The EPA issued final approval last month for a new refrigerant for use in automotive air conditioning systems that do not deplete the ozone layer, and the industry is already ramping up for its use.

The new fluorinated hydrocarbon-based chemical is called HFO-1234yf, and it can be used as a drop-in replacement for HFC-134a (also known as R-134a) to phase out harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). EPA’s approval on Feb. 28 means HFO-1234yf can now be used in air conditioning systems for all automotive and commercial vehicles, including school buses. The EPA said the chemical, when used appropriately, can reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicle air conditioners and has a global warming potential that is 99.7 percent less than HFC–134a, which is used in most car air conditioners. HFO-1234yf has a global warming potential rating 335 times less than that of HFC-134a.

“This new chemical helps fight climate change and ozone depletion,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “It is homegrown innovative solutions like this that save lives and strengthen our economy.”

EPA added that its new standard for light-duty motor vehicles provide an opportunity for automakers to receive credit for adopting a chemical with less climate impact as a cost-effective way to meet the new standards. Using HFO-1234yf is one option available. A spokesperson from Bitzer US said that the new chemical will definitely affect school buses in North America within a decade.

Last summer, automakers announced that HFO-1234yf would be adopted as a replacement for HFC-134a, with GM becoming the first to market the refrigerant. Dupont and Honeywell are expected to open a new plant this year that will produce HFO-1234yf. Carrier Transicold announced HFO-1234fy will be will be available for its air conditioning units beginning in 2013.

HFO-1234-yf is considered slightly flammable, but the Society of Automotive Engineers studied the chemical and found that it could not be ignited under normal vehicle operating conditions, and HFO-1234yf is the best environmental-choice compared to the refrigerant R-744 preferred in some parts of Europe. All vehicle platforms sold in Europe as of Jan. 1 of this year must use an air conditioning refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 150. HFO-1234yf has a GWP of four.

SAE also found that HFO-1234yf has shown excellent compatibility with plastics and synthetic rubber used in automotive air-conditioning systems and a lower permeation rate from hoses than HFC-134a. R-744 requires metal hoses and special seals.

Prior to HFC-134a, vehicle air conditioners generally used CFC-12, a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance. EPA said depleting the stratospheric ozone layer leads to higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. UV radiation has several harmful effects, including skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, and premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.