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Fluorocarbons Management

Measures Against Fluorocarbons Emissions to Address Global Climate Change

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have a history of use as refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigerators. Under the Montreal Protocol, the production and consumption of these have been regulated and effectively controlled. On the other hand, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have been introduced as non-ODS alternatives, are strong GHGs requiring control from the perspective of combating climate change.

Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC) is serving as the secretariat for the Fluorocarbons Initiative on Life Cycle Management (IFL) launched by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan in December 2019. OECC promotes the international dissemination of information on the importance of switching to refrigerants with no or low Global Warming Potential (GWP). This is aimed at preventing leakage when refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are used and to recover, reclaim and destroy refrigerants from equipment earmarked for disposal. In addition, the project provides support to developing countries in Southeast Asia and elsewhere in establishing relevant laws and schemes, formulating technical manuals, and organizing trainings.

 

Leading the International Community in Disseminating Information on Fluorocarbons and Climate Change Measures

In accordance with the Montreal Protocol, ODS’ are under phase-out of production and consumption whilst HFCs – which do not deplete the ozone layer but have a high greenhouse effect – are to be phased down. However, until those regulations are tightened, measures against ODS’ and HFCs on the market (so-called ‘fluorocarbon banks’) are out of the scope of the Protocol and are left to the voluntary efforts of individual countries. The Government of Japan has called on the international community to promote the implementation of measures against fluorocarbon banks as these are essential for achieving net zero emissions under the Paris Agreement. OECC and the IFL Secretariat, in cooperation with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), supports the Japanese Government in leading international discussions by preparing a catalog of good practice examples for policymakers and by organizing side events at the UNFCCC COPs and other occasions.

 

Training for Policymakers in Asian Countries

In developing countries and regions, particularly in Asia, demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment is rising rapidly in line with economic growth yet limited countermeasures for emissions reduction have been deployed in these countries. As part of the IFL’s support program, OECC has organized group training courses for policymakers in 10 countries. These include the ASEAN countries in addition to India, Sri Lanka and Mongolia to improve knowledge in the Asian region by sharing Japan’s experience on the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act and by presenting country reports and action plans by each participating country.

Virtual presentation by the Vietnamese Government on the progress of Fluorocarbons control measures.

Side event at COP26 (Glasgow, England) (YouTube)

 

Preparation of Training Material Videos on Fluorocarbons Life Cycle Management

The IFL was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel restrictions had peaked. Consequently, we resolved to creating videos for use in the aforementioned online seminars as an alternative to conducting site visits on advanced Japanese technologies and other related operations.
In order to showcase the actual work to those concerned in developing countries, we collaborated with and received various kinds of support from relevant Japanese institutions and private companies.

These videos and international workshops are available on the YouTube channel.
FLUOROCARBON OECC(YouTube Channel)