Fluorinated greenhouse gases ("F-gases") have a very high Global Warming Potential ("GWP") if emitted into the atmosphere. F-gases include hydrofluorocarbons ("HFCs").
Ozone depleting substances ("ODS") can damage the Earth's protective ozone layer if emitted into the atmosphere.
HFCs and ODS are used in a number of different sectors of business in NI, including refrigeration, air-conditioning, heat pumps and fire protection equipment.
Laws are in place to ensure that emissions of F-gases and/or ODS from these types of equipment are minimised.
The company Aether have been supporting the Chemicals and Industrial Pollution Policy (CIPP) Branch of DAERA in undertaking an analysis of the markets of HFCs and ODS in NI.
The study was conducted by means of a scoping survey which was distributed amongst all identified organisations and key actors in the supply chain of HFCs and ODS in NI, followed by interviews with key stakeholders.
A summary of the scoping survey can be found in the attached document, including the 5 main aims of the scoping survey.
Further details are available from the CIPP Branch of DAERA on request.
Summary of Aether NI scoping survey HFC and ODS