Quantifying and Reducing Halocarbon Emissions at Academic Institutions

Halocarbon gases are among the most powerful greenhouse gases ever emitted. Their global warming potentials are 100 to 10,000 times greater than carbon dioxide, and their emissions account for 14% of observed warming since preindustrial times. Halocarbons are also the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in developed countries. U.S. emission rates have increased nearly 250% since 1990, and unabated global emissions could induce an additional 0.5 ˚C of warming by 2100. Fast and aggressive action to reduce emissions of halocarbons and other short-lived climate pollutants is essential to help avoid crossing important global climatic tipping points.

Despite their environmental harm, halocarbons are extensively used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and foam blowing applications. While the production and disposal of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are federally regulated, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and use remain largely uncontrolled in the United States. In the absence of stringent federal regulation, private entities have broad discretion in reducing their use and emission of halocarbon refrigerants. We introduce best practices for academic institutions to (1) improve halocarbon use and leakage inventories, (2) reduce halocarbon emissions, and (3) adopt greener refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.

We quantified the halocarbon use and emissions inventories of several Boston area universities. The ratio – and environmental impact – of regulated (CFC & HCFC) and unregulated (HFC) refrigerant use varies widely depending on the age of an institution’s refrigeration and air conditioning infrastructure. Annual halocarbon emissions account for less than 2% of a typical institution’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, we estimate the total halocarbon emissions from schools in the Boston Green Ribbon Commission Higher Education Working Group are equivalent to 13,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Collective efforts to adopt alternative refrigerants can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We conclude by discussing the challenges and benefits to academic institutions when adopting alternatives to halocarbon technology. Relevant factors include cost savings, energy use, and the effects of temperature on students’ cognitive performance.