Nations around the world must meet certain benchmarks under the HCFC phase out, as they move towards total eradication of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). A schedule was implemented in 2003 running through 2030 and gives plenty of time for safer substitutes to be developed and brought into play.

The U.S. Clean Air Act enforces air quality standards through the requirement of permits and certain monitoring and reporting methods. It also provides funding to U.S. states to implement clean air programs to monitor such things as air conditioning and systems containing refrigerant gases.

Organizations are required to track the refrigerant leak rates and report annul refrigerant usage it to the EPA. Fugitive emissions in particular are defined in carbon emissions reporting protocols as one of four emissions scopes that will be regulated.

The EPA recently announced a plan which covers the need for mandatory carbon emissions reporting and thus is aimed at controlling the levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and other chemicals, such as refrigerant gases, that directly lead to the problem of climate change.

Since the causes of ozone layer depletion were identified, solutions were put into place to reduce or eliminate their usage. The U.S. Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocols address the problem internationally. The goal of these treaties is to stop the damage to the ozone layer by phasing out known contributors.

As a result of new environmental laws, managing the use of R22 refrigerant gas is more important than ever as government regulators can conduct unannounced spot checks to ensure tracking records comply with the reporting requirements. If there is a refrigerant leak, documentation must show how the gases were recovered.

The Climate Registry makes it politically and geographically easier for countries to come together to achieve positive effects on climate change. By using a common set of carbon emissions reporting requirements, organizations can all work together and support a concentrated effort to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Calculating carbon emissions is a complex process. The CO2 emissions must be identified and collected company wide. Tracking methods need to show the daily use of refrigerant gas. The end result will show the global warming potential for each facility with a HVAC-R system.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict standards for regulating and monitoring a refrigerant leak. The Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocols were both created to establish similar environmental standards internationally. These regulations include protocols for repairing refrigerant leaks or disposing of systems within a certain time frame.

The California Air Resources Board was formed to focus on air quality and areas for improvement. A good refrigerant gas management program is an essential element. CARB has been proactive, working with the people of the state, its' corporations and government bodies with the aim of protecting public health, welfare and the delicate ecology.