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Greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol are amongst others, three groups of fluorinated greenhouse gases (the so-called "F-Gases"): hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The EU controls emissions of F-gases through two legislative acts, the F-Gas Regulation and the MAC Directive.
On 26 September 2011 the Commission completed a review of the application, effects and adequacy of the F-Gas Regulation and issued a report 
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On the basis of this report, it has launched a consultation that invites stakeholders to comment on possible options for strengthening EU measures to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases in order to contribute to the transition to a climate-friendly low carbon economy.
F-Gases are... everywhere!
Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases
- Commonly called "F-Gases"
- Τhere are three groups of F-gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol: hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride
- Under the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has made a commitment to reduce between 2008 and 2012 its greenhouse gas emissions by 8%
- The "F-Gas Regulation" and the "MAC Directive" contribute to achieving this target by controlling emissions of F-gases in the EU
Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases are used in several types of products and applications, mainly as substitutes of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons which are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Although F-Gases have no ozone-depleting properties, most of them have a high global warming potential.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are the most common group of F-Gases. They are used in various sectors and applications such as refrigerants in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment, as blowing agents for foams, as fire extinguishants, aerosol propellants and solvents.
Perfluorocarbonsare (PFCs) typically used in the electronics sector (e.g. for plasma cleaning of silicon wafers) as well as in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry (extraction of natural products like nutraceuticals and flavours), but to a minor extent also in refrigeration often in combination with other gases. In the past PFCs were used as fire extinguishants and can still be found in older fire protection systems.
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is mainly used as an insulation gas and for extinguishing the switching arc in highvoltage switchgear and as a cover gas in magnesium and aluminium production.
Two-tracks of EU action to slow-down growing F-Gas emissions
The EU has adopted two legislative acts: the "MAC Directive" on emissions from air conditioning systems in motor vehicles, and the so-called "F-Gas Regulation" which covers all other key applications in which F-Gases are used.
The "F-Gas Regulation", supplemented by 10 implementing acts (Commission Regulations), follows two tracks of action:
- Avoiding F-Gases in some applications in which more environmentally superior alternatives were already cost-effective. Measures include use and marketing restrictions.
- Improving leak-tightness of equipment containing F-Gases. Measures comprise: labeling of equipment containing F-gases, training and certification of personnel and companies handling this type of gases, containment and proper recovery.
Furthermore, reporting provisions were introduced to facilitate the monitoring of the Regulation's measures and to ensure that the policy objective is being met.
The MAC Directive prohibits the use of F-Gases with a Global Warming Potential higher than 150 in new types and all new vehicles in 2011 and 2017 respectively.