This UNEP publication highlights the successes and challenges in meeting the Montreal Protocol on reducing ozone depleting substances. It explains the actions and policies that were key to the success of meeting CFC/HCFC reduction deadlines in the Scandinavian countries; as well it outlines the path forward for the further and ultimate complete phase out of these substances globally.

Greenpeace seeks the phase out of all F-gases, which present a growing threat to the environment. Greenpeace is not against the development of alternatives, but until our concerns about HFOs can be proven to be unfounded, the precautionary principle should prevail. Safer, cheaper and readily available alternatives already exist for all applications, and given this fact, we favour the deployment of natural refrigerant and oppose the continuing dependence on synthetic refrigerants.

This publication was produced in close cooperation with TUEV SUED to develop a handbook for engineers, technicians and policymakers that describes safety systems both from a third-party perspective and from an implementing agency perspective. It informs in a comprehensive manner about all aspects related to safety while working with hydrocarbon refrigerants, covering infrastructure, systems design, training, production and manufacturing facilities, equipment design and development, working on systems and development and case studies.