MK – NI 006

Substances that deplete the ozone layer (ODSs) are the compounds which cause depletion of the ozone layer. This group includes CFCs, HCFCs, HВFCs CCl₄, halons, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide. In general, these compounds are very stable in troposphere and they decompose only under the influence of ultra-violet radiation emitted by the Sun. While decomposing, they release chlorine or bromine atoms which destroy the molecules of stratospheric ozone.

This indicator quantifies the consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) in the Republic of Macedonia. 

§ODSs consumption is expressed in ODP tons which means quantity of each substance in metric tonnes (MT) multiplied by its Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

Does Macedonia fulfil the targets specified under the Montreal Protocol concerning ODSs reduction and elimination?

Considering the extent of ODSs elimination in the Republic of Macedonia, it may be concluded that the percentage of more than 99.87% of ODSs phased-out in the observed period reflects the fact that our country has not only fulfilled its obligations under the Montreal Protocol, but reached beyond the requirements specified in the Protocol.

Figure 1: Consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODP t/year) 

Note: Given the fact that the Republic of Macedonia has never produced any ODS, the diagram includes data only on ODSs consumption

Data coverage: excel

Source: (www.ozoneunit.gov.mk) MEPP/Ozone Unit

According to data contained in the Country Programme for Phasing-out Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer(1996), the average consumption of ODSs in the observed period amounted 527 tons. According to the provisions of the Montreal Protocol, the said average has been taken as a base level in determining the extent of reduction to be achieved within the restrictions provided for by the Protocol. Table 1 shows the trend of decline in ODSs consumption in the period of the last ten years (2004 – 2013). Apart from ODSs elimination in industry (production of refrigerators and production of rigid and flexible foams), where technologies using ozone depleting substances before 1997 were replaced by non-ODSs solutions, interventions were also made in agriculture through substitution of methyl bromide with alternative solutions that did not involve application of ODSs, in cooling devices servicing and maintenance through establishment of the system for ODS collection and recycling. In the context of the latter, equipment for collection and recycling of cooling devices have been delivered to services and service technicians were trained in good cooling devices servicing practice. For the same purpose, training was organized for custom officers to control import-export of ozone depleting substances at border-crossings of the Republic of Macedonia.

The national action for ozone layer protection during the observed period has resulted in the complete elimination of the consumption of ODSs in the Republic of Macedonia.

•   Methodology for the indicator calculation

The Indicator shows the quantity of consumed ODSs. The value presented has been obtained by multiplying the value of the consumed quantity expressed in metric tons by the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). The Table below presents the values of ODP for substances identified to be applied in the Republic of Macedonia and the consumption of which is subject of reduction or control. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning/Ozone Unit has data on ODSs consumption in both metric and ODP tons.