Relevant EPA Programs

On this page:

• Protecting Our Climate by Reducing Use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program

Protecting Our Climate by Reducing Use of HFCs

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was enacted by Congress on December 27, 2020. The AIM Act directs EPA to address climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in three main ways: phasing down their production and consumption, maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases from equipment, and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. A global phasedown of HFCs is expected to avoid up to 0.5 degree Celsius of warming by 2100. GreenChill partners play an important role in tackling climate change by using lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and equipment with better, more energy efficient designs.

Learn more about reduction of HFCs.

Significant New Alternatives (SNAP) Program

SNAP was established under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act to identify and evaluate substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. The program looks at overall risks to human health and the environment of existing and new substitutes, publishes lists and promotes the use of acceptable substances, and provides the public with information. Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants can also reduce climate impacts of supermarket refrigeration systems. Refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia, hydrocarbons, and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are used in commercial refrigeration systems in the U.S. market.

Table 1. GWPs of Various Refrigerants

Currently, HFOs are most commonly employed in refrigeration systems within HFO/HFC blends and offer lower GWPs than their HFC counterparts. These blends balance reducing GWP with maintaining low flammability and efficiency.

Learn more about SNAP and Acceptable Substitutes in Retail Food Refrigeration.