Reclaimed HFC Fire Suppressants, USA

Fire suppressants that are required in industrial processes rely on gases that are especially harmful to the atmosphere. These hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that can have over 1,000x times greater warming potential (GWP) in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

This project purchases HFC fire suppressants being decommissioned, serviced, or retrofitted. The project partner has a long history of recovering and reclaiming used fire suppression agents to service/re-charge existing and newly manufactured fire suppression equipment in the US.

Using reclaimed HFCs avoids future production of new or virgin high polluting HFCs and subsequent GHG emissions. The objective of this project is to offset the production of new HFC fire suppressants that create GHG emissions through the reclamation and sale of used HFC fire suppressants thereby resulting in emission reductions.

In addition to delivering emission reductions to take climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers another benefit:

• Industry, innovation and infrastructure: This portfolio of projects helps create a more circular economy for fire extinguishers and industrial fire suppressants to avoid the creation of more harmful HFCs. 
• Responsible consumption and production: This portfolio of projects supports the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in line with international frameworks, and significantly reduces their release to air, water and soil.