Fluorinated greenhouse gases

Fluorinated greenhouse gases – or 'F-gases' – are a family of chemicals which contain fluorine. As a very stable, non-toxic family of chemicals, F-gases have certain properties which make them useful in a wide range of applications. However, they are also very powerful and can contribute to global warming and climate change if emitted to the atmosphere.

What is being done?

As part of the European Union's obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, action has been taken action to regulate certain fluorinated greenhouse gases through European Commission ('EC') F-gas Regulation. The principal objective is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of F-gases.

Many commercial, industrial and public sector organisations have obligations under the EC Regulation on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. In particular, organisations which use, maintain or install refrigeration and/or air-conditioning equipment are likely to be affected.   Refrigeration and air-conditioning users may also be affected by the EC Ozone Regulation, which is phasing out certain ozone depleting substances (ODS).

The relevant gases that fall under the EC F-gas Regulation are:

  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
    Common uses include refrigerants in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pumps used in many applications such as industry, offices, retail, hospitality and cars. Other uses include aerosols, insulating foam, solvents and fire protection.
  • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
    Used in semi-conductor manufacture and a few other specialised applications.
  • Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
    Used in high voltage switch gear, for magnesium smelting processes and a few other specialised applications.

SEPA's role

As part of our regulatory duties, we promote and ensure compliance with the F gas and ODS Regulations that apply to industrial sites permitted under Part A of the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (as amended).

Other industrial sites, commercial and retail businesses are regulated by local authorities. Offshore oil and gas installations are regulated by The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). 

A government funded team - F-Gas Support external link - provides guidance for manufacturers, operators, contractors and others that make, sell or handle F gases and ODS and associated equipment.

More on process industry regulation

UK legislation

The requirements of the F-gas Regulation have been given domestic effect by Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2008. These regulations prescribe offences and penalties applicable in Great Britain to infringements of the following provisions of the EC F-gas Regulation:

  • Leakages
  • Leakage checking/leak detection systems
  • Record keeping
  • Instruction manuals
  • Recovery
  • Provision of information
  • Placing on the market prohibitions
  • Existing qualifications for personnel working on equipment