Which refrigerants are considered more environmentally friendly than CFCs?

The choice highlighting HFCs and natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO2 reflects a significant advancement in refrigerant technology and environmental awareness compared to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) were developed as replacements for CFCs because they do not deplete the ozone layer, which was a critical environmental concern regarding CFC use. Although HFCs still have a global warming potential (GWP), they are seen as a step in the right direction due to their reduced Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP).

Natural refrigerants, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, are considered even more environmentally friendly since they have low to zero GWP and no ODP. Ammonia, for instance, is an efficient refrigerant with a long history in industrial applications and is recognized for its minimal environmental impact when managed correctly. CO2 is also increasingly used, particularly in supermarket refrigeration systems, due to its abundance and low environmental impact.

These advancements reflect a shift toward refrigerants that align better with global environmental goals, particularly those outlined in protocols like the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer. The ongoing movement toward refrigerants with