What is an important characteristic of refrigerants regarding their environmental impact?

An important characteristic of refrigerants regarding their environmental impact is their global warming potential (GWP). Refrigerants with a low GWP are preferable in commercial refrigeration systems because they contribute less to climate change when released into the atmosphere. The GWP measures how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time compared to carbon dioxide. Thus, using refrigerants with a low GWP minimizes the environmental footprint of refrigeration systems, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and viscosity do not have a direct relation to environmental impact but are more pertinent to the performance characteristics of refrigerants.