The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Decision XXVIII/3: Energy efficiency

Recognizing that a phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol would present additional opportunities to catalyse and secure improvements in the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment,

Noting that the air-conditioning and refrigeration sectors represent a substantial and increasing percentage of global electricity demand,

Appreciating the fact that improvements in energy efficiency could deliver a variety of co-benefits for sustainable development, including for energy security, public health and climate mitigation,

Highlighting the large returns on investment that have resulted from modest expenditures on energy efficiency, and the substantial savings available for both consumers and Governments,

  1. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to review energy efficiency opportunities in the refrigeration and air-conditioning and heat-pump sectors related to a transition to climate-friendly alternatives, including not-in-kind options;
  2. To invite parties to submit to the Ozone Secretariat by May 2017, on a voluntary basis, relevant information on energy efficiency innovations in the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump sectors;
  3. To request the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel to assess the information submitted by parties on energy efficiency opportunities in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors during the transition to low-global-warming-potential and zero-global-warming-potential alternatives and to report thereon to the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Parties, in 2017;