52.223-20 Aerosols
Source: FAR 52.223-20 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must minimize the use of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons in aerosols by using feasible alternatives identified through the EPA's SNAP program.
Overview
FAR 52.223-20, "Aerosols," requires contractors to minimize the use, release, or emissions of high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in aerosol propellants or solvents when feasible. Contractors must consider environmental, technical, and economic factors when evaluating alternatives to high-GWP HFCs, such as emission rates, energy efficiency, safety, technical performance, and commercial availability. The clause directs contractors to consult the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program for approved alternatives with lower GWP. This regulation supports federal sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with government contracts involving aerosols.
Key Rules
- Minimize High-GWP HFC Use
- Contractors must reduce the use, release, or emissions of high-GWP HFCs in aerosols when feasible.
- Feasibility Assessment
- Contractors must consider environmental, technical, and economic factors when selecting alternatives.
- Reference EPA SNAP Program
- Contractors are required to use the EPA’s SNAP program to identify acceptable alternatives with lower GWP.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of this clause in applicable contracts and verify contractor compliance.
- Contractors: Assess and implement feasible alternatives to high-GWP HFCs, document decision-making, and refer to the SNAP program.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and support sustainability objectives.
Practical Implications
- This clause aims to reduce the environmental impact of federal procurement by limiting greenhouse gas emissions from aerosols.
- Contractors must stay informed about SNAP-approved alternatives and be prepared to justify their choices based on feasibility.
- Common pitfalls include failing to consult the SNAP list or not adequately considering all feasibility factors.
As prescribed in 23.109(d)(3), insert the following clause:
Aerosols (May 2024)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause–
Global warming potential means how much a given mass of a chemical contributes to global warming over a given time period compared to the same mass of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide’s global warming potential is defined as 1.0.
High global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons means any hydrofluorocarbons in a particular end use for which EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program has identified other acceptable alternatives that have lower global warming potential. The SNAP list of alternatives is found at 40 CFR part 82 subpart G with supplemental tables of alternatives available at (https://www.epa.gov/snap/" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/snap/).
Hydrofluorocarbons means compounds that only contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon.
(b) Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the Contractor shall reduce its use, release, or emissions of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons, when feasible, from aerosol propellants or solvents under this contract. When determining feasibility of using a particular alternative, the Contractor shall consider environmental, technical, and economic factors such as–
(1) In-use emission rates, energy efficiency;
(2) Safety, such as flammability or toxicity;
(3) Ability to meet technical performance requirements; and
(4) Commercial availability at a reasonable cost.
(c) The Contractor shall refer to EPA's SNAP program to identify alternatives. The SNAP list of alternatives is found at 40 CFR part 82 subpart G with supplemental tables available at https://www.epa.gov/snap/" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/snap/.
(End of clause)