(photo: UN)

Ozone-depleting substances in general, and HCFCs in particular, are commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, cold storage, and in foam production. Limiting the use of these substances is possible when there are substitutes and a roadmap and domestic manufacturers are able to convert their technology.

In the 2012-2017 period Vietnam helped 11 foam insulation manufacturers convert their technology to avoid 1,300 tons of HCFC-141b, In the 2018-2023 period, Vietnam hopes to avoid 1,000 tons of HCFC-22.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has cooperated with customs agencies to organize many activities to strengthen export and import management and train technicians on refrigerant leak management.

At a conference on Tuesday in Hanoi to review phase 2 of a project on HCFC elimination and management in Vietnam organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ashrà El- Arini, head of the project, said the project achieved amazing results. HCFC consumption in Vietnam fell 35% from the baseline consumption. That demonstrates that Vietnam is complying with the Montreal Protocol, an international Treaty on protecting the ozone layer by gradually eliminating the substances that cause ozone depletion.

Tang The Cuong, Director of the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said: “I believe that recent results and lessons learned from the coordination of state management agencies, domestic and international organizations, businesses, and other parties will help Vietnam successfully implement the Montreal Protocol, contribute to global efforts to heal the hole in the ozone, and mitigate climate change.”

The Department of Climate Change has submitted a project proposal on HCFC elimination to the Multilateral Fund Committee for the 2024-2030 period.