The refrigeration and air‑conditioning (RAC) sector plays a pivotal role in delivering the goals of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. It accounts for a significant share of the controlled substances targeted for phase‑out and phase‑down, while also providing essential services that support health systems, food security, energy access and economic development.
UNEP OzonAction works with countries to meet their Protocol commitments by guiding the transition away from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), supporting the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment, and promoting safe, energy‑efficient and environmentally sustainable cooling solutions.
Phase‑out of HCFCs
HCFCs remain in use in a range of RAC applications, particularly in servicing. Through HCFC Phase‑Out Management Plans (HPMPs), OzonAction supports developing countries as they design and implement their national strategies. This work includes strengthening policies and licensing systems, improving enforcement, upgrading technician skills and promoting better servicing practices. The programme also encourages the adoption of energy‑efficient, low‑global‑warming‑potential alternatives, along with wider use of recovery, recycling and reclamation.
Many countries are now entering the final stages of their HPMPs, a period focused on eliminating the remaining HCFC uses, reinforcing long‑term policy measures, and ensuring the servicing sector is fully prepared for the complete phase‑out of HCFCs by 2030. This includes targeted training, improved refrigerant management, support for the transition to alternative technologies, and measures to prevent the reemergence of controlled substances.
These efforts help countries remain compliant with Montreal Protocol obligations while laying the foundation for durable, sustainable reductions across the sector.
HFC Phase‑down under the Kigali Amendment
HFCs are widely used in today’s cooling equipment, and many have high global‑warming potentials. Countries are now beginning to develop and implement their initial Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs), which outline the early steps for reducing HFC consumption. OzonAction supports this process by providing guidance on updating national policies, improving reporting systems and safely introducing lower‑GWP and often flammable refrigerants. Capacity building for technicians, industry representatives and policymakers remains essential to achieving a smooth and safe transition.
As many Parties continue to advance through the final phases of their HCFC Phase‑Out Management Plans, the early implementation of KIPs is taking place in parallel with HPMP activities. This dual approach helps countries align refrigerant transitions, strengthen institutions and prepare the servicing sector for the broader shift away from high‑GWP refrigerants.
A key priority throughout this work is ensuring that the move to alternative refrigerants goes hand‑in‑hand with improvements in energy efficiency, maximizing both climate and development benefits.
Energy Efficiency in the Cooling Sector
As global demand for cooling continues to rise, improving energy efficiency has become essential for reducing the environmental impact of RACHP systems. OzonAction promotes efficient technologies across domestic, commercial and industrial applications, and encourages better installation and servicing practices to ensure equipment performs as intended. The programme also supports countries in developing policies that link refrigerant transitions with minimum energy performance standards and offers tools to assess life cycle impacts and efficiency gains.
In recent years, the Multilateral Fund has introduced dedicated funding windows for energy efficiency measures linked to refrigerant transitions. UNEP is helping countries make use of these opportunities by assisting them to design, develop and implement energy efficiency projects that complement their HCFC phase out and HFC phase down activities. This integrated approach strengthens institutional capacity, accelerates adoption of efficient technologies and ensures that cooling sector transitions deliver stronger climate and development benefits.
Improving efficiency alongside refrigerant management provides substantial gains for the environment, national energy systems and end users.
NEW AND EMERGING COOLING TECHNOLOGIES
Cooling technologies are evolving rapidly. OzonAction provides countries with impartial, up to date information on alternatives that protect the ozone layer, reduce climate impacts and improve performance. This includes natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia; low GWP synthetic options; high efficiency equipment; stronger leak prevention practices; and digital tools that enable monitoring and optimisation.
All guidance prioritises safety, performance and suitability for local operating conditions. CONTINUE READING
CAPACITY BUILDING AND KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT
As an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund, UNEP OzonAction provides a broad range of capacity building and information services to help countries meet and sustain their Montreal Protocol commitments. These services include policy and technical assistance, national and regional training programmes, online learning tools, access to global databases, networking, South South cooperation, and public awareness activities. CONTINUE READING
