it is now a measure of the effect the F-gases in the system could have on the atmosphere that is important. This is calculated by working out the quantity of CO2 that would have to be released to have the same warming effect on the atmosphere as the contents of the system.

In March 2014 the European Parliament passed regulation on the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gases). The F-Gas Regulation was a landmark ruling that has affected manufacturers, installers, specifiers, owners and users of air conditioning equipment along with those in other refrigeration related sectors.