drivers may ultimately be the 

improvement in thermal efficiency offered by low-GWP substitutes such as unsaturated HFCs, 

unsaturated HCFCs or blends containing them. 

It is clear that the timing of further transitions is less critical to the environment than was the case for 

CFC phase-out, where delay had substantial consequences. There are still some difficult transitions to 

address (e.g. in the XPS sector) and it may be that waiting for the maturing of emerging technologies 

will offer better long-term solutions than forcing the transition too soon. Where this is unavoidable 

because of ODS phase-out commitments, it may still be better to consider a low-cost interim solution 

in order allow for a subsequent transition. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 135

Table 8-17: Projected per-cent of high GWP blowing agent consumption by sector (2013-2020) 

non-A5 A5

PU Appliance 41.34% 41.34%

PU Boardstock 2.48% 0.00%

PU Panel 44.68% 78.60%

PU Spray 99.63% 100.00%

PU In-situ/Block 36.08% 99.64%

XPS Board 81.84% 99.98%

Phenolic 15.98% 32.51%

Total 35.61% 48.37%

Polyurethane – appliance 

Polyurethane foam is now the insulation of choice for over 95% of the global market. There is 

increasing interest in the use of vacuum panels in some quarters, but the market penetration is 

expected to be limited to highly energy-sensitive areas of a cabinet, since cost remains an issue.

Table 8-17 indicates that just over 40% of global consumption of blowing agent in the period from 

2013 to 2020 will be based on high-GWP materials. This is primarily driven by consumption in North 

America, where the use of HFC-245fa remains substantial. However, as shown in Figure 8-2 below, 

if low-GWP alternatives could be adopted immediately in non-Article 5 Parties, the climate impact 

would be reduced by approximately 175,000 ktCO2-eq. in the period to 2020. In practice, the likely 

substitutes in North America will be unsaturated HFCs (HFOs), or blends containing them, so 

commercial availability will be a factor. 

It is likely that transitions, if they occur, will not commence before late 2014 or early 2015, meaning 

that cumulative avoided consumption in the period to 2020 will do well to exceed 100,000 ktCO2-eq. 

Similarly, the amount of avoided consumption of high GWP blowing agents in the period will be of 

the order of 100,000 tonnes based on these forecasts. 

Figure 8-2: Projected PU appliance consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance
136 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

In Article 5 Parties, the primary transition being faced is from HCFC-141b with just over 200,000 

tonnes of consumption expected through to 2020 in a business-as-usual scenario. An assessment of 

the current HPMPs shows that the primary substitute will be hydrocarbon, with additional 

proportions of methyl formate and HFC-245fa being adopted for smaller enterprises, where the 

economies of scale do not support the hydrocarbon investment. 

Since HCFC-141b is prioritised under most HPMPs on the ‘worst-first’ basis, the majority of HCFC141b phase-out is expected to be completed by 2015, delivering a climate saving of around 150,000 

ktCO2-eq. against a maximum potential of ~190,000 ktCO2-eq. 

Polyurethane – boardstock

In practice, there is very little to consider in the polyurethane boardstock sector, as is indicated in 

Table 3-17 by the very low proportions of high GWP blowing agent in use across the sector in both 

non-Article 5 and Article 5 regions. The bulk of blowing agent across the industry is hydrocarbonbased and although there may be some interest in experimenting with unsaturated HFCs (HFOs) in 

order to improve thermal performance still further, this is likely to be countered by the impact that the 

price of the blowing agents might have in this cost-sensitive market. 

This may open the way for experimentation with blends and, indeed, this is already happening to an 

extent in Europe, where efforts are being made to gain standards approvals. The impact of the 

introduction of HFOs on overall direct climate impact is likely to be very small, as both hydrocarbons 

and HFOs have similarly low GWPs. The lack of impact is illustrated well in Figure 8-3 where the 

projected avoided climate impact is virtually equivalent to the ‘best available option’. 

Figure 8-3: Projected PU boardstock consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance

Polyurethane – panel 

Even in non-Article 5 Parties, the proportion of high-GWP blowing agents amounts to nearly 45%, as 

shown in Figure 8-17. There is the potential for future avoidance of up to 170 million tonnes CO2-eq 

in the period to 2020 if appropriate low GWP solutions can be introduced. The barriers to this have 

already been covered in Section 5.4.3. It would not be reasonable to expect more than 50% of the 

cumulative consumption between now and 2020 to be realistically avoidable and this will be reliant 

on the technical and economic viability of emerging blowing agents. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 137

For Article 5 Parties, the on-going impact of the discontinuous panel sector, and its limited choice of 

options, is also evident from Figure 8-4. The indication is that HCFC phase-out will not be complete 

in the panel sector before 2020 with some HPMPs deferring transitions until the path forward is 

clearer. It seems likely that future growth in panels for buildings in the larger economies will be 

served by new investment and the transplant of hydrocarbon technologies from non-Article 5 Parties. 

This will serve to ‘dilute’ the overall impact of the panel sector, particularly if the improved energy 

savings are factored in. 

 

Figure 8-4: Projected PU panel consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance

Polyurethane – Spray

Alongside extruded polystyrene (XPS), this remains one of the most challenging sectors in which to 

achieve phase-out of high-GWP blowing agents. Although the overall consumption of the sector is 

likely to be less than 200,000 tonnes globally between now and 2020, over 99% of this is likely to be 

high in high GWP blowing agents unless emerging blowing agents, such as HFOs, can be brought 

into good effect. However, even if this can be achieved, the decentralised nature of the industry is 

likely to mean that no more than 25% of the cumulative high-GWP consumption (~50,000 tonnes) 

will be avoided. 

In non-Article 5 Parties, the main targets for substitution will be saturated HFCs such as HFC-245fa 

and HFC-365mfc. By contrast, the Article 5 target for substitution is primarily HCFC-141b. It should 

be noted that the phase-out of HCFCs is still some way off since projections out to 2020 continue to 

indicate the fact that the complete avoidance of ODS consumption is unlikely to be achieved in the 

first round of HPMPs. 

In summary, the 50,000 tonnes of high-GWP blowing agents that might be avoided in the period to 

2020 would be expected to offer an avoided climate impact of 35,000-40.000 ktCO2-eq. 
138 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Figure 8-5: Projected PU spray consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance

Polyurethane – in-situ/block

It is estimated that a further 25 million tonnes CO2-eq of climate impact could be avoided by prompt 

action to introduce low GWP options in this sector. However, Table 8-17 reveals that the bulk of 

high-GWP blowing agent usage is in Article 5 Parties and much of this is in small decentralised 

applications such as the production of thermoware. Reviewing the HPMPs for this sector shows that 

the ‘umbrella project’ concept is likely to be adopted in a number of HCFC Phase-out Management 

Plans (HPMPs) over the next 5-10 years. An additional 50 million tonnes CO2-eq will remain 

unaddressed in the period to 2020 without such further action. The extent to which transitions will be 

achieved remains to be seen, but a conservative estimate would suggest that 25% of the cumulative 

consumption of high-GWP blowing agents could be avoided. 

Figure 8-6: Projected PU In-situ/block consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 139

For non-Article 5, just over 25 million tonnes CO2-eq is at stake in the period to 2020, but this is 

typically in applications currently reliant on saturated HFCs. The ability to make transitions in this 

sector is likely to depend on the technical and economic viability of emerging blowing agents such as 

HFOs and methyl formate, as well as the market and regulatory drivers stimulating the transition. 

Again, a 25% penetration, based on cumulative consumption might be expected in the period to 2020 

for this sector. 

Polyurethane – integral Skin

For reasons explained in Chapter 3, there is no quantitative data currently available for the integral 

skin sector. In non-Article 5 countries the only remaining high GWP blowing agents are likely to be 

saturated HFCs, although their use is very limited and likely to be phased-out entirely before 2020. 

For Article 5 countries, the main high-GWP blowing agents receiving attention are HCFCs – either 

HCFC-141b or HCFC-22. A review of current HPMPs reveals that methyl formate will be a 

significant substitute in this application, particularly in Latin America where experience and 

technical support networks are more established. 

XPS board 

The XPS industry is currently being challenged in a number of areas simultaneously. The most 

significant is the increasing pressure on the use of hexa-bromo-cyclo-dodecane (HBCD) as a flame 

retardant. This, in turn, makes a transition to more flammable blowing agents difficult to contemplate 

and the industry is unlikely to make any significant further moves in non-Article 5 Parties until the 

impact of these product changes is fully assessed. Nevertheless, there are some regulatory regimes 

which are seeking to target a further transition from saturated HFCs in non-Article 5 countries, 

although these are unlikely to set significant sunset dates before 2020. Therefore, the Task Force 

believes it unlikely that more than 10% of cumulative consumption of high GWP blowing agent will 

be avoided in the period to 2020. 

The challenge now facing the industry in Article 5 countries is which of the technology options being 

practiced in non-Article 5 Parties should be followed. The use of saturated HFC blends represents the 

least-cost investment away from HCFCs from an investment perspective, but the adoption of 

Japanese hydrocarbon technologies offers the best option from a climate and operating cost 

perspective. However, they do raise important issues in terms of product flammability.

The opportunity going forward offers the prospect of climate impact avoidance in non-Article 5 

Parties in the order of nearly 900 million tonnes of CO2-eq. in the period to 2020, although achieving 

this will depend on the availability of meaningful alternatives in due time. 

Conservatively, it is not expected that more than 25% of cumulative consumption will be avoidable 

by 2020. 
140 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Figure 8-7: Projected XPS board consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance

Phenolic foam

The phenolic foam sector has very little impact on the overall assessment of avoidable high-GWP 

consumption in the period to 2020, since, as a proportion of global foam manufacture it represents 

only a small percentage, and most of its transitions have already been made to low-GWP options such 

as hydrocarbons. For the phenolic foam boardstock sector, there are a number of parallels with the 

PU boardstock situation. Moving forward the maximum additional saving achievable in the period 

through to 2020 is likely to be no more than 5 million tonnes CO2-eq. in non-Article 5 Parties based 

on avoidance of consumption of little over 5,000 tonnes. 

Figure 8-8 Projected phenolic foam consumption (2013-2020) and climate avoidance

Summary of likely avoidable consumption in the period to 2020

Table 8-18 below summarises the likely avoided consumption of high-GWP blowing agents

identified in the previous paragraphs. 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 141

Table 8-18: Likely avoided consumption of high GWP blowing agents in non-Article 5 and Article 5 

countries

Non-A5 A 5

tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq tonnes ktCO2-eq

PU Appliance 159,132 176,652 225,420 189,564 55% 75% 87,523 97,158 169,065 142,173

PU Boardstock 17,054 19,747 - 8 50% 50% 8,527 9,874 - 4

PU Panel 148,542 172,550 77,374 54,710 50% 40% 74,271 86,275 30,950 21,884

PU Spray 103,966 105,824 75,895 53,582 25% 25% 25,992 26,456 18,974 13,395

PU In-situ/Block 26,881 25,910 71,839 50,711 25% 25% 6,720 6,478 17,960 12,678

XPS Board 202,705 192,878 457,667 891,499 10% 25% 20,271 19,288 114,417 222,875

Phenolic 5,196 4,978 408 282 50% 50% 2,598 2,489 204 141

Total 663,476 698,539 908,603 1,240,356 225,901 248,017 351,569 413,150

34.05% 35.51% 38.69% 33.31%

Non-Article 5 Article 5

Cumulative High-GWP Consumption to 2020 Est. % Avoidance Estimated Avoided Consumption to 2020

Non-Article 5 Article 5

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 143

9 Conclusions

Refrigeration and air conditioning

 The refrigeration and air conditioning sector has made substantial progress in reducing its 

negative environmental impact between 1990 and 2012. This holds in particular for sectors 

that have completely converted from CFC-12 to non-ozone depleting substances, such as 

domestic refrigeration and mobile air conditioning, however, to a lesser degree for other 

subsectors that have always been using HCFCs.

 The development and deployment of alternatives to HCFCs in particular, has cost and is 

costing a substantial amount of time globally. Whereas the use of HCFCs has been virtually 

phased out in new manufacture in non-Article 5 countries, there remains a period that 

amounts will be needed for servicing. The way HCFC servicing has been addressed in 

different regions varies significantly. 

 In Article 5 countries the HCFC phase-down has just started, and it will take several more 

years before HCFCs have been phased out, both in new manufacture and in servicing.

 The main HCFC and HFC consuming sub sectors in refrigeration and air conditioning are 

commercial refrigeration and stationary air conditioning. It seems likely that the refrigerant 

R-404A with a very high GWP will not be applied much longer in commercial refrigeration. 

The development is not clear where it concerns all possible other refrigerants with high 

GWPs. 

 Commercial refrigeration includes many subsectors, and at this stage, the high GWP HFCs 

are still seen as the short-term option for HCFCs. Alternatively possible refrigerants are 

constituted by low GWP pure fluids and lower GWP blends. Carbon dioxide is a refrigerant 

that can be applied in many supermarkets, in particular in the low temperature stage and in 

moderate ambient temperatures, although developments are ongoing to expand the 

application area.

 A number of alternatives are being considered for stationary air conditioning including 

carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons for certain uses. A refrigerant with a dominant penetration 

rate is difficult to identify at this moment; HFC-32 has started to play a role as the lower 

GWP alternative for R-410A in many types of AC equipment. Similar as for mobile air 

conditioning, the use of one (global) refrigerant leads to an economy of scale for 

manufacturers and good standardisation of components.

 In the range of low GWP (halocarbon) refrigerants, three unsaturated HFCs and two blends 

(mixtures of unsaturated and saturated HFCs) are considered as replacements, and in the 

range of low to medium GWP there are four (HFC based) blends proposed. The number of 

announced refrigerant blends infers the considerable research and development activities 

underway. The majority of these blends comprise primarily various unsaturated 

fluorocarbons such as HFC-1234yf and HFC-1234ze and HFC-152a and particularly HFC-32 

in order to achieve higher vapour pressures. Many proposed blends also include R-744, HFC161 and hydrocarbons in small proportions. The selection of the composition is typically a 

compromise between GWP, flammability and cycle performance measures.

 Overarching issues are important, including the ones related to servicing and end-of-life 

treatment. For issues that affect the safety, more intensive training will be needed. This 

could be double the amount in case of flammable substances compared to the conventional 

HFCs, but would still be less than 1% of the product cost. 
144 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

 Different national, regional and international standards related to the safe application of 

refrigerants have been developed providing information on the safety classification of 

refrigerants and also measures that can be applied in order to minimise the risks related to 

higher toxicity, flammable and/or high pressure substances, irrespective of their end use.

 In order to better evaluate impacts, it is important to define a penetration rate potential for 

alternatives in the (near) future. Constraints would be due to safety, efficiency, cost, material 

availability etc. This report proposes to separate between three categories: a potentially 

dominant (>50%), a potentially competitive (10-50%) and a low potential for penetration 

(<10%).

 In the period 1990-2012, a maximum of 3.4 Gt CO2-eq. could theoretically have been avoided 

globally by the application of low GWP refrigerants in domestic refrigeration from the outset. 

This is made up from 2.94 Gt CO2-eq., which could have been avoided by the application of 

HFC-134a, the remainder by low GWP refrigerants (e.g. hydrocarbons). In practice, more 

than 3 Gt CO2-eq. has been avoided by the application of HFC-134a and HC-600a in that 

period.

 In the period 1990-2012, 31.1 Gt CO2-eq. would have been the potential CFC-12 emissions 

from mobile air conditioning. 27 Gt CO2-eq. of this total could have been avoided by 

converting all operations to HFC-134a (this has been accomplished to a large degree in 

practice). The remainder could have been avoided by the application of a low GWP 

alternative.

 A BAU case has to be established to determine amounts that can be avoided in the period 

2013-2020. This BAU case involves parameters on leakage (serving amounts and end of life 

treatment), likely penetration of lower GWP alternatives by 2020 for certain alternatives in 

subsectors and subsectors, assumption about economic growth during 2013-2020 etc. The 

BAU case can be applied to all subsectors of refrigeration and air conditioning; however, the 

main conclusions can be drawn from applying it to the large consuming sectors commercial 

refrigeration and stationary air conditioning. It is important to realise that the assumptions 

made for the BAU case still lead to considerable uncertainties in the conclusion. 

 During the period 2013-2020, the application of certain amounts of lower GWP alternatives 

in these two subsectors would lead to an (aggregated) amount of 794 ktonnes of refrigerant 

that can be avoided (out of the total of 7356 ktonnes), being 11% of the total. This would be 

equal to 2.38 Gt CO2-eq. (2.38 billion t CO2-eq.), or 15% of the total expressed in t CO2-eq. 

 Assuming an 80% penetration of low GWP in MACs in non-Article 5 countries by 2020, as 

well as a 20% penetration in Article 5 countries, this would result in an amount of 184 

ktonnes of (HFC-134a) refrigerant that can be avoided (aggregated during 2013-2020), or 247 

Mt CO2-eq. expressed in climate impact terms (this should be added to the amount mentioned 

in the bullet above).

 With the first low GWP penetration rates set in this report for the year 2020, while taking a 

conservative estimate for the global servicing percentage, it may well imply that even higher 

amounts can be avoided during the period 2020-2030.

Foams

 The foam sector has made substantial strides in minimising its environmental impact between 

1990 and 2012, with over 80% of ozone depletion potential and 66% of climate impact being 

avoided, even when most conservatively assessed.
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 145

 Although, in hindsight, some sectors may have been able to be more aggressive in their 

technology choices, delays in transition while these technologies were proven could have 

been more damaging to the environment than the course actually chosen. In many cases, “the 

best could have been the enemy of the good”

 The current status of blowing agent consumption indicates that 35.6% of non-Article 5 

consumption is high-GWP, while the figure for Article 5 countries is 48.4%, reflecting the 

fact that HCFC phase-out is still to be completed in most Article 5 regions. 

 There are several foam sectors that pose particular challenges for rapid high-GWP blowing 

agent phase-out. These include PU Spray Foam and XPS Board, where process and product 

safety remain pressing issues with the currently available alternatives. 

 Emerging blowing agent solutions, most notably unsaturated HFCs and HCFCs (collectively 

HFOs), are likely to provide workable solutions, either on their own or in blends, for a 

number of these challenging applications.

 The transition away from high-GWP blowing agents will depend primarily on technical, 

market and regulatory pressures in non-Article 5 Parties, while in Article 5 countries, the 

prime driver will be the implementation of HPMPs. 

 A particular barrier remains the ability of small and micro-enterprises to invest in flammable 

low-GWP blowing agents (e.g. hydrocarbons) because of the capital costs involved and lack 

of economies of scale. Nevertheless, investment can be critical for enterprises to have 

competitive operating costs. 

 Although potential savings in the period from 2013 to 2020 could be as high as 1.56 million 

tonnes of high-GWP blowing agent (1.94 billion t CO2-eq.), the more likely practical 

achievement, based on the commercialisation strategies of emerging alternatives and the 

implementation schedule for HPMPs will be closer to 575,000 tonnes of high-GWP blowing 

agent (0.66 billion tCO2-eq.). 

Fire Protection

 The fire protection sector made substantial progress in reducing the use of ODS between 

1990 and 2012. With very few exceptions, there are alternatives commercially available for 

all previous uses of ODSs.

 Today the user is faced with a wide range of potential fire protection options for fixed 

flooding applications, as well as for local application and portable applications.

 While most new applications can be satisfied using environmentally sound alternatives, the 

need for chemical agents remains as inert gases, water, dry powders and other alternatives are 

not suitable for many special hazard fire protection applications.

 In the fixed flooding market, HFCs have predominately filled the chemical agent role but, 

since about 2005, a fluoroketone (FK) has increasingly become more accepted.

 In the smaller local application and portable extinguisher market, a special blend of HCFC123 predominates with substantial lesser amounts of HFCs as the chemical agents of choice.

 The aviation sector and certain military and cold climate applications remain a challenge in 

the move away from ODS based extinguishing agents. Nevertheless, the fire protection 

industry is still evaluating alternatives that have low environmental impacts, and the Halons 

Technical Options Committee is assessing regional biases in fire protection agent, systems 

and costs across the spectrum of available choices, which may provide additional clarity on 

market penetration options for low environmental impact agents in the future.
146 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

10 Material submitted by Parties

10.1 Submissions received before May 2013

The U.S. government submitted the following list with reference material (4 February 2013):

SUMMARY of SUBMISSION

1. Recent (2011-2012) Relevant U.S. EPA Final SNAP Regulations and Listings

1.1.U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2011 Ruling on Hydrocarbon Refrigerants 

1.2.U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2011 Ruling on HFO-1234yf in Motor 

Vehicle AC

1.3.U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2012 Ruling on CO2 in Motor Vehicle AC 

1.4.U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2012 Acceptability Determination 27

2. Fact Sheets on Alternatives 

2.1.Commercial Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet 

2.2.Domestic Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet 

2.3.Transport Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet 

2.4.MVAC HFC Fact Sheet 

2.5.Unitary AC HFC Fact Sheet 

2.6.Construction Foams HFC Fact Sheet

2.7.Alternatives to HFCs Fact Sheet

3. HFCs Under the Montreal Protocol

3.1.Benefits of Addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol

3.2.Frequently Asked Questions on the North American Amendment Proposal to Phase Down 

HFCs under the Montreal Protocol

4. Available and Emerging Alternative Technologies

4.1.Advancing Ozone and Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps

4.2.Montreal Technology Forum on Climate-friendly Alternatives in Commercial Refrigeration 

4.3.GreenChill Webinar Series on Alternative Technologies in the Commercial Refrigeration 

Sector HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the Supermarket Retail Refrigeration 

Sector

4.4.HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the Supermarket Retail Refrigeration Sector

4.5.Greenpeace - Cool Technologies: Working without HFCs Report

4.6.Purdue University 2012 Conference Presentations

4.7.AHRI Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program Reports

4.8.ASHRAE/NIST Refrigerants Conference 2012 Presentations and Conference Papers
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 147

1. Recent (2011-2012) Relevant U.S. EPA Final Regulations and Listings 

1.1. U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2011 Ruling on Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Listing of Substitutes for Ozone Depleting 

Substances - Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

Description: Adds isobutane (R–600a) and R–441A to the SNAP list of acceptable 

refrigerants, subject to use conditions, in household refrigerators, freezers, and 

combination refrigerators and freezers. Additionally adds propane (R –290), 

subject to use conditions, in retail food refrigerators and freezers (standalone 

units only).

Available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-20/pdf/2011-32175.pdf

Filename: SNAP Rule on Hydrocarbon Refrigerants for Household and Stand-alone 

Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers.pdf

1.2. U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2011 Ruling on HFO-1234yf in Motor 

Vehicle AC

Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: New Substitute in the Motor Vehicle Air 

Conditioning Sector Under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) 

Program

Description: Finds hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)–1234yf as acceptable, subject to use conditions, 

as a substitute in motor vehicle air conditioning for new passenger cars and 

light-duty trucks.

Available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-03-29/pdf/2011-6268.pdf

Filename: SNAP Rule on HFO-1234yf in MVAC.pdf

1.3. U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2012 Ruling on CO2 in Motor Vehicle AC 

Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: New Substitute in the Motor Vehicle Air 

Conditioning Sector Under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) 

Program

Description: Adds carbon dioxide (CO2) or R–744 to the SNAP list of acceptable 

refrigerants, subject to use conditions, in the motor vehicle air conditioning 

systems designed specifically for the use of CO2 refrigerant in passenger cars, 

light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles. 

Available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-06-06/pdf/2012-13189.pdf

Filename: SNAP Rule on CO2 in MVAC.pdf

1.4. U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy, 2012 Acceptability Determination 27 

Title: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 27 for Significant New 

Alternatives Policy Program

Description: Adds low-GWP alternatives to the SNAP list of acceptable refrigerants, for 

commercial comfort air conditioning, heat transfer, vending machines, foam 

blowing, aerosols, and fire suppression.

Available at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-08-10/pdf/2012-19688.pdf 

Filename: HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the Supermarket Retail Refrigeration 

Sector.pdf
148 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

2. Fact Sheets on Alternatives 

2.1. Commercial Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet 

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Commercial Refrigeration

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP alternatives in newly 

manufactured commercial refrigeration equipment.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_ComRef.pdf

Filename: Commercial Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet.pdf

2.2. Domestic Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Domestic Refrigeration

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP alternatives in newly 

manufactured domestic refrigeration equipment.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_DomRef.pdf

Filename: Domestic Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet.pdf 

2.3. Transport Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet 

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Transport Refrigeration

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP refrigerant and foam blowing 

agent alternatives used in transport refrigeration equipment.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_Transport.pdf

Filename: Transport Refrigeration HFC Fact Sheet.pdf 

2.4. MVAC HFC Fact Sheet 

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in MVACs

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP alternatives in newly 

manufactured MVACs.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_MVAC.pdf

Filename: MVAC HFC Fact Sheet.pdf 

2.5. Unitary AC HFC Fact Sheet 

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Unitary Air Conditioning

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP alternatives in new 

equipment in unitary air conditioning.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_UAC.pdf

Filename: Unitary AC HFC Fact Sheet.pdf 

2.6. Construction Foams HFC Fact Sheet

Title: Transitioning to Low-GWP Alternatives in Building/Construction Foams

Description: This fact sheet provides information on low-GWP foam blowing agent 

alternatives used in building and construction applications.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/EPA_HFC_ConstFoam.pdf

Filename: Construction Foams HFC Fact Sheet.pdf 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 149

2.7. Alternatives to HFCs Fact Sheet

Title: CCAC Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate 

Pollutants: Fact Sheet - Alternatives to HFCs

Description: This fact sheet provides information on HFCs and the advancement of HFC 

reduction efforts; including projects to promote the international exchange of 

information on HFC use, emissions reductions strategies, alternative 

technologies, and standards.

Available at: http://www.unep.org/ccac/Portals/24183/PartnersArea/pdf/CCAC FACT 

SHEET-HFCs-EN-LR.pdf

Filename: CCAC Alternatives to HFCs Fact Sheet.pdf

3. HFCs Under the Montreal Protocol

3.1. Benefits of Addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol

Title: Benefits of Addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, June 2012

Description: This paper presents an analysis of the potential benefits from globally reducing 

consumption of HFCs and reducing byproduct emissions of HFC-23 under the 

Montreal Protocol. This paper discusses the environmental downsides of 

continued HFC consumption and emissions; the proposal from Canada, Mexico 

and the United States to amend the Montreal Protocol to address HFCs, the 

availability of alternatives for meeting the reduction schedule; transitioning to 

low-GWP alternatives; case studies in the transition to low-GWP alternatives; 

and byproduct emissions of HFC-23. This paper was also presented at the 

ASHRAE/NIST conference in October, 2012, at the National Institute of 

Standards & Technology.

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/downloads/Benefits of Addressing HFCs Under the 

Montreal Protocol, June 2012.pdf

Filename: Benefits of Addressing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.pdf

3.2. Frequently Asked Questions on the North American Amendment Proposal to Phase Down 

HFCs under the Montreal Protocol 

Title: Frequently Asked Questions on the North American Amendment Proposal to 

Phase Down the Use of Hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol On 

Substances That Deplete The Ozone Layer

Description: Frequently asked questions and responses relating to the North American 

amendment proposal to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons under the 

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Submitted by 

Canada, Mexico and the United States of America in November 2012)

Available at: http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/meeting/mop/mop-24/presession/Information 

Documents/MOP-24-INF-7.pdf

Filename: Frequently Asked Questions on the North American Amendment Proposal.pdf
150 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

4. Available and Emerging Alternative Technologies

4.1. Advancing Ozone and Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps

Title: Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps – Meeting 

Summary 

Description: This report summarizes the outcomes of the Bangkok Technology Conference 

and technology exhibition; including discussion of various alternatives and 

approaches to ensure that the phase out of CFCs and HCFCs is done in such as 

way as to limit the climate contribution of high‐GWP HFCs. Forum discussion 

included both policy and technical aspects of this transition in the refrigeration, 

air conditioning and foams sectors.

Available at: http://www.unep.org/ccac/Portals/24183/docs/Bangkok%20Technology%20

Conference%20-%20Report%20and%20Cover%20-%20FINAL.pdf

Filename: Bangkok Technology Conference - Report and Cover - FINAL.pdf

Title: Hydrocarbons in Air-conditioners – The Godrej Experience

Description: This presentation from the Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection 

Technologies: Next Steps technology conference shares one company's 

experience with hydrocarbon refrigerants in air conditioning systems.

File Name: Session-V Air Conditioning (Dilip Rajadhyaksha - Godrej).pdf

4.2. Montreal Technology Forum on Climate-friendly Alternatives in Commercial 

Refrigeration 

Title: Montreal Technology Forum on Climate-friendly Alternatives in Commercial 

Refrigeration – Meeting Summary

Description: This summary report from the Montreal Commercial Refrigeration Technology 

Forum held in December, 2012, provides information on various topics 

discussed during the conference, including; the technical, financial and 

environmental aspects of some of the key low-GWP, energy-efficient alternative 

technologies that are available or emerging in the commercial refrigeration 

sector; potential applicability of these technologies in developing countries; and 

dialogue among government representatives, international organizations, 

industry, technology users and technology providers, on the opportunities and 

challenges involved in successfully adopting such technologies in developing 

countries.

Available at: http://www.unep.org/ccac/Techforum/tabid/105036/Default.aspx

Filename: The document is in the process of being finalized in early February. We will 

transmit the document when it becomes available.

4.3. GreenChill Webinar Series on Alternative Technologies in the Commercial Refrigeration 

Sector

Description: Information regarding new technologies being deployed in the commercial 

refrigeration sector can be accessed through archived webinars, presentations, 

and additional items; including the following webinars:

 Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration Systems 

 Cascade CO2 Refrigeration Systems 

 Ammonia Cascade Systems

Available at: http://www.epa.gov/greenchill/events.html

HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the Supermarket Retail Refrigeration Sector

Title: HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the US Market for the 

Supermarket - Retail Refrigeration Sector
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 151

Description: This report discusses the availability of climate-friendly 

technologies for the refrigeration sector in U.S. supermarkets that will allow for 

the rapid phase-out of HFCs.

Available at: http://eia-global.org/PDF/USSUPERMARKETREPORT.pdf 

Filename: HFC-Free Technologies Are Available in the Supermarket 

Retail Refrigeration Sector.pdf

4.4. Greenpeace - Cool Technologies: Working without HFCs Report

Title: Greenpeace – Cool Technologies: Working without HFCs, Examples of HFCFree Cooling Technologies in Various Industrial Sectors, 2012 Edition

Description: This report documents the current availability of HFC-free cooling technologies 

in most sectors and more are rapidly coming on line. The report surveys an 

extensive list of companies and enterprises using HFC-free technologies, 

documenting the already wide array of safe and commercially proven HFC-free 

technologies for meeting nearly all needs formerly met by fluorocarbons.

Available at: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/

climate/2012/Fgases/Cool-Technologies-2012.pdf

Filename: Cool-Technologies-2012.pdf

4.5. Purdue University 2012 Conferences Presentations

Title: 21st International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue, 14th

International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2nd

International High Performance Buildings Conference at Purdue – July 16-19, 

2012 at Purdue University

Description: Links to various sessions with presentations on alternative technologies 

including:

Session: Low GWP Refrigerants I

Title: Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Alternative Refrigerants 

Evaluation Program (Low-GWP AREP)

Title: R32 And HFOs As Low-GWP Refrigerants For Air Conditioning

Title: Performance and Capacity Comparison of Two New LGWP Refrigerants 

Alternative to R410A in Residential Air Conditioning Applications

Title: Drop-in Performance of Low GWP Refrigerants in a Heat Pump System 

for Residential Applications

Title: Study of R161 Refrigerant for Residential Air-conditioning Applications

Available at: http://www.conftool.com/2012Purdue/index.php?page=browseSessions

&form_session=3

Session: R-31: Low GWP Refrigerants II

Title: A Reduced GWP Replacement for HFC-134a in Centrifugal Chillers: 

XP10 Measured Performance and Projected Climate Impact

Title: Latest Developments of Low Global Warming Refrigerants for Chillers

Title: Low Global Warming Refrigerants For Commercial Refrigeration 

Systems

Title: The Circulation Composition Characteristic of the Zeotropic Mixture 

R1234ze(E)/R32 in a Heat Pump Cycle

Title: Development of Refrigeration Oil for Use With R32

Title: Investigation Of Low GWP Refrigerant Interaction With Various 

Lubricant Candidates
152 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Available at: http://www.conftool.com/2012Purdue/index.php?page=browseSessions&

form_session=31

Session: Industrial/Commercial Refrigeration

Title: Drop-in Testing of Next-Generation R134a Alternates in a Commercial 

Bottle Cooler/Freezer

Title: Development of Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerant Solutions for 

Commercial Refrigeration 

Title: Modeling and Simulation of a Desiccant Assisted Brayton Refrigeration 

Cycle

Title: Taking a Sensible Choice of Sustainable Super Market Refrigeration 

Equipment

Title: Evaluation Of Defrost Options For Secondary Coolants In Multitemperature Indirect Transport Refrigeration: Mathematical Modeling & 

Sensitivity Analysis

Available at: http://www.conftool.com/2012Purdue/index.php?page=browseSessions&

form_session=14

4.6. AHRI Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program Reports

Title: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute Low-GWP Alternative 

Refrigerants Evaluation Program final test reports.

Description: Final test reports evaluating low-GWP alternative refrigerants, including:

Title: System Drop-in Test of R-410A Alternative Fluids (ARM-32a, ARM-70a, 

DR-5, HPR1D, L-41a, L-41b, and R-32) in a 5-RT Air-Cooled Water Chiller 

(Cooling Mode)

File Name: AHRI Low-GWP AREP-Rpt-001.pdf

Title: System Drop-In Test of L-40, L-41a and N-40b in Ice Machines

File Name: AHRI Low-GWP AREP-Rpt-002.pdf

Title: System Drop-In Test of R-32/R-152a (95/5) in 5-ton Air Source Heat 

Pump

File Name: AHRI Low-GWP AREP-Rpt-003.pdf

Available at: http://www.ahrinet.org/ahri+low_gwp+alternative+refrigerants+evaluation+

program.aspx

4.7. ASHRAE/NIST Refrigerants Conference 2012 Presentations and Conference Papers

Title: 2012 ASHRAE/NIST Refrigerants Conference: Moving Towards Sustainability, 

October 29-30, 2012, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Description: Link to various presentations on alternative technologies

Available at: https://www.ashrae.org/membership--conferences/conferences/ashraeconferences/ASHRAE-NIST-Refrigerants-Conference
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 153

On 15 March 2013, TEAP received the following correspondence from the European Commission:

Dear Ozone Secretariat:

Decision XXIV/7 invites Parties to submit information relevant to the work of the TEAP as outlined 

in paragraph 1 of XXIV/7, so that this information may be taken into account for the production of 

the TEAP draft report for consideration by the 33rd OEWG. 

The European Union wishes to invite TEAP to take into account the following studies:

Schwarz et al. (2011): Preparatory study for a review of Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on 

certain fluorinated greenhouse gases – Final Report. 

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/docs/2011_study_en.pdf

Annexes: 

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/docs/2011_study_annex_en.pdf 

SKM Enviros (2012): Phase Down of HFC Consumption in the EU – Assessment of Implications 

for the RAC Sector.

SKM Enviros (2012): Further Assessment for Policy Options for the Management and Destruction of 

Banks of ODS and F-gases in the EU.

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ozone/research/docs/ods_f-gas_destruction_report_2012_en.pdf

Umweltbundesamt (2011): Avoiding Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases – Prospects for Phasing 

out.

European Commission (2012): IMPACT ASSESSMENT - Review of Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 

on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation/docs/swd_2012_364_en.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Dr. ARNO KASCHL

Policy Officer

European Commission

Directorate-General for Climate Action

Transport & Ozone

BU-24 -1/33

B-1049 Brussels/Belgium

On 8 April 2013, the Commission submitted four reports, on renewable cooling and sustainable 

cooling for datacenters and on fishery to the TEAP Task Force. 

10.2 Submissions received during MOP-25, June 2013 

At the time of the MOP-25, the EU submitted a large number of observations on the oral presentation, 

the presentation in the report as well as comments to the draft report (as published May 2013 on 

UNEP’s website). The comments submitted (on structure and presentation, as well as on the content, 

are given below: 

On structure and presentation

A concise overview of the information on the market penetration of alternatives should be provided.

The Executive Summary of the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) section could benefit from 

better structure and good use of tables. The table in the foams ODS alternatives section (Section 

4.1) is a good example of a useful summary table. Perhaps similar tables could be used in all other 

sections? Sections 3.2 to 3.8 would also benefit from better structure and use of tables.
154 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Section 3.9 (on negative impacts) is not clear and might also benefit from use of tables and graphs. 

Section 4 on foams has good information on alternatives, but the “story line” is lost because of the 

complex graphs and discussion about negative impacts. It may be better to split the foams chapter 

into 2 parts – the first can deal with alternatives and the second can address negative impacts. It 

may then be easier to read this very long chapter.

The various tables used in the market sector sections of Section 4 (Sections 4.2 to 4.9) get very 

repetitive as many of the features are the same in each market. Can the layout be simplified to avoid 

so much repetition? 

The tables in Section 6.4 are not clear – in particular the columns containing “good”, “difficult” etc. 

have no headings.

Comments on the content 

In the assessment of the various alternative refrigerants, the suitability of substances as drop-in 

alternative should be discussed and more clearly indicated. In this context an assessment of R-407F 

is missing. Also the economic implications of using drop-in alternatives as intermediate solution 

should be discussed. 

3.3.2 Commercial Condensing Units

Emerging unsaturated H(C)FCs and blends are contenders for small condensing units. Pure 

unsaturated HFCs (e.g. 1234yf) may be applicable for chilled displays, but will be less applicable to 

frozen temperature levels, where blends such as L40 would be more suitable.

3.3.3 Commercial Central Refrigeration

The description of refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration stand-alone equipment covers 

HFCs, HCs, and R744. While the summary comprises some information on prices related to the use 

of HCs no information on energy-efficiency is given. On the other hand rather detailed information 

is given on stand-alone equipment with HFC-1234yf which currently does not play a significant 

role. However, in spite of the rather detailed information no useful information on prices is 

included. In order to come up with a useful summary we suggest giving information on the most 

important aspects, energy-efficiency, availability and costs for the alternatives.

Regarding lower GWP options the executive summary states that ”HFC-134a can be replaced by 

HFC-1234yf or HFC-1234ze where the lower flammability of these refrigerants can be addressed 

during the design stage”. However, no information is given on costs, availability or energyefficiency.

HCs as a low GWP option are already installed in more than 100 supermarkets and perfectly 

appropriate for higher ambient temperatures. Despite this, these are not even mentioned. In any 

case we consider it helpful to indicate the number of installations, of R-744 applications as well as 

other intermediate solutions mentioned in the report, inter alia R-407F, DR 33 or N40. 

R-407F should have be mentioned as a viable an intermediate solution (GWP 1820) to avoid a 

transition to R-404A, instead of focussing only on some yet unknown HFC blends like N-40.

A range of options are described by TEAP for supermarket pack systems. They state that ammonia 

is an efficient option for supermarkets. However, this is not supported by experience in the EU 

which has shown it is quite difficult to use ammonia efficiently.

Some information is given about the use of CO2, although this is not very detailed or up to date. 

The latest developments in the EU seem to go beyond the comments made about CO2 in the TEAP 

report. They confirm the difficulties of using CO2 transcritical systems at high ambients, but they 

do not clarify that cascade systems are quite cost competitive and more efficient in hot countries. 

3.5 Industrial Refrigeration

Section 3.5 is entitled “Large size (industrial refrigeration)”. It is important to note that the report 

makes relatively little mention of the numerous small systems used in industry. Whilst it does state 

that industrial systems range in capacity from 10 kW to 10 MW, there is no discussion of 
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 155

alternatives for small industrial systems. However, the comments in Section 3.1 of the report 

confirm that ammonia and CO2 are not cost effective in small sizes (below 400 kW for ammonia 

and below 50 kW for CO2). 

This is not a very detailed section. It supports the use of ultra-low GWP alternatives for large sizes, 

but does not clarify the difficulties in the 10 to 100 kW size range and the likely need for moderate 

GWP refrigerants for these applications.

3.6.1 Hermetic air-conditioning 

We are concerned that the second statement below is (a) not applicable to this type of equipment 

and (b) confusing two different types of cooling / heating. Some air-conditioning systems can 

supply cooling and heating simultaneously. In these circumstances CO2 may have the advantages 

implied by this statement. However, this is an unusual configuration. A more common 

arrangement is a reversible system that provides heating in cold weather or cooling in hot weather. 

In these circumstances we do not agree with the TEAP statement.

“Due to efficiency implications, the use of cooling only R-744 systems is not really feasible. Where 

models are developed to also provide heating, this technology is considered to be more interesting”. 

3.6.2 Split system DX air-conditioning 

Some of the comments do not reflect the state of the art e.g. (page 33) “Reversible air conditioners 

(heat pumps) are gaining market acceptance”. In the EU the market for cooling only units is very 

small. Almost all systems now sold are reversible.

Regarding CO2, TEAP generally support the view that CO2 is not an efficient option for airconditioning. However, one statement may need to be challenged as it does not agree with EU data 

e.g. from EcoDesign studies (page 33, “a reversible R-744 air conditioner can achieve the same 

seasonal efficiency as a state-of-the-art R-410A unit (Hafner, 2009)”.

On page 34 the report indicates that HCs are an efficient low GWP alternative, although it is not 

very clear about size restrictions from a safety perspective. Regarding barriers to HCs they state: 

“that certain safety standards impose obstructive limits on refrigerant charge sizes for certain 

categories and characteristics of equipment”. This is a slightly dangerous statement – the word 

“obstructive” seems to imply that the safety codes are only introduced as barrier without necessarily 

reflecting the real flammability risks.

The report also makes no mention that the use of pure HFOs for this market sector is a technically 

feasible option, but there are concerns about efficiency and cost.

3.8. Vehicle Air-conditioning 

(p. 45 para 1): On what information source does the finding about the doubling of cost of R-744 

MACs base and what is the ‘baseline’ referred to?

Regarding HFC-1234yf, there is a confusing statement on page 45: “The cost is announced to be 5 

to 7 times more than that of HFC-134a systems”. This sounds like the cost of the whole system, 

although this is clearly not the case. We believe they are referring only to the cost differential of the 

refrigerant itself, not the whole system.

There is no mention of the energy efficiency benefits of various refrigerants over R-404A (as listed 

in previous bullet) and the potential to retrofill R-404A systems in a cost effective way.

The discussion of CO2 systems is not very clear – it certainly does not reflect the progress being 

achieved in the EU for both transcritical and cascade designs.

(p. 45 para 1) On what source do you base your information about CO2 compressor tightness (shaft 

sealing) and who and what is meant by the expression ‘no lessons learnt at large scale’ in this 

context? When talking about past barriers, why do you not inform about the recent state and the 

solution gained. Our information is that the shaft sealing problem was solved. 

(p.45 para 1) Why do you see the successful development of a R-744 compressor as a technical 

barrier for CO2? Why do you not mention in this context, that finally in 2010 more than one 

company (at least four companies) developed compressors that met the harsh requirements by the 

European car producers?

(p. 45 para 5) For what purpose are the long ago rejected refrigerant options Fluid H and DP-1 from 

2007/2008 mentioned?
156 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

(p. 45 para 6) The report does not reflect all sides of the recent state of the HFC-1234yf safety 

discussion. Why does the report not mention that the German car manufacturers left officially the 

SAE CRP group and do work on a separate safety assessment? Why does the report not mention the 

safety issue in regards to HFC-1234yf and that the substance is still under investigation by German 

authorities? 

(p. 45 para 7): There are different patent issues re. HFC-1234yf, one is the license for production 

patents, one is the use in cars, and another topic are antitrust investigations. If patents issues are 

mentioned they should be specified.

(p. 45 para 7): An LCCP analysis takes only into account the climate gases. That is a limited 

approach and not sufficient to judge a technology option fully. Beyond that the LCCP input data for 

the LCCP results in favour of HFC-1234yf are not officially available. Other calculations with the 

same method gave also very good results for R-744 in most of the climates and in average. Thus the

question needs to be raised under which conditions the conclusion that HFC-1234yf is superior to 

R-744 is valid?

Section 6.10 provides an update on vehicle air-conditioning. Surprisingly it mentions the possible 

use of HCFC-1233zd – this should be checked as this is a very low pressure refrigerant suited to 

large centrifugal chillers. It seems most unlikely this will be suited to MACs.

(p. 46 para 6 and 7) As the report states, HCs are no option for public transport. This might be also 

be the case for the use of e.g. pure HFC-1234yf. Inflammable blends, if chosen by train producers in 

view of other alternatives, might be possible, but have to proof their feasibility in terms of other 

alternatives, might be possible, but have to proof their feasibility in terms of performance, long term 

stability, stability of the blend compositions, MAC materials stability and easy handling. Why are 

the future options not discussed with these open questions?

The incorrect information on air-based AC systems in German ICE trains would be deleted.

Chapter 4 - Foams

Please explain, why there are jurisdictions where manufacturing plants are coming under increasing 

pressure from local regulations on Volatile Organic Compound regulations. Which countries or 

regions are involved? We can’t realize why the use of hydrocarbon blowing agents is coming under 

pressure, particularly for extruded polystyrene technologies as a result of the more stringent 

application of fire codes. Could you explain this more detailed?

Chapter 5 - Fire Protection

In the executive summary TEAP states, that 2-Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene could be the natural 

replacement for HCFC-123 and halon 1211. Could the Task Force explain why?

Chapter 6 Solvents

In chapter 6.4 are tables for different applications. There are two columns with “Good” and 

“Difficult”. Could the Task Force explain the meaning and the source for this evaluation?

10.3 Submissions received around the middle of July 2013

During the MOP-25, an informal contact group of Parties discussed with the TEAP Task Force cochairs where the draft Task Force report would benefit from modifications and adjustments. It was 

agreed by the group that Parties could submit suggestions to the Task Force before 15 July 2013, 

which should be considered in revising the draft Task Force report.

In the course of July, the Task Force received 

 a number of references (mainly website addresses) from the EC (see below)

 a marked up version of the draft report from the government of Japan

 three slides from the government of Japan on alternatives to high GWP substances, on 

literature, and on the commercialisation of products by Japanese companies

 comments from a non-Party, the NGO company Shecco
September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 157

Additional comments from the EC

From: Philip.Owen@ec.europa.eu [mailto:Philip.Owen@ec.europa.eu]

Sent: Mon 7/22/2013 5:24 PM

To: lambert.kuijpers@kpnmail.nl

Cc: meg.seki@unep.org; Cornelius.RHEIN@ec.europa.eu; Arno.KASCHL@ec.europa.eu

Subject: Late submission as regards update of volume II of the 2013 TEAP report

Dear Lambert

Better late than never we came across these Shecco publications that may be of use in your work.

shecco (2013), Examples of NH3/ CO2 secondary systems for cold store operators, 

http://guide.shecco.com/GUIDE-NH3- CO2-Secondary-Systems-2013.php 

shecco (2013), ATMOsphere America 2013, 18-19 June 2013, Washington DC, conference summary 

report, http://www.atmo.org/files/reports/atmo_america_report.pdf 

shecco (2012), ATMOsphere Europe 2012, 5-7 November 2012, Brussels, Belgium, conference 

summary report, http://www.atmo.org/files/reports/atmo_report_2.pdf

Best wishes

Philip

Philip Owen

Head of Unit

European Commission

Directorate-General for Climate Action

Unit C2 – Transport and Ozone

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 159

11 List of acronyms and abbreviations

ABC Dry Chemical Powder

AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

BTP Bromotrifluoropropene

CEFIC European Chemical Industry Council

CEN European Committee for Standardisation

CFC Chlorofluorocarbon

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

COP Coefficient of Performance

CTOC Chemicals Technical Options Committee

EC European Commission

EPA US Environmental Protection Agency

EU European Union

FIC Fluoroiodocarbon

FK Fluoroketone

FTOC Foams Technical Options Committee

GWP Global Warming Potential

HARC Halon Alternatives Research Corporation

HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon

HCFO Hydrochlorofluoroolefin

HCO Oxygenated hydrocarbon

HFC Hydrofluorocarbon

HFE Hydrofluoroether

HFO Hydrofluoroolefin

HTOC Halons Technical Options Committee

IIR International Institute for Refrigeration

IMO International Maritime Organisation

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

ISO International Organisation for Standardisation

LCA Life Cycle Analysis

LCCP Life Cycle Climate Performance 

VCLCG Liquefied Compressed Gas

Mt Mega tonnes (one million tonnes)

MT Metric Tonnes

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NOAEL No Observed Adverse Effect Level

n-PB n-Propyl Bromide

ODP Ozone Depletion Potential

ODS Ozone Depleting Substance

OEL Occupational Exposure Limit 

PFC Perfluorocarbon

RTOC Refrigeration AC and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee

SNAP Significant New Alternatives Policy

STOC Solvents, Coatings and Adhesives Technical Options Committee

TEAP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

TEWI Total Equivalent Warming Impact

TLV Threshold Limit Value 

UL Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

VOC Volatile Organic Compound 

September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 161

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ATMOsphere, 2012 ATMOsphere Europe 2012, 5-7 November 2012, Brussels, Belgium, 

conference presentations, 

http://www.atmo.org/events.presentations.php?eventid=6

Barve and Cremaschi, 2012 Barve, A., Cremaschi, L. 2012. Drop-in Performance of Low GWP 

Refrigerants in a Heat Pump System for Residential Applications. 

Proc. Int. Refrig. and Air Condition. Conf. at Purdue, USA.

Biswas and Cremaschi, 2012 Biswas, A., Cremaschi, L. 2012. Performance and Capacity 

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Brown, 2002 Brown, J. S., Kim, Y-C., Domanski, P. A. 2002. Evaluation of carbon 

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Burke, 2011 Burke, M.; Grosskopf, P.: Development of environmentally friendly 

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Carrier, 2011 Carrier: NaturaLine is the one. Container Line, December 2011

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Rotary Compressor. Proc. ICR 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Chen, 2012 Chen, Z. H. 2012. Research on Rotary Compressors Based on R-290 

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Colbourne et al., 2011 D. Colbourne, Croiset, I. C., Ederberg, L., Usinger, J. 2011. Cost 

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Matsbøll, 2011 Matsbøll, H. 2011. Water as refrigerant. IIR International Congress of 

Refrigeration 2011, August 21-26, Prague, Czech Republic

McNeill, 2011 McNeill: Energy efficient combined cooling and heating at Nestlé UK. 

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September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report 163

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RTOC, 2010 2010 Report of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps 

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gases. Final report, Sept. 2011

Shecco, 2013 Shecco. 2013. UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit, Natural 

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164 September 2013 TEAP XXIV/7 Task Force Report

Thermoking, 2012 http://www.r744.com/articles/2009-06-08-aldi-pioneering-innovativer744-truck-refrigeration.php

UNEP, 2009 TEAP Task Force Report on Decision XX/8, UNEP, 2009

UNEP, 2011 TEAP Replenishment Task Force Report for the Replenishment of the 

Multilateral Fund for the Triennium 2012-2014, UNEP, 2011 

UNEP, 2012 TEAP Task Force Report on Decision XXIII/9, UNEP, 2012

US DOE, 2011 US Department of Energy publication DOE G413.3-4A, September 

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From Chapter 6 on Fire Protection

ISO 6183:2009, Fire protection equipment — Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems for use on 

premises — Design and installation

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Stratospheric Protection 

Division “Carbon Dioxide as a Fire Suppressant: Examining the Risks,” February 2000

Halon Replacement for Airplane Portable Fire Extinguishers – Progress Report, Sixth Triennial 

International Fire & Cabin Safety Research Conference, Atlantic City, NJ, October 26-28, 2010. 

http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/2010Conference/files/Halon_Replacement_I/Boeing2BTPHandheld/Carlo

BTPupdatePres.pdf (7.9 MB) 

Colton, Bradford, “BTP (2Bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene) Status Update,” presentation to Federal 

Aviation Administration, IASFPWG and International Civil Aviation Organization, November 14-16, 

2012. 

http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/ppt/systems/Nov12Meeting/Colton-1112-HandheldBTPUpdate.pptx (24 

MB) 

Robert Morrison, 747 Hidden Fire, 2-BTP Testing, “747 Hidden Fire, 2-BTP Testing,” Systems 

Working Group Meeting, Long Beach, CA, November 14 - 15, 2012. 

IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007

http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/aR-4/wg1/en/ch2s2-10-2.html

From Chapter 7 on Solvents

Guidelines for Cleaning of Printed Boards and Assemblies, IPC-CH-65B. Published by 

IPC. Revised July 2011.

Handbook for Critical Cleaning, Kanegsberg and Kanegsberg, Editors. Published by CRC Press. 

Published April 2011.