Fri Jul 11 01:44:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article followed by a rewritten version formatted as a news article:

**Summary:**

The article highlights the work of Recoolit, an Indonesian climate startup, dedicated to capturing and destroying harmful refrigerants (HFCs) from air conditioners and other cooling systems. HFCs, while replacements for ozone-depleting CFCs, are potent greenhouse gases. Recoolit trains and incentivizes technicians to safely capture these refrigerants, which are then destroyed in government-approved facilities. The company sells carbon credits based on the amount of refrigerant destroyed. Google has recently partnered with Recoolit to expand its operations, recognizing the importance of refrigerant destruction in combating climate change. While some argue for government regulation, Recoolit addresses a critical gap in enforcement and offers a measurable solution to reduce emissions.

**News Article:**

**Indonesian Startup Tackles ‘Super-Pollutant’ Refrigerants, Gains Google Backing**

**Jakarta, Indonesia – July 11, 2025** – In the fight against climate change, an Indonesian startup called Recoolit is tackling a significant, yet often overlooked, source of greenhouse gas emissions: refrigerants. These hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), commonly found in air conditioners, refrigerators, and vehicles, are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Recoolit trains and equips local technicians, like Ari Sobarudin, to safely capture HFCs during AC maintenance and disposal. “I love it because it’s about preserving nature,” Sobarudin told AFP. These captured refrigerants are then destroyed in government-approved facilities, preventing their release into the atmosphere.

While international agreements exist to phase out HFCs, their continued use, particularly in developing countries facing rising demand for cooling solutions, poses a growing threat. According to UN estimates, HFCs could account for up to 19% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Recoolit finances its operations by selling carbon credits based on the amount of refrigerant destroyed. The company uses a rigorous methodology developed by the Carbon Containment Lab at Yale University to ensure the integrity of its carbon credits.

The startup’s innovative approach has garnered attention from global tech giant Google, which recently announced a partnership with Recoolit to prevent emissions equivalent to one million tons of carbon dioxide. Google aims to help Recoolit scale its operations and expand beyond Indonesia.

While some argue that refrigerant capture should be mandated by government regulations, Recoolit contends that it is addressing a crucial gap in enforcement and providing a measurable, impactful solution. Experts agree that refrigerant capture is a vital climate action. Robyn Schofield, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Melbourne, noted it as “a very good one.” Recoolit’s work highlights the potential for targeted, innovative solutions to tackle specific sources of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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