4 June 2013: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), together with market development company Shecco, convened the ATMOsphere Technology Summit, which brought together 150 representatives from developing and developed countries who explored the possibilities of leapfrogging high global warming substances in the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration (HVAC&R) and foam sectors.

The Summit, which took place from 3-4 June, in Vienna, highlighted successful initiatives on the uptake of new technologies to replace hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

UNIDO stressed the importance of phasing avoiding substances with low ozone depleting potential, but with high global warming potential (GWP). Participants identified a key barrier to phasing in new technologies, such as natural refrigerants, was the lack of training in the field, and the absence of uniform safety standards. [ATMOsphere Technology Summit Website] [UNIDO Press Release]