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In late 2023, the EPA released a final ruling governing the phase out of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and creating deadlines for their use in most applications. This category of refrigerants includes many common refrigerants used in the built environment and has necessitated a transition to lower GWP but lightly flammable refrigerants generally referred to as A2L refrigerants. This new class of refrigerants has a much lower impact on the environment than the refrigerants they are replacing, aiding in green building and sustainability goals. However, due to their flammable characteristics, building codes have been updated to account for the increased life safety risk of A2L refrigerants used inside buildings. These changes have significant impacts on architectural planning and may influence system selection and building design.

In this presentation, mechanical engineer Jack Gibbons, PE, of WSP will discuss why refrigerants are changing, the architectural impacts of A2L refrigerants, and how architects and engineers can minimize disruptions through system selection and building design.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the recent changes to refrigerants mandated by the EPA.
• Explain why refrigerants are periodically phased out and what the benefits of new refrigerants are.
• Identify the architectural changes needed to accommodate A2L refrigerants in various building types.
• Summarize the architectural impact of different mechanical systems based on their refrigerant use and new building codes.

Mr. Gibbons has four years of experience in the engineering design and construction administration of mechanical systems for commercial, residential, healthcare, and mixed use buildings. As a professional engineer and LEED Green Associate he has served as lead engineer and project manager on a variety of multi-discipline projects.

As a Mechanical Engineer, Jack participates in all aspects of design from preliminary space planning and system conceptualization through contract and permit documents and construction administration. He is a LEED Green Associate has been involved with projects that utilized sustainable design concepts and achieved LEED certification. As a project manager, Jack has acted as the single point of client contact for all MEP and specialty service related project activities. Additionally, he has been responsible for maintaining all project deadlines, facilitating in-house coordination, and ensuring all drawings are internally reviewed per established quality control procedures prior to issuing.