Prioritizing Key Factors in Refrigerant Substitution for GHG Emission Reduction: An Integrated DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC Approach

Hui Zhang, Shengzhong Huang, Longhui Li () and Shuang Ouyang
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Hui Zhang: School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Shengzhong Huang: School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Longhui Li: School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Shuang Ouyang: Business School, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-27

Abstract: To implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the global academic community has intensified its research on environmentally friendly refrigerant substitutes. This effort aims to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. In this study, 14 key influencing factors were identified through the Delphi method, and the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach was innovatively applied to systematically analyze the interrelationships among these factors. The results indicate that technological innovation related to refrigerant substitution ranks first with a centrality score of 5.429, confirming it as the core driving factor for refrigerant substitution. Subsequently, through the integration of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Cross-impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC), a hierarchical structure of influencing factors was further developed. This clarified high-driving factors such as government policies and life-cycle costs, as well as highly interrelated factors including climate conditions, greenhouse gas emissions, and performance coefficients. The key contribution of this paper is its success in overcoming the limitations of single-factor analysis by integrating multiple dimensions of influencing factors to construct a hierarchical classification. This innovative and systematic theoretical framework not only offers a scientific basis and decision-making support for refrigerant substitution but also possesses substantial theoretical value and practical guidance. Furthermore, it serves as an essential reference for advancing the development of low-carbon refrigeration technologies.

Keywords: refrigerant replacement; influencing factors; DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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