Bangladesh to Slash HFC Use by 85% by 2045

National Consultation Workshop held recently at the Department of Environment, co-organised by the UNDP and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Bangladesh has renewed its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change by setting an ambitious goal: reducing the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 2045. This initiative is part of the country’s obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which it ratified in 2020.

The pledge was reaffirmed during a national consultation workshop at the Department of Environment, organised under the Renewal of Institutional Strengthening for Phase-out of ODS (Phase-X) project, with support from the Multilateral Fund. The event, themed “Advancing the Montreal Protocol in Bangladesh: Fostering Stakeholder Collaboration”, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and development partners to assess progress and chart the way forward.

HFCs, widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and insulating foams, have a high global warming potential despite not harming the ozone layer directly. Reducing their use is critical for climate mitigation and for meeting global environmental commitments.

Bangladesh has already built a strong track record in phasing out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, halons, and methyl chloroform. Through technology transfer, institutional strengthening, and private sector engagement, the country has advanced significantly in sustainable cooling solutions. Initiatives like the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and the Kigali Implementation Plan have laid the foundation for the HFC phase-down.

At the workshop, Md Mahiuddin Manik, National Project Director of IS Phase-X, outlined a roadmap for meeting the 2045 target. This includes expanding the use of energy-efficient technologies, improving industry standards, and boosting local capacity for sustainable manufacturing.

Senior officials stressed the need for unified action. Md Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted that partnerships across government, academia, and industry are essential. “Through proactive collaboration and transparent communication, we can secure a sustainable environment for future generations,” he said.

Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment, underscored the urgency of action: “We must align with global protocols while addressing national priorities and industry needs through strengthened oversight, heightened awareness, and swift implementation.”

Experts at the workshop discussed technological innovations, readiness across different sectors, the role of inclusive public–private partnerships, and the development of bankable projects to support the transition.

With sustained cooperation between the government, private sector, and development partners, Bangladesh aims not only to meet its Kigali targets but also to position itself as a leader in climate-resilient and environmentally friendly cooling technologies.