F-Gas CO2e Calculator

About the F-Gas CO2e Calculator

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). Though emitted in small quantities, they have extremely high global warming potentials — ranging from 1,000 to over 23,000 times CO2. They're used in refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical insulation, and semiconductor manufacturing.

This F-Gas CO2e Calculator converts mass of various F-gases into CO2 equivalent. Select a common gas or enter a custom GWP, then enter the mass released. This is essential for Scope 1 fugitive emission reporting under the GHG Protocol.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol sets a long-term global phasedown schedule for HFCs through the mid-century period. Tracking and reducing F-gas emissions is both a regulatory requirement and a significant climate opportunity.

When This Page Helps

A small refrigerant leak can produce tonnes of CO2e because of extreme GWPs. This calculator quantifies F-gas emissions for GHG inventories, regulatory compliance, and identifying high-impact reduction opportunities.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Select the fluorinated gas from the dropdown.
2. Enter the mass of gas emitted in kilograms.
3. View the CO2 equivalent based on the gas's GWP.
4. For custom gases, select "Custom" and enter the GWP manually.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• A 5 kg refrigerant leak of R-410A equals ~10 tonnes of CO2e.
• Regular HVAC maintenance prevents leaks that are both costly and climate-damaging.
• Transition to low-GWP refrigerants (R-32, R-290, R-1234yf) when replacing equipment.
• Track refrigerant refills as Scope 1 fugitive emissions.
• SF6, used in electrical switchgear, has a GWP of 23,500 — minimize leaks.
• F-gas regulations are tightening globally under the Kigali Amendment and EPA AIM Act.

The Hidden Climate Impact of Refrigeration

HVAC and refrigeration equipment leaks an average of 2–10% of their refrigerant charge per year. With high-GWP refrigerants, even a modest leak from a commercial system can generate more CO2e than all other building emissions combined.

The Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants

The industry is shifting toward natural and low-GWP synthetic refrigerants. R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO2), and R-1234yf are leading alternatives. While each has tradeoffs (flammability, pressure, cost), they reduce the climate impact of refrigerant leaks by 99%+.

SF6 in the Electrical Sector

SF6 is used as an insulating gas in high-voltage switchgear. With a GWP of 23,500, even tiny leaks have massive climate impact. The electrical industry is developing SF6-free switchgear using vacuum, clean air, or fluoronitrile alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are F-gases?

  F-gases are synthetic greenhouse gases containing fluorine. They include HFCs (used in refrigeration/AC), PFCs (semiconductor manufacturing), SF6 (electrical switchgear), and NF3 (electronics). They have extremely high GWPs and long atmospheric lifetimes.

• Why are F-gas GWPs so high?

  F-gases absorb infrared radiation very efficiently and persist for decades to millennia. SF6, for example, has a GWP of 23,500 and an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years. Even small leaks create significant warming.

• How do I measure F-gas emissions?

  For refrigeration/AC, track the mass of refrigerant added during maintenance (top-off method). For SF6 switchgear, weigh the equipment or track refills. For industrial processes, use material balance or direct measurement.

• What is the Kigali Amendment?

  The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol sets a global phasedown schedule for HFC production and consumption over several decades. It is expected to avoid a meaningful amount of long-term warming by reducing reliance on high-GWP refrigerants.

• What R-value refrigerant should I switch to?

  Low-GWP alternatives include R-32 (GWP 675), R-290/propane (GWP 3), R-1234yf (GWP 1), and CO2/R-744 (GWP 1). Equipment compatibility varies; consult your HVAC manufacturer for approved alternatives.

• How are F-gases reported in GHG inventories?

  F-gas emissions are reported as Scope 1 fugitive emissions under the GHG Protocol. The mass of each gas is multiplied by its GWP to convert to CO2e. Track each gas type separately, as GWPs vary by orders of magnitude.