Environmental impact and legal framework of fluorinated greenhouse gases
This domain tests how EU and Irish F-gas law regulates HFCs and other fluorinated gases, and how to convert charge and GWP into tonnes CO2 equivalent. Expect questions on the phase-down, bans, certification and the operator’s legal duties.
Why F-gases are controlled
HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but are powerful greenhouse gases. The EU F-Gas Regulation (517/2014) covers HFCs, PFCs and SF6, sets a phase-down quota and bans certain new equipment. Ireland implements it through national F-gas rules, with the EPA as competent authority; certified personnel and company registration are required for relevant activities.
tCO2e and thresholds
Convert charge to tCO2e using the AR4 GWP: tCO2e = charge (kg) × GWP ÷ 1000. Common GWP: R-134a 1430, R-410A 2088, R-404A 3922, R-32 675, R-290 3, CO2 1. Thresholds (5, 50, 500 tCO2e) drive leak checks and records. The phase-down is a cap on placing bulk HFCs on the market, not an immediate ban on existing equipment.
Worked example: A non-hermetic R-404A system contains 12 kg. 12 × 3922 = 47,064 kg CO2e = 47.1 tCO2e. This is between 5 and 50 tCO2e, so the default leak-check interval is 12 months (24 months if an automatic leak detection system is fitted). The operator must keep records and use a certified technician.
Traps
Using kg instead of tCO2e; using the wrong GWP; saying HFCs harm the ozone layer; confusing the phase-down with a retroactive ban; forgetting that hermetically sealed equipment below 10 tCO2e is exempt from periodic leak checks.