The European Commission presented a proposal in order to reach a significant reduction in emissions of climate-warming fluorinated gases (F-gases). Emissions of F-gases, which have a warming effect up to 23,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, have risen by 60% since 1990, while all other greenhouse gases have been reduced.

A new Regulation proposed by the European Commission seeks a significant reduction in emissions of climate-warming fluorinated gases by 2030. Emissions of F-gases, which have a warming effect up to 23,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, have risen by 60% since 1990, while all other greenhouse gases have been reduced. EEA published in 2011 that F-gases contributed 2% of total EU greenhouse gases emissions in 2010, measured in terms of CO2-equivalent.

In particular, the Regulation proposal introduces a phase-down measure that from 2015 limits the total amount of the most significant group of F-gases - Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – that can be sold in the EU and reduces this in steps to one fifth of today's sales by 2030. This measure will build on the successful phasing out of ozone-depleting substances which was achieved in the EU 10 years ahead of the schedule agreed internationally.

F-gases are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, as well as in electrical equipment, insulation foams, aerosol sprays and fire extinguishers. They leak into the atmosphere from production plants, from appliances they are used in, and when such appliances are thrown away. According to the Commission, with the right legal framework in place, EU consumers and commercial users of equipment can drive the change and spur technological development in all sectors that use F-gases today. This will lead to increased market shares for those companies seizing the opportunity to develop climate-friendly products and equipment.