DENR to begin phasing out HCFCs in 2013

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will begin phasing out the importation and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in foam sprays, fire extinguishers, solvents, industrial and residential air conditioning units in January. The phase-out is in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement that commits signatory countries to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate the production and consumption of eight identified ozone-depleting substances (ODS) through different phase-out schedules. The HCFC phase-out will be the last for the Philippines, having already successfully completed the phase-out of: three types of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formerly used in foam, aerosols and refrigerants; halon, a fire-extinguishing agent; carbon tetrachloride, a dry-cleaning agent; methyl chloroform, used in manufacturing metal and plastic products; and methyl bromide, used in agricultural pesticides and fumigation of products for export. According to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, the phase-out will be gradual, with the freezing of HCFC importation at the 2010 base level of 162 ozone-depleting potential (ODP) tons. The level would then be reduced by 10 percent starting 2015, then by 35 percent in 2020, by 67.5 percent in 2025, and by 97.5 percent in 2030. HCFCs will be completely banned by 2040. Paje also said that the government will ensure that “affected sectors”—foam manufacturing, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire extinguishing and servicing—will have “a smooth transition to alternative substances and technologies.” Alternatives to HCFC include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for foam blowing, refrigeration, fire extinguishers and solvents; supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) for foam blowing; natural refrigerants such as ammonia as cooling agents; dry chemicals and water for certain fire extinguishing applications; and methylene chloride as solvent. The DENR has submitted its draft HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) to the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Montreal Protocol for consideration and approval in time for its meeting at the end of the year. The HPMP lays down the implementation of the phase-out's investment and non-investment projects: the former would provide technical and financial assistance to priority sectors in the shift to HCFC alternatives, while the latter involves training and capacity-building, including information campaigns and technical assistance. The DENR already began its phase-out of HCFCs in the foam sector in 2010, with the aid of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). — BM, GMA News