According as various ozone depleting substances (ODS) are being phased out, new alternatives are being introduced in their place. In many cases, the alternatives have other environmental benefits, not just for protection of the ozone layer. Many ODS refrigerants have been replaced by HFCs, which are fluorinated greenhouse gases and controlled by Regulation 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Much of the research work into alternatives is carried out by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), where the Technological and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) operates various committees to focus on halons, methyl bromide, Refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps, and other issues. The most up to date information on alternatives is presented in TEAP Reports.
The European Commission also provides information on alternatives and various publications and resources are available on the Commission’s website.
Check the Commission’s webpage on Methyl Bromide alternatives
Read information on HCFC alternatives (International Technical Meeting 2008)
Read information on ODS alternatives in Technological and Economic Assessment Panel Reports
Check the Commission’s webpages on fluorinated greenhouse gases
