F-gases

An EU directive has banned the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with global warming potential exceeding 150 in mobile air conditioning systems since January 2011. CO2 used as a refrigerant is an alternative. An UBA official car had used a CO2 mobile air conditioning system from 2009 to 2017. Since October 2016, first cars with CO2 air conditioning systems have been offered.

An EU directive bans the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases with global warming potential exceeding 150 for mobile air conditioning systems in motor vehicles since January 2011. Thus the current refrigerant tetrafluoroethane (R134a) has to be replaced. Tests in laboratory and car showed that the new refrigerant 1234yf selected by car industry can lead to fires.

There is a huge variety of products as well the environmental impact which is the inevitable consequence of today’s consumerism. Often it is no easy matter to find out available ecofriendly-products amongst the labyrinth of choices. Ecolabels should provide guidance and orientation. The UBA is committed to promote a wider use of environmentally friendly products and their success on the market.