The Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases) UK Common Framework has been published in a provisional form on GOV.UK. The framework is accessible here.

This command paper sets out how the UK government and devolved governments propose to work together on the regulation of substances that deplete the ozone layer and fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The provisional Common Framework has received ministerial approval from all four governments. It was laid in the UK Parliament to enable parliamentary scrutiny to begin.

Traditionally, fire extinguishers have utilised halogens (CFCs). They also harm aquatic systems and contaminate water supplies along with the ozone layer.

Experts have long professed the use of pyrocool, which is a nontoxic, biodegradable, fire-extinguishing, and cooling agent. It’s said to replace the traditional extinguishers, and is just as effective in putting out fires, does not deplete the ozone layer, or persist in the environment, unlike CFCs.