Open Public Comment Period: Methodology for Use of Reclaimed HFC Refrigerants and Advanced Refrigeration Systems

The American Carbon Registry (ACR), a nonprofit enterprise of Winrock International, announces the open public comment period for a new methodology for Emission Reduction Measurement and Monitoring Methodology for Use of Reclaimed HFC Refrigerants and Advanced Refrigeration Systems.The Methodology was developed by EOS Climate.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as coolants in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as propellants in aerosol sprays and medical devices, and as insulation foam blowing agents. While HFCs are not Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and therefore an acceptable substitute for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Montreal Protocol, they have high global warming potentials (GWPs) and contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the 2014 EPA Inventory of US GHG Emissions and Sinks, the substitution of ODS with chemicals used as ODS alternatives, such as HFCs, accounts for 159 MMT CO₂e/year.

The intent of this methodology is to incentivize voluntary GHG emissions reductions through the use of reclaimed HFC refrigerants to displace the production and use of virgin HFC refrigerants, and through the use of zero/low GWP alternatives in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.

REGISTER HERE to join a free ACR webinar on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 to learn more about the methodology and provide feedback on eligible activities as well as baseline and emission reduction quantification. Presentations will be made by Jeff Cohen of EOS Climate and by Eric Ripley of ACR.

Please send public comments on the methodology to ACR@winrock.org by April 15, 2015.