Rio supports HFC phase-down

Awaits nod of approval from 90 heads of state

Rajendra Shende, Chairman TERRE Policy Centre, and Former Director UNEP, has shared the following information with the HVACR fraternity:

According to him, the following para related to HFCs was among 283 paragraphs, which was reportedly agreed by delegations of 193 countries during the Rio + 20, the Earth Summit 2012, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 20 to 22:

“222. We recognise that the phase-out of ozone depleting substances (ODS) is resulting in a rapid increase in the use and release of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the environment. We support a gradual phase-down in the consumption and production of HFCs.”

According to Shende, the above para appears under the rubrics of “Chemicals and Waste”, and the draft text of the full document called “Future we Want” is now before about 90 heads of state, who are likely to give it their stamp of approval.

The phase-down policy is certain to have far-reaching implications on the global HVACR sector.