ECOS demands faster pace in banning F-gases

Man-made hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases were introduced in fridges and other cooling appliances to replace CFC gases, which were harmful to the ozone layer. But HFCs warm up the atmosphere – and much more so than carbon dioxide (CO₂). Fluorinated gases, or F-gases, a group of gases HFCs are part of, have a global warming effect up to 23 000 times greater than CO₂, and their emissions are rising quickly.

To cut emissions from HFCs and other harmful F-gases such as sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), ECOS – an environmental NGO –  is calling for a radical phase-out of these gases in the upcoming F-Gas Regulation, for which a proposal is expected from the Commission in 2021.

The current F-Gas Regulation requires further significant improvements to safeguard our climate and to follow the ambition of the European Green Deal.

HFCs are used in refrigerators, air-conditioners, all products containing heat pumps, in construction products such as foams and in fire extinguishers and aerosols. On the other hand, SF₆ is the most potent greenhouse gas on the planet used in the electricity sector.

Together with other environmental NGOs, ECOS has put forward a number of ideas for improving the F-Gas Regulation as part of its response to an EU public consultation. ECOS is calling for measures to:

• Promote compliance with the F-Gas Regulation with an acceleration of the HFC phase-down schedule, by adjusting its penultimate step in 2027 to 10% and the final step in 2030 to 5%;
• Strengthen the ambition and facilitate the adoption of HFC-free alternatives, including an update of antiquated standards to allow for the introduction of safe and energy-efficient natural refrigerant technologies, as well as mandatory training on alternative refrigerants as part of certification programmes and the promotion of incentive schemes and public procurement;
• Ban and contain SF₆-based switchgear. SF₆ is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, yet its growth and use continues virtually unabated. The EU should ensure all SF₆ usage is reported to enable accurate emission profiling and adopt immediate bans for new switchgear containing SF₆as well as rules for end-of-life treatment.

You can read our full position paper here.