The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is calling on the European Union (EU) to phase out fluorinated greenhouse gases, referred to as F-gases, by 2020. The Agency’s new position paper shows that with simple revisions to the F-Gas Regulation, currently under review, Europe could eliminate the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a family of potent greenhouse gases hundreds to thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

HFCs are chemicals used largely in refrigeration and air conditioning. They currently comprise approximately 2% of European greenhouse gas emissions but their use is rising rapidly. By 2020, HFCs could make up to 19% of global emissions. The European Commission has opened a public consultation on revisions to the F-Gas Regulation, which currently relies on expensive yet ineffective containment measures to prevent the gases leaking into the atmosphere.

“The current F-Gas Regulation, which allows companies to use these gases when cost-effective and energy-efficient alternatives are available, is simply not working. Since adoption in 2006, emissions of these gases have actually risen by 20%, which means a new approach is needed. It is time to phase out these chemicals for good,” said EIA campaigner Alasdair Cameron.

A phase-out of F-gases in the EU, based on prohibitions on use and placement in products, would save at least 60 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent per year (equivalent to 10% of the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions) by 2030.

“This is a golden opportunity to eliminate HFCs, one of the world’s big six greenhouse gases,” added Cameron. “Failing to press ahead with a phase-out would be a major mistake.”

EIA’s key points are:

• EIA calls for an EU-wide phase-out of HFCs by 2020, through a combination of use bans and restrictions on new equipment;

• The F-Gas Regulation has failed to reduce HFC emissions, which have risen by 20% since it was introduced in 2006;

• Containment and recovery are expensive;

• Climate-friendly, commercially and technologically viable alternatives to HFCs are available in all major sectors;

• The EU’s domestic actions have a considerable impact at international level and in this instance could lead the way in phasing out F-gases worldwide, both by setting an example and providing model legislation easily adapted/adopted by others.

www.eia-international.org