Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that its new low-global-warming refrigerant for use in automobile air conditioning systems has received final approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The approval allows the refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, to be used in new cars in the U.S. HFO-1234yf has a global-warming-potential (GWP) that is 99.7 percent less than HFC-134a, the refrigerant currently used in most car air conditioning systems. The EPA granted the approval under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.
"This is a significant step toward global adoption of this new refrigerant, which provides automakers with a near-drop in replacement for today's refrigerant while helping them meet new regulatory standards," said Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products.
The EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation last year adopted new standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers can receive credit toward the standards for adopting refrigerants with less climate impact, such as HFO-1234yf.
"This new chemical helps fight climate change and ozone depletion," Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, said in a press release. "It is homegrown innovative solutions like this that save lives and strengthen our economy."
In addition to the new U.S. standards, the European Union has adopted the Mobile Air Conditioning Directive, which requires new vehicle models starting in 2011 to use a refrigerant with a GWP below 150. By 2017, all new automobiles sold in Europe will be required to use a low-GWP refrigerant.
HFO-1234yf has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy by independent testing groups such as the SAE International Cooperative Research Program, in which leading automakers participate.
The SAE testing found the product offers environmental performance superior to carbon dioxide, an alternative refrigerant, while having "the lowest risk for use in mobile air conditioning systems in meeting environmental and consumer needs."
According to industry estimates, there are more than 400 million cars with air conditioning systems globally, with each system using between one-half and one kilogram of refrigerant. Air conditioning systems using HFO-1234yf are more energy efficient than carbon dioxide-based air conditioning systems, particularly at high ambient temperature conditions. For more information on HFO-1234yf, visit www.1234facts.com.
Honeywell is also developing a range of low-global-warming refrigerants, blowing agents, solvents, aerosols and other materials for other applications and markets. For more information on Honeywell's low-GWP portfolio, visit www.abettercool.com.
This release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements.
The approval allows the refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, to be used in new cars in the U.S. HFO-1234yf has a global-warming-potential (GWP) that is 99.7 percent less than HFC-134a, the refrigerant currently used in most car air conditioning systems. The EPA granted the approval under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.
"This is a significant step toward global adoption of this new refrigerant, which provides automakers with a near-drop in replacement for today's refrigerant while helping them meet new regulatory standards," said Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products.
The EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation last year adopted new standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers can receive credit toward the standards for adopting refrigerants with less climate impact, such as HFO-1234yf.
"This new chemical helps fight climate change and ozone depletion," Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, said in a press release. "It is homegrown innovative solutions like this that save lives and strengthen our economy."
In addition to the new U.S. standards, the European Union has adopted the Mobile Air Conditioning Directive, which requires new vehicle models starting in 2011 to use a refrigerant with a GWP below 150. By 2017, all new automobiles sold in Europe will be required to use a low-GWP refrigerant.
HFO-1234yf has undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy by independent testing groups such as the SAE International Cooperative Research Program, in which leading automakers participate.
The SAE testing found the product offers environmental performance superior to carbon dioxide, an alternative refrigerant, while having "the lowest risk for use in mobile air conditioning systems in meeting environmental and consumer needs."
According to industry estimates, there are more than 400 million cars with air conditioning systems globally, with each system using between one-half and one kilogram of refrigerant. Air conditioning systems using HFO-1234yf are more energy efficient than carbon dioxide-based air conditioning systems, particularly at high ambient temperature conditions. For more information on HFO-1234yf, visit www.1234facts.com.
Honeywell is also developing a range of low-global-warming refrigerants, blowing agents, solvents, aerosols and other materials for other applications and markets. For more information on Honeywell's low-GWP portfolio, visit www.abettercool.com.
This release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements.
