With HFCs now to be included within the Montreal Protocol, this week’s meeting in Dubai ended with real prospects of a global HFC phase-down agreement next year.

In the face of four amendments on the table from the Island Nations, India, the EU and North America, objections to forming an HFC contact group to begin negotiating an amendment were finally dropped.

Pleased with the progress made, Stephen Yurek, president and CEO of the US Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), said “AHRI’s member companies – including refrigerant producers and original equipment manufacturers – have proactively been researching potential alternative refrigerants to ensure that the world’s air conditioning and refrigeration equipment manufacturers will have access to appropriate refrigerants. AHRI, US government agencies, and energy efficiency advocacy groups have all worked diligently for many years to ensure a phase-down of these chemicals. This collaboration is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when all parties work together in good faith to achieve a common goal.”

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