The supermarket industry realized a long time ago that it is impossible to solve environmental problems related to refrigerant leaks using a repair-based approach (i.e., with policies that focus on leak repair and record-keeping). Yet, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) main regulatory program to address harmful refrigerant emissions reflects a repair-based policy.

California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) has released a proposed strategy aimed at curbing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The proposal targets near term emission reductions that will help California meet its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Honeywell has entered into a supply agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to produce Honeywell Solstice® yf (HFO-1234yf), further extending its global supply base for this low-global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant.

As manufacturers research the viability of low-GWP and other natural refrigerants, they face the concurrent challenges of ensuring compressors are efficient, safe, and reliable.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High-Ambient-Temperature Evaluation Program for low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants aims to develop an understanding of the performance of low-GWP alternative refrigerants to HCFC and HFC refrigerants in mini-split air conditioners under high-ambient-temperature conditions.

In follow-up to the document that Tecumseh issued in June 2015 regarding recommended refrigerants, the company has continued to test various low-global warming potential (GWP) options with the objective of determining suitable replacements for R-404A and R-134a.