SPLC Launches New Climate Friendly Refrigerant Management and Procurement Toolkit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 6, 2025 — A coalition of leading environmental organizations, universities, manufacturers, and government agencies convened by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) has launched an updated Climate Friendly Refrigerant Management + Procurement Guidance (Version 2.0), and associated toolkit. This groundbreaking resource provides practical strategies and procurement specifications to help organizations reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerants—one of the most urgent and impactful opportunities to slow climate change.

Made possible with funding from the Energy Foundation and support from the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD), the new toolkit was developed by SPLC in partnership with Refrigerant Emissions Elimination Forum (REEF) along with 20+ partner organizations—including NRDC, Yale Carbon Containment Lab, University of Wisconsin, UC San Diego, Arizona State University, A-Gas, Tradewater, and the City of Portland—who over the past two years participated in the Refrigerants Procurement Climate Collaborative convened by SPLC. The new guidance updates and expands upon the original 2021 recommendations for climate-friendly refrigerants. The final outputs have been technically reviewed by 15 organizations across industries, including procurement staff, facilities managers, and HVAC designers. Together, these contributors represent the growing demand for actionable tools that reduce emissions and align climate goals with procurement decisions.

A Critical Climate Opportunity

Refrigerants, commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps, are among the most potent greenhouse gases. Scientists estimate that phasing down high-GWP HFCs could avoid 70–100 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent and prevent up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. According to Project Drawdown, improving refrigerant management and accelerating the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives together represent the #1 climate solution available today.

The new Sustainable Refrigerants Procurement Toolkit offers the following practical tools:

• Step-by-step strategies to create refrigerant management plans and purchasing policies.

• Procurement specifications aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Technology Transitions Rule and the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act).

• Model contract language to ensure compliance and best practices across installation, maintenance, repair, and end-of-life disposal.

• Resources and tools such as ENERGY STAR product finders, certified refrigerant reclaimers, and responsible appliance disposal programs.

"By adopting these measures, organizations can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, comply with federal and state laws, and even cut energy costs,” said Marc Heisterkamp, Chief Executive Officer of SPLC. “This is an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership in sustainability and climate action."

Access the Guidance

The full Climate Friendly Refrigerant Management + Procurement Guidance and accompanying Policy & Specifications are publicly available for free download on the SPLC Website.

Media Contact 
Kristy Pickurel, Director of Marketing & Communications, SPLC 
kristyp@sustainablepurchasing.org 

About SPLC 
The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) is a global community of purchasers, suppliers, advocates, and experts dedicated to driving positive impact through the power of procurement. Visit SPLC at www.sustainablepurchasing.org.