ASHRAE and UNEP approve new life-cycle refrigerant management plan

The organisations say the work plan – which was adopted during the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas – reinforces their long-standing partnership to advance sustainable refrigerant practices worldwide.

ASHRAE says comprehensive management across the full refrigerant life cycle, from production and installation to recovery, reuse and disposal, has become increasingly critical, noting that some legacy refrigerants can deplete the ozone layer if released, while certain alternatives introduced to replace them have high global warming potential (GWP). Effective life cycle refrigerant management helps reduce emissions, improve system efficiency and enhance safety for technicians and communities.

The collaboration between ASHRAE and UNEP to support developing countries in transitioning to non-ozone-depleting refrigerants dates back to 2007, with biennial work plans launched ever since.

The latest work plan includes:

• Field companion for RAC technicians – An AI-powered, multilingual mobile application based on the Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability technical guide. ASHRAE says the tool will provide real-time, context-aware guidance and automated documentation to support safe, practical implementation of life-cycle refrigerant management practices
• Fact sheets on life-cycle refrigerant management and energy-efficient RAC – A series of briefing documents covering topics such as the benefits of LCRM, conducting energy audits, safe use and handling of flammable refrigerants, and understanding regulatory requirements
• Updates to ASHRAE–UNEP OzonAction joint products – Evaluation and enhancement of existing educational resources to incorporate life-cycle refrigerant management guidance, including:
  • Energy Efficiency Literacy online learning modules
  • Refrigerants Literacy online learning modules
  • University Course Pack for engineering instructors
  • Assessing RAC Plant Sustainability checklists and guidance sheets
  • Refrigerant Update Factsheet listing refrigerants with ASHRAE R designations, safety classifications and GWP
  • Lower GWP Award case studies highlighting replicable, cost-effective projects in developing countries.

“Life cycle refrigerant management is essential to achieving global climate goals,” says 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade. “Even small refrigerant leaks reduce system efficiency and increase emissions.

“By emphasising proper design, installation, maintenance and monitoring, LCRM improves safety, lowers energy use and reduces both direct and indirect emissions. It also strengthens local economies by supporting skilled jobs in refrigerant recovery, recycling and compliance.”

Jim Curlin, Head of UNEP’s OzonAction Branch, notes that the partnership bridges global environmental policy with technical standards and industry practice.

“The collaboration provides specialised tools and services that help developing countries manage refrigerants responsibly, meet Montreal Protocol obligations and advance energy efficiency,” Curlin says. “ASHRAE contributes technical expertise in codes, standards and guidance for refrigerant use, while UNEP supports deployment aligned with global environmental goals.”

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