Executive Order 13423 Technical Guidance - Ozone Depleting Compounds
General Principles and Commitments
Eliminate the use of ozone depleting compounds during and after construction where alternative environmentally preferable products are available, consistent with either the Montreal Protocol and Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, or equivalent overall air quality benefits that take into account life cycle impacts.
Technical Guidance
Introduction
In 1978, the use of CFC propellants in spray cans was banned in the U.S. In the 1980s, the Antarctic "ozone hole" appeared and an international science assessment more strongly linked the release of CFCs and ozone depletion. It became evident that a stronger worldwide response was needed. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed and the signatory nations committed themselves to a reduction in the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program is EPA's program to evaluate and regulate substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals being phased out under the stratospheric ozone protection provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA). EPA reviews refrigerant substitutes on the basis of ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, toxicity, flammability, and exposure potential. Lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes are updated several times each year. A chronological list of SNAP updates is available online or from the stratospheric ozone information hotline at 1 (800) 296-1996.
To meet this MOU commitment:
- Use alternatives to ozone-depleting substances to the maximum extent possible, as identified by EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program
- Do not purchase or use substances identified as unacceptable under SNAP
- Use all alternatives consistent with SNAP regulatory requirements
- Do not purchase aerosols or foam products except for those permitted by 40 CFR part 82 subpart C
- Do not use halons in fire suppression
It is also recommended that facilities track refrigerant (including HFCs as well as CFCs and HCFCs) usage for all equipment with 10 pounds or more refrigerant. And, repair or replace if leak rates exceed half of the applicable CAA 608 rules.
The Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers provides model guide spec language to assist agencies in meeting these requirements.
Related Mandates
- Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management"
- Clean Air Act §608 requires tracking CFC and HCFC refrigerant use for equipment using 50 pounds or more refrigerant. If leaks above a certain percentage (varies based on application, and rules have been proposed to change these values) are discovered, the owner must retrofit to a non-ODS refrigerant, repair the leak, or replace the equipment.
- Clean Air Act §613 42 USC 7671
- 40 CFR 82.84. Section 613 of the CAA requires Federal agencies to conform to the policies and requirements of the CAA for protection of stratospheric ozone and to maximize the substitution of ozone-depleting substances with safe alternatives identified by EPA.
Major Resources
WBDG
Design Objectives
Sustainable—Use Environmentally Preferable Products
