Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Management

Project Background

The American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment is implementing the project Development of the Action Plan for Management of Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the Republic of Armenia in partnership with the National Ozone Unit at the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation foams, and other equipment. While Armenia has made significant progress in controlling imports of these substances, large quantities remain banked in existing equipment. If not properly recovered and treated at the end of life, these substances contribute to ozone depletion and climate change.

Duration

Start Date: November 2025
End Date: January 2026

Objectives

This project supports Armenia in developing a national action plan and business model for the environmentally sound management of used or unwanted ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The project aims to address emissions from existing ODS/HFC banks through improved recovery, aggregation, reclamation, and destruction practices. The project’s specific objectives are to:

— Assess Armenia’s technical capacity for domestic destruction of ODS and HFCs, including incineration and cement-kiln co-processing options;

— Analyze international best practices and adapt them to Armenia’s institutional and market context;

— Identify legal and regulatory gaps and propose targeted reforms aligned with the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment;

— Develop a financially sustainable business model, including the role of environmental taxation and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); and

— Propose a phased national roadmap for implementation.

Outputs

— Comparative review of international ODS/HFC management models

— Technical assessment of domestic destruction options (incineration, cement kilns, plasma technologies)

— Legal and regulatory gap analysis with reform recommendations

— Financial and business model for ODS/HFC management (tax- and EPR-based mechanisms)

— National action plan and implementation roadmap

— Presentations and briefing materials produced during project events