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Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (or F-gases) are man-made gases comprising sulfur hexaflouride (SF6) and the families of gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). F-gases are powerful greenhouse gases with global warming potentials many times that of natural greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. They also tend to remain much longer in the atmosphere than natural greenhouse gases. Because of this, they are included in the basket of gases controlled by the Kyoto Protocol and Parties to the Protocol that have an emissions target are required to control and reduce emissions of F-Gases.

The use of F-gases has grown more than three-fold between 1995 (the base year for these gases) and 2004. Although comprising less than 1% of total emissions in Ireland in 2004, there has tended to be a year-on-year increase in emissions of F-gases, attributable to increased semiconductor production, refrigeration and both stationary and mobile air-conditioning. Other uses include foams, fire extinguishers, aerosols and metered dose inhalers, and electrical equipment.

The phasing out of CFCs, for the purpose of complying with the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, has also been a factor in increased use of HFCs. The use of PFCs in the electronics sector and SF6 in semiconductor manufacture, electrical equipment a range of other applications has also been increasing steadily since 1995, though emissions of PFCs and SF6 are subject to some fluctuation in the semiconductor industry in particular, reflecting changing manufacturing activity in response to the global trends in this market.

The European Union adopted legislation in 2006 aimed at controlling emissions from F-gases, consisting of a Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases and a Directive on emissions from air conditioning systems in motor vehicles.

Further Information

Copies of the EU regulations can be accessed at http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/Environment/Atmosphere under the heading EU regulations.

A series of information leaflets and brochures providing guidance on the regulations can be found at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Atmosphere. Irish versions are also available on the irish version of the website.

For further information please email  climatechange@environ.ie

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