NATURAL HVACR 4 LIFE

As the EU clamps down on potent greenhouse gases in refrigeration and air conditioning, an ambitious project is proving that cleaner, greener alternatives aren’t just a dream — they’re already here.

The NATURAL HVACR 4 LIFE project, led by industry giant DAIKIN, has demonstrated that air conditioning and refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide (CO2) can match, and even outperform, traditional systems relying on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). Although F-gases account for less than 1% of Europe’s greenhouse emissions, their climate impact is disproportionately high — some are up to 23 000 times more potent than CO2 and linger in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Responding to the EU F-gas Regulation aiming for an 80% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions by 2030, the project showcased the energy efficiency and safety of combined HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) units that use CO2 as a refrigerant. Unlike F-gases, CO2 is natural, non-flammable, and poses no long-term threat to the climate.

The project deployed 21 CO2-based units across shops and supermarkets in temperate and warmer regions of Europe, with successful demonstrations in the Czech Republic, Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and Southern France. In temperate climates, the results were particularly encouraging, with 17 units operating efficiently and safely — surpassing initial targets.

According to robust monitoring data, each CO2 unit saves approximately 6.36 tonnes of CO2 emissions over its 10-year lifespan compared to conventional F-gas systems. With plans to install over 2 600 units by 2028, the projected carbon savings could exceed 16,000 tonnes of CO2, making a substantial contribution to the EU’s climate goals and the Paris Agreement commitments. The project also reported a 21% reduction in life-cycle emissions compared to systems running on R410A, a common F-gas refrigerant.

Beyond technology, NATURAL HVACR 4 LIFE actively engaged policymakers, advocating for regulations and standards that recognise natural refrigerants, and ensuring industry readiness for the F-gas phase-down. The project ran 27 training sessions, educating over 120 professionals, and developed detailed service manuals to facilitate broader market uptake.

With a refrigerant ban coming into effect in January 2025, the project’s CO2 solution is poised to become a mainstream alternative, offering a scalable path to decarbonising refrigeration and air conditioning across Europe.

The project was a LIFE Awards 2025 finalist.