This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

CFC Replacement Project

Ozone depletion impacts (ODIs) and global warming impacts (GWIs) for each alternative. A CFC-11 equivalent is the number of kilograms of CFC-11 that would induce an effect equivalent to that of another gas (e.g., CFC-114, C4F8). This is done to provide an equivalent basis of comparison.

What global impacts are expected from replacing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in the Gaseous Diffusion Plant cooling systems during a three-year interim period?

An integrated assessment of atmospheric, ecological health, economic, and socioeconomic impacts addressed four alternatives and focused on impacts from ozone depletion and global warming.

The assessment found that minimizing leaks of CFC-114 was environmentally preferred over adding PFCs into the cooling systems. Considering economics to a limited extent, the preferred alternative was to take no action regarding coolant replacement in the interim period while continuing to investigate more environmentally friendly substitutes. Only one alternative for introducing PFCs into the system was determined to cause significant global impacts.

Socolof, M. L., R. E. Saylor, and L. N. McCold. 1994. Replacement of chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) at the DOE gaseous diffusion plants: An assessment of global impacts. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Conference and Exposition, Global Strategies for Environmental Issues, New Orleans, June 12-15, 1994. National Association of Environmental Professionals.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.