How is the environmental impact of new refrigerants typically assessed?

The environmental impact of new refrigerants is typically assessed by comparing their Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) to existing standards. GWP indicates how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, usually 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide. ODP measures the potential of a substance to deplete the ozone layer relative to the effect of CFC-11, a common reference substance.

This comparison is essential in ensuring that new refrigerants are not only effective in their application but also environmentally responsible. Regulatory bodies often set limitations on GWP and ODP values to facilitate the transition to more sustainable alternatives. This systematic assessment helps in promoting refrigerants that minimize environmental harm, aligning with international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer and mitigate climate change.

In contrast, other methods such as analyzing costs, public opinion, or just chemical structures provide important data but do not directly evaluate the environmental impact in the same comprehensive manner as GWP and ODP comparisons do.