USA – The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have warmly welcomed the decision of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol (MP) to work toward an amendment in 2016 which will include hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in the treaty’s scope, with an objective of establishing a schedule to phasedown their use across the globe. The AHRI were particularly receptive to this resolution as they have been long-term supporters of including HFCs in the phasedown plan under the Montreal Protocol.

“Even as other MP signatories have debated the original North American Proposal to include HFCs, AHRI’s member companies – including refrigerant producers and original equipment manufacturers – have been proactively researching potential alternatives to HFCs to ensure that air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers have access to appropriate refrigerants,” commented the president and CEO of AHRI, Stephen Yurek.

The AHRI have worked alongside U.S. government agencies and energy efficiency advocacy groups for many years to try and ensure a phasedown of these chemicals. As part of this process, the AHRI are currently managing a research program, known as the Low-Global Warming Potential Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program (Low-GWP AREP), which began in 2011. Following the publication of the results of this program, the AHRI established a committee to investigate flammable refrigerants that can be considered as alternatives to high-GWP refrigerants such as HFCs.

“This is a revolutionary agreement and we are looking forward to being part of the process of developing an amendment in 2016,” concluded a satisfied Mr Yurek.