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The CFC phase out is a major component of the international effort
to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The phase out relied
on market forces to encourage development of CFC alternatives.
This approach allowed CFC users to respond independently and creatively,
often leading to improved technologies and cost reductions. The
following are some examples.
Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center (AGMC)
The AGMC is a critical repair facility for military navigation
and guidance systems. The center once consumed more than 2 million
pounds per year of CFC-based cleaning solvents, and it faced a
daunting challenge in making the transition to non-ozone-depleting
substances. Missile guidance systems are so sensitive that parts
must fit with clearances of only one to five microns (millionths
of a meter), and the most minute residue can affect a missile's
target accuracy.
The AGMC developed The Ozone Depleting Chemical Elimination program,
and initiated testing of alternatives. By shifting to more benign
cleaning techniques, the AGMC has virtually eliminated dependence
on ozone-depleting chemicals. Aerospace and electronics companies
have praised AGMC's cleaning processes. In 1995 the center won
the Ford Foundation "Innovations in American Government"
award.
Food Packaging Industry
In 1988, the makers of disposable foam cartons and food packaging
announced a nation-wide phase out of CFC use in food service packaging
foams. At that time, about one-third of foam products for food
service were manufactured with CFCs. This initiative, which relied
on the adoption of alternative foam blowing agents, marked the
first time an industry voluntarily halted use of CFCs. Cooperation
between government, business, and environmental groups made this
initiative successful.
American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T)
AT&T was the first U.S. company
to set a goal of phasing out CFC use by the end of 1994, and actually
succeeded in doing so by 1993. To achieve this goal, the company
tested and developed CFC alternatives for its manufacturing operations.
These include terpene-based solvents and aqueous spray defluxers
for use in cleaning circuit boards.
AT&T was also proactive in encouraging developing countries
to support the CFC phase out. The company sent managers and technical
experts to Hungary, Japan, Singapore, the former USSR, and other
countries to demonstrate the new technologies. AT&T also played
a leadership role in the creation of the International Cooperative
for Ozone Protection (ICOLP), an industry and government partnership
to promote the benefits of global cooperation in protecting the
ozone layer.
J.C. Penney
The CFC phase out presents an ideal opportunity for building
owners to capture energy savings by upgrading and modernizing
air conditioning and refrigeration systems. A J.C. Penney retail
store in Cumberland, GA implemented state-of-the-art lighting
and other energy reduction measures, which in turn allowed it
to install a smaller, more efficient air- conditioning and refrigeration
system. This generated annual energy savings of 25 percent, amounting
to $66,500/year. J.C. Penney also earned a $35,000 rebate from
Atlanta Gas Light Company to defray new equipment costs.
Written by EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division
Last updated on May 6, 1996:
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/geninfo/benefits.html
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