Stratospheric Ozone Protection

• Economic and Policy Analyses

• Technical and Market Analyses

• Program Support and Implementation

• Data and Knowledge Management

• Human Health Effects and Toxicity Assessment

• Communications and Workshop Support

• Training

• Program Evaluation

Depletion of the stratospheric ozone remains an important issue, and the linkage of impacts in this area with changes in the climate cycle are significant. Continued use of ozone-depleting substances in developed and developing countries, the high global warming potential of these substances, and the warming of the troposphere associated with GHG emissions have forestalled recovery of the ozone layer. In fact, a Science article (May 30, 2008) estimates that complete recovery of the ozone layer over Antarctica is not expected until 2070 (previous estimates had been 2045-2050 for full recovery).

While not associated with stratospheric ozone impacts, the rise of ozone precursors at the Earth’s surface due to the production of compounds such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides (NO_x and SO_x) can lead to local air quality issues. ICF also has extensive experience in addressing ground-level ozone and other local air quality issues.

Ozone Hole in October

Source: NASA Ozone Hole Watch. The image above shows the ozone hole during October, when the hole is typically largest.

Projected HCFC Consumption in Developed and Developing Countries (2010-2040)

The figure above compares projected ODS consumption under the 1992 HCFC phaseout schedule (Copenhagen Amendments) and the new schedule approved at the 19th Meeting of the Parties in September 2007. The consumption reductions associated with the shift to the new phaseout schedule illustrate that significant reductions will be needed in developing countries over the next 20 years. For international treaty negotiations leading up to and in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, ICF developed analyses of ODS consumption for a variety of clients.

Most use sectors have transitioned away from the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and are beginning a similar transition for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), the intermediate replacement chemicals for CFCs. However, a number of issues surrounding the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer still need to be addressed, including the continued consumption of HCFCs in developing countries and growing stockpiles of contaminated or obsolete CFCs and HCFCs.

ICF has more than 25 years of experience and expertise working in the areas of ozone protection and more than 50 professionals working in the areas of:

• Ozone depletion science
• Economic and policy analysis
• Technical and market analysis
• Program support and implementation
• Data and knowledge management
• Emissions modeling
• Human health effects and toxicity assessment
• Communications and workshop support
• Training and technology transfer
• Program evaluation

Our expertise encompasses all Montreal Protocol ODS Use Sectors:

• Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, and Automobile Air-Conditioning
• Foam, Insulation Systems
• Cleaning Solvents, Adhesives, Coatings, and Inks
• Medical Sterilization, Aerosols, Pharmaceuticals: Drug Delivery Systems
• Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
• Agriculture, Fumigation (Methyl Bromide)
• Destruction and Transformation Processes

Moreover, because many ODS substitutes have high global warming potentials (GWPs), ICF’s stratospheric ozone protection experts are well-versed in climate change science, policy, and economics—where global attention is increasingly being focused.

Selected Projects

Economic and Policy Analyses

Regulatory Support for Title VI (Stratospheric Ozone Protection) for the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, US EPA. ICF has provided extensive economic and regulatory support for a variety of Title VI regulations related to stratospheric ozone protection. ICF conducted the initial RIAs (in 1988 and 1992) used to assess the costs and benefits of phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including CFCs, halons, methyl chloroform, HCFCs, and carbon tetrachloride in the United States under the initial Stratospheric Ozone Protection regulations and subsequently, under Section 604 (Phaseout of Production and Consumption of Class I Substances). For these analyses, ICF assisted EPA in specifying a range of technical control actions that could be undertaken by industry to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) over time. Using the Vintaging model, ICF developed estimates of the costs associated with achieving the reductions required under the phaseout. ICF also conducted the RIA for the initial Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule (1992) and the Section 608 Substitutes Recycling Rule (2003), assessing the costs and benefits associated with the various components of the regulation (e.g., technician certification, equipment certification, refrigerant sales restriction). Other RIAs were conducted for Section 609 (Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners) in 1991, Section 611 (Labeling Requirements) in 1992, as well as the Economic Impact Analysis for the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide (2003). For each analysis, benefits were quantified using EPA’s Atmospheric Health Effects Framework (AHEF) to examine reductions in skin cancer incidence and mortality.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of the SunWise Program, U.S. EPA. ICF is engaged in conducting an economic analysis of the effectiveness of the SunWise Program, a national health and environmental education program designed to teach children in elementary and middle schools how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. ICF is measuring the effectiveness of SunWise based on student responses to pre-test and post-test surveys regarding their sun protection practices. The work includes developing two ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure models to estimate children’s annual UV dose before and after participation in SunWise. The analysis employs the U.S. EPA’s Atmospheric and Health Effects Framework (AHEF) model to translate reductions in cumulative UV exposure into avoided skin cancer incidence and mortality. The direct (medical) and indirect (productivity losses) costs avoided associated with preventing skin cancer were estimated and compared to the overall cost of implementing the program. ICF also estimated the cost-effectiveness of SunWise by measuring life-years saved and adjusting those life-years to account for the reduced health-related quality of life associated with developing skin cancer. ICF prepared a report for EPA on the methodology and results of the analysis and has presented the results to a panel of economic and scientific experts. ICF is currently preparing these results for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Technical and Economic Analyses of Recovery, Treatment, and Disposal of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS), U.S. EPA. ICF prepared a report for the U.S. EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program on substitutes for ODS and on available destruction technologies for ODS, including rotary kiln incineration, thermal destruction in cement kilns and lime kilns, and nonthermal chemical treatment technologies. ICF researched the current techniques being used for ODS disposal and identified and prepared process descriptions for available thermal and nonthermal ODS destruction technologies. ICF also prepared a cost and technical assessment for the California Appliance Early Retirement and Recycling Program of technologies for treatment and disposal of ODS-containing polyurethane foam recovered from recycling used household refrigerators. ICF assessed the cost, regulatory, and performance aspects of recovering foam from the used refrigerators, transporting the recovered foam to disposal facilities, and disposing of the foam in municipal solid waste incinerators and municipal solid waste landfills.

Technical and Market Analyses

Market Study for Strategic Phaseout of CFCs in Latin America. For the World Bank, ICF researched historic data on production, consumption, imports, and exports of CFCs and CFC substitutes in Latin American countries. Based on input data, ICF conducted analyses to project future supply and demand of CFCs and CFC-substitutes in Latin America, and to recommend appropriate actions to promote a timely CFC phaseout in Latin America.

Characterization of the Commercial Refrigeration Industry in the United States, U.S. EPA. To support possible future EPA regulations on reducing the maximum allowable leak rates of commercial refrigeration equipment containing ODS, ICF conducted research on the commercial supermarket industry in the United States and prepared a draft report. The draft report includes a description of the types of retail food refrigeration equipment available in the United States (i.e., direct expansion systems, secondary loop systems, distributed systems, low-charge multiplex systems, advanced self-contained systems) and summarizes key data available on each (e.g., typical charge size, types of repairs, frequency of repairs, common ODS substitutes, average leak rates). Available data on the retrofitting of R-22 supermarket equipment is also provided, including retrofit costs, procedures, and system efficiency.

Determination of HFC Emission Reduction Potential from Recovery/Recycling, U.S. EPA. For the U.S. EPA, ICF developed estimates of the emissions reductions attributable to the proposed regulations governing recovery and recycling practices in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. Using U.S. EPA’s Vintaging Model, ICF developed baseline emissions projections, and using modeled compliance and efficiency variables, determined projected emissions under the regulation. Using a model of vehicle fleet and repair scenarios, ICF also assessed emissions reductions that may be associated with a proposed sales restriction on substitute refrigerants.

Analysis of Worldwide Use and Emissions of HCFC-22, U.S. EPA. For the U.S. EPA, ICF conducted an analysis of the worldwide uses and emissions of HCFC-22 and estimated use and emissions growth rates. The analysis presented estimates of HCFC-22 emissions by end-use and described reductions that could be achieved by expanding the use of recycling, alternative leak test gases, and alternative refrigerants in commercial and residential air conditioning, retail food, and cold storage warehouses. The analysis used existing data on U.S. consumption pattern and data on the distribution of HCFC-22 consumption for different regions of the world to derive the global projections of HCFC-22 emissions.

Barriers to the Transition Away from Halons in Civil Aviation Applications, U.S. EPA. In coordination with a subcontractor, Hughes Associates, ICF prepared a report for EPA outlining the barriers to the transition away from halons in the civil aviation sector. Specifically, the report assesses the current status of halon replacement in lavatory trash receptacle protection, handheld extinguishers, engine nacelles/auxiliary power units, and cargo compartments. For each of these civil aviation applications, the report explains and evaluates the current Minimum Performance Standards (MPS), describes the agents tested to the MPS, identifies the status of halon replacement, and assesses the barriers to halon replacement. The report also presents recommended actions and assesses various regulatory options to expedite the halon phaseout.

Review of the Future Consumption of HCFCS. For the European Commission, ICF International conducted a review of the technical feasibility, economic cost, and environmental impact of phasing out HCFCs in the EU-25, plus Bulgaria and Romania. The analysis estimates the supply of and demand for HCFCs to service existing refrigeration equipment in each country, and projects how these factors vary in three phaseout scenarios—the existing phaseout schedule, an advanced phaseout schedule, and an extended phaseout schedule. To conduct this analysis, a complex computer model was developed to estimate the demand for HCFCs by end use, chemical type, and by country.

For EPA, ICF is conducting an analysis that evaluates the stratospheric ozone and climate impacts associated with a number of different policy options being considered for proposal by EPA for accelerating the HCFC phaseout in Article 5 and non-Article 5 countries. Changes to the existing HCFC phaseout schedule represent opportunities for hastening recovery of the ozone layer and lowering risks to human health, as well as opportunities for protection of the climate system. ICF developed a “business as usual” baseline and subsequently calculated the ODP- and GWP-weighted consumption and emission changes that result from seven different options. Also evaluated in the analysis were the reductions in HFC-23 emissions associated with reduced HCFC-22 production, the offsetting effects of high GWP ODS alternatives, and the energy impacts (CO₂ emissions) associated with replacing or retrofitting existing HCFC equipment. This last factor is driven by the assumption that a limited availability of HCFCs could lead to market shortages for servicing existing HCFC equipment. As a result, end users may choose to retire their HCFC equipment before the end of its useful lifetime and transition to energy efficient, non-HCFC equipment earlier than they would otherwise have done in the baseline.

Program Support and Implementation

Analysis of International Trade in CFCs and CFC-Related Products, U.S. EPA. ICF provided technical assistance to EPA in developing a coordinated domestic and international strategy to control the use and emissions of CFCs and protect stratospheric ozone. To this end, this project addressed the analytic and policy issues related to international trade of CFC bulk chemicals and products containing or made with CFCs. ICF focused its efforts on determining the level and significance of such trade in order to identify and evaluate U.S. customs laws and other control mechanisms that fit EPA's domestic and international strategy. ICF's analytical support included analyzing international trade data to determine world market trends in CFCs and related products, the significance of the U.S. market for foreign producers and suppliers of CFCs and related products, international production of CFCs, and the impact of global trade controls on the development and transfer of alternative technologies.

Quarantine and Preshipment Regulations and Methyl Bromide Use, U.S. EPA. ICF identified more than 300 quarantine and preshipment regulations in foreign countries that require fumigation of U.S. commodities prior to export. ICF summarized these regulations by U.S. commodity, destination country, and the amount of methyl bromide required per unit of commodity and arranged the data in tables outlining the rules and methyl bromide alternatives detailed in the regulations.

Data and Knowledge Management

Strategies for the Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substance Use In Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Division of Technology, Industry & Economics, Energy and Ozone Action Unit. For UNEP, ICF International conducted research on strategies, such as technology transfer, used to facilitate the phaseout of ODS use by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), particularly in developing countries. As part of this project, ICF developed and produced a combination outreach packet/training manual for both stationary and mobile air conditioning service technicians, which is designed to be distributed from UNEP to National Ozone Units to local intermediaries (e.g., suppliers, industry associations) to SMEs that are using ODS.

Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) Tracking System, U.S. EPA. To meet obligations stemming from the Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act, EPA contracted ICF to develop an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) tracking system that provides data entry and report generation capabilities for a single user to track production, consumption, and related transactions of ozone-depleting substances. The model consists of subsystems including the Allowance Tracking System, the Post Phase-out Tracking System, and the Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Tracking System. The complete set of systems provides a method of accounting for the allowances allotted to companies. ICF’s maintenance of the system ensures that information on the production, import, export, transformation, destruction, and recycling of ODS is properly tracked, allowing EPA to submit required statistical reports to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and measure the success of ozone protection efforts domestically and globally.

Recently, ICF has developed an approach to enable EPA to build a Web-based tracking system that will help EPA track ODS by improving upon the current system leveraging technologies supported within the EPA Information Technology Architecture (ITA). The updated system will provide the capability to record and track production- and consumption-related transactions on-line in real-time while leveraging EPA’s existing investment in the ITA. The new system has been designed to allow participating companies to securely view, edit, and generate reports on-demand, and include multiple layers of security to ensure confidentiality of on-line company data. ICF developed a cost-effective plan to update the application while meeting International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for confidential business information and electronic data reporting.

Human Health Effects and Toxicity Assessment

Risk Screening Analysis of Alternatives to Ozone-Depleting Substances for EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP), U.S. EPA. ICF has extensive experience in writing risk screens assessments for alternatives to ODS in several end-use sectors. ICF has performed screening assessments of potential human health and environmental risks for substitutes in a wide variety of end-use applications, including fire extinguishing; refrigeration and air conditioning; solvent cleaning; foam-blowing; aerosols; adhesives, coatings, and inks; and sterilization. For example, ICF undertook efforts to model catastrophic refrigerant leaks for residential refrigerator/freezers and residential air conditioning. Specifically, ICF devised a methodology for estimating acute consumer exposures to individual components of certain refrigerant blends used or proposed for use in residential air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. In addition, ICF derived the diffusion parameters for mixing of gases, determined potential vertical stratification of refrigerant gas within a room upon release, and examined the temperature differential and subsequent ventilation and turbulence effects due to different refrigerant leakage in an enclosed environment. The various assessments include an analysis of toxicity values; atmospheric effects; occupational, consumer, and general population exposures; and potential increases in atmospheric releases of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the use of a given substitute.

Human Health Effects of Ozone Depletion from Stratospheric Aircraft. For EPA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), ICF assessed the human health effects associated with the proposed development of a high-speed civil transport (HSCT) fleet. In addition to being a lead author on the evaluation document, ICF planned, hosted, participated in, and performed follow-up activities for a two-day and a one-day meeting of experts from NASA, EPA, academia, and private industry to discuss the current state of knowledge about supersonic travel and to reach a consensus on several methodology issues related to predicting UV-related changes in selected human health endpoints. Specifically, the evaluation focused on the impact of fuel purity, cruise altitude, emission indices, fleet size, and other parameters on the stratospheric ozone layer. Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) atmospheric model—evaluated previously by NASA-was selected to provide atmospheric data. These data were then reformatted to be compatible with ICF’s Atmospheric and Health Effects Framework (AHEF) and combined with column ozone measurements to predict future changes in stratospheric ozone concentrations. From this information, ICF has estimated the number of skin cancer and cataract cases and/or deaths resulting from the use of a supersonic fleet.

Peer Review of the Acceptable Exposure Level of n-Propyl Bromide, U.S. EPA. For the EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy Program, the ICF team recently conducted a critical external peer review of their derivation of an industrial exposure level for n-propyl bromide (nPB) based on a reproductive health endpoint. As a part of the peer review process, ICF sought out the top experts in reproductive toxicology to create its external review panel. The ICF team posed numerous questions on the validity of their analysis to the peer reviewers. ICF followed up with each peer reviewer in response to their comments and questions. In the end, all reviewers concurred with ICF’s rationale for selecting estrous cycle changes as the critical endpoint for derivation of the industrial Acceptable Exposure Limits (AEL) for nPB.

Communications and Workshop Support

Video Production: Multilateral Fund Chiller Replacement Initiative Video and Best of the Best in Stratospheric Ozone Protection, U.S. EPA. ICF subcontracted with a video production company, Dorst Media Works, to develop two short video presentations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both of these efforts involved developing creative briefs to determine the content and presentation of the videos, as well as selecting a diverse group of appropriate interviewees. The most recent video showcased selected award winners of EPA's Best of the Best in Stratospheric Ozone Protection that was shown at the 19th Meeting of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol in September 2007 at the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol to recognize the achievements of a variety of individuals involved in the protection of stratospheric ozone. Interviewees for this video included: Dr. Mario Molina (Nobel Laureate, Chemistry Professor, University of California, San Diego); Dr. F. Sherwood Rowland (Nobel Laureate, Chemistry Professor, University of California, Irvine); William K. Reilly (Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989-93); Dr. Susan Solomon (Chemist and Senior Scientist, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); Lee Thomas (Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1984-89); and Dr. Robert Watson (Chair, Stratospheric Ozone Assessments, U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1980-87). Additional interviews were conducted with George Pratt Shultz (U.S. Secretary of State, 1982-89) and John Negroponte (Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, 1985-87) in preparation for a longer documentary.

An earlier video covered several key topics to support the rollout of the Multilateral Fund Chiller Replacement Initiative, a new global program to replace large commercial building chillers in developing countries with chillers that rely on non-ozone depleting refrigerants. The program aims to replace outdated chillers with improved chillers that use less energy, help protect the environment, cut operating costs, and provide a more efficient, safe environment for occupants. The video was shown at the 18th Meeting of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol in New Delhi, India, in November 2006.

Outreach Materials on Risks of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioner (MVAC) Retrofits Using Hydrocarbons, U.S. EPA. ICF recently produced a professional quality brochure/handout in English and Spanish to warn the general public of the risks associated with hydrocarbon refrigerant use in retrofitted MVACs. The brochure, using text developed by EPA, used four colors and included graphics appropriate to the subject matter. It is designed to print well on a variety of common printer types so that it can be distributed electronically and posted on EPA’s Web site. The outreach materials target the MVAC service industry, do-it-yourself mechanics, and general consumers with MVACs.

International Technical Meeting to Phaseout Ozone-Depleting Substances in Developing Countries, European Commission DG-Research and Development. For the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Development, ICF organized an innovative international workshop to target the reduction of HCFC consumption in developing countries. The workshop provided developing country stakeholders with technical tools needed to phase out HCFCs (e.g., information on viable alternatives and opportunities for technology transfer). This work involved close collaboration with high-level stakeholders across country governments, industry, and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and United Nations Independent Development Organization (UNIDO). More than 160 participants from developed and developing countries, including technical experts and industry representatives, government and implementing agency officials, and NGOs participated in the two-day meeting held in Montréal, Quebec, Canada in April 2008. The case studies and presentations, as well as the technical agenda and list of participants for this meeting are available from the European Commission.

ICF also developed a white paper for developing countries that graphically depicts the consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) under the Montreal Protocol phaseout schedules and summarizes the various alternatives in the refrigeration and air conditioning end uses. This report—Overview of HCFC Consumption and Available Alternatives For Article 5 Countries—is intended to serve as a quick, easy-to-use reference for developing countries in planning and implementing their phaseout of HCFCs.

Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemption Workshops and Stakeholder Meetings, U.S. EPA. ICF has provided on-site meeting support for EPA’s Workshops on Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemptions in Washington, D.C., California, and Florida. ICF has assisted EPA clients from the Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Pesticide Programs by recording detailed notes of the discussions between the EPA and methyl bromide users applying for a critical use exemption, by compiling a frequently asked questions and answers document to post on the Internet, and by handling overall logistics.

Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program Brochure, U.S. EPA. The ICF team collaborated to create a brochure for the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Program, under a short and ambitious time frame of less than five weeks. ICF researched and collected data, developed graphics, envisioned a layout, and worked closely with our in-house communications and graphics departments to produce a professional, graphic-designed, tri-fold brochure for the EPA client. The brochure provide an explanation of the current understanding, causes, and extent of ozone depletion, and the associated public health and environmental impacts, a description of the phaseout targets identified by the Montreal Protocol and EPA’s ozone regulations, and an analysis of the current and projected ODS production and consumption reductions in the United States.

Training

e-Learning ODS Training Course for Customs and Border Inspectors. For the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), ICF provided expert input for an e-Learning training course for law enforcement officials, including Customs and other border inspectors, to learn how to detect, identify, analyze, and enforce against illegal ODS shipments. As part of this work, ICF developed content related to U.S. and Canadian ODS regulations geared toward this audience. In addition, ICF participated in thorough reviews of the lessons for the two modules that comprised the on-line course, provided recommendations on the length of the course and presentation of the content, and developed suggested revisions for the content, including review questions to conclude each lesson. ICF also provided expert review and revisions to two screening checklists for trainees to use while inspecting shipments and documentation for illegal ODS and structured the content to correlate to the items on the checklists.

Review and Evaluation of Minimum Qualification Requirements and Programs for Leak Reduction, Recycling, Recovery, Reclamation, and Destruction of ODS and F-gases in the European Union, European Commission (EC). For the Directorate-General Environment in Brussels, ICF conducted a study to evaluate the measures taken by Member States and their associations regarding the minimum qualifications, requirements, and programs (e.g., training or courses) for personnel involved in reducing leaks, recycling, recovering, reclaiming, and destroying controlled ODS—as required by Articles 16 (5) and 17 (1) of EC Regulation No. 2037/2000—and F-gases. As part of the evaluation process, ICF developed and disseminated questionnaires to collect information from associations and organizations within the Member States pertaining to minimum qualification requirements and programs offered. Based on the feedback from these surveys, recommendations were made to the Commission on appropriate measures that should be put in place in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for personnel involved in the recovery, recycling, reclamation, destruction, and/or emission reduction of ODS and F-gases.

Program Evaluation

Third Overall Performance Study of the Global Environment Facility (GEF OPS), World Bank. The objective of OPS3 was the assessment of the achievements made by the GEF in five areas: 1) operational and program results, 2) sustainability of results, 3) effects of GEF operations on other institutions, 4) effects of GEF's institutional structure and procedures on results, and 5) effects of GEF implementation processes. ICF completed a US$1.5 million evaluation of the GEF in June 2005. ICF approached OPS3 from three points of view: 1) Focal Area results, which include each of the six GEF focal areas; 2) Cross-Cutting issues, which include issues concerning sustainability, replicability, the GEF’s role as a catalytic institution, and similar issues that can be observed across the GEF’s operations; and 3) Institutional Relationships, which include the efficiency and efficacy of the GEF’s structure, processes, roles, and responsibilities. Criteria used in the evaluation included project design, sustainability, replication, stakeholder involvement, private sector leveraging of funds, and support to international environmental conventions. ICF undertook an extensive desk and field study to inform the analysis, including holding 16 field visits and regional workshops in developing countries around the globe, and conducting interviews with government officials, donor agencies, non-government organizations (NGO), and other in-country stakeholders. The results of the study supported preparation for the Fourth GEF Replenishment of the GEF Trust Fund in 2005.

Part of this project included evaluating the GEF’s entire portfolio of projects in the ozone layer depletion and climate change subject areas. For the ozone component, ICF evaluated the results of the projects developed under the ozone depletion focal area and provided an update to an assessment conducted in 2000. Additionally, ICF analyzed GEF’s ozone depletion portfolio by examining the evidence as seen at the level of GEF strategy through review of information regarding the phaseout of HCFCs, the deployment of ozone capacity to other chemicals management agendas, and lessons learned for the development of data tracking and analysis systems. For the evaluation of the climate change portfolio, ICF assessed the GEF’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in developing and transforming the markets for energy and mobility in developing countries. ICF also considered the pilot funding window for adaptation to climate change effects and concluded that the GEF Climate Change Program would benefit from a clarification of its role with respect to carbon finance initiatives, and by providing more distinct guidance on the role of adaptation in its portfolio.

Evaluation of the Financial Mechanism of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol (MLF). For the United Nations Office at Nairobi and Parties to the Montreal Protocol, ICF carried out a large, high-profile evaluation of the MLF’s performance, to include observations and recommendations for operations and management in 23 key organizational evaluation areas. ICF evaluated disparate issues, including the efficiency and efficacy of the administrative structure of the MLF, the efficiency of the project review and approval processes, and the appropriateness of fund management practices by the Implementing Agencies and the Fund Treasurer. After developing a knowledge base by reviewing more than a thousand documents, ICF developed specific performance indicators for each area of evaluation, designed and implemented a broad international survey and data collection methodology, and developed linked findings and actionable recommendations for the client group.

Study on the Collection and Destruction of Unwanted ODS in Appliances and Bulk ODS, Multilateral Fund Secretariat (MLF). For this evaluation, ICF reviewed the systems and procedures in place in developed countries to collect and destroy unwanted ozone depleting substances (ODS) contained in household appliances and in bulk in order to provide guidance on how best to establish appropriate management systems for the treatment of unwanted ODS in developing countries. ICF developed surveys to collect information from selected developed and developing countries, and conducted country visits to Australia, Colombia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Using the information collected, ICF developed a final report and recommendations on developing appropriate management systems.The report’s key recommendations included targeting specific sectors for ODS recovery/reclamation/destruction, since such activities may not be financially viable in all sectors, to maximize environmental benefit and ensure long-term sustainability of any programs and markets developed, and creating economic incentives to encourage responsible ODS management, such as establishing offset credits for destroying ODS.