Global Warming Potential (GWP) of certain substances and mixtures | Umweltbundesamt

Commercial refrigeration systems are used to keep goods fresh and deep-frozen, especially foodstuffs, but also flowers and pharmaceutical products. They are installed, for example, in specialist food retailers and in catering applications. Nowadays, climate-friendly solutions with natural refrigerants are available for all system technologies. read more

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases applies since 11 March 2024, repealing Regulation (EU) 517/2014. read more

According to the VDMA, around 36,500 centralized refrigeration systems and over 540,000 plug-in refrigeration units were installed in German supermarkets, discounter, hypermarkets and other food retail stores in 2017. Fluorinated refrigerants are still the most common in existing systems. read more

Fluorinated greenhouse gases and CFC are governed by international environmental treaties (Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol) whose internationally, legally binding guidelines are implemented by European regulations and directives. Further legislation was enacted to achieve EU environmental protection goals. The body of European guidelines is complemented by national laws and regulations. read more

Substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which deplete the ozone layer have long been subject to an international phase-down on their production and use. In 2016 the international community took steps to phase down another group of substances that are particularly damaging to the climate – hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). read more

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂, also known as sulfuryl difluoride) is a colorless and odorless toxic gas that has a high global warming potential. Sulfuryl fluoride is used for pest control in overseas containers, among other things. Practicing container fumigation is associated with high emissions into the atmosphere, which have a non-negligible impact on the global climate. read more