DuPont led global research to gain scientific understanding of the environmental impact of CFCs, commonly used for refrigeration and air conditioning, among other applications. DuPont then led industry in the development of a series of alternatives for use in new and existing equipment. The overwhelming challenge was to invent products that could be used in existing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, avoiding the societal disruption and expense of developing wholly new technology. In the United States alone, that equipment base totaled more than $135 billion – including 150 million automobile and small truck air conditioning systems, 80,000 building chillers and 69 million home refrigerators.
DuPont commercialized the first of its non-ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs), DuPont™ Suva® refrigerants, in January 1991. Since then, the company has launched 19 alternatives and more than 375 patents. These environmentally acceptable alternatives are safe and energy efficient.
This is the fourth National Medal of Technology Award affiliated with DuPont in 13 years. In 1990, DuPont received the award for pioneering the development of high-performance polymers such as nylon, DuPont™ Neoprene® rubber and engineering plastics. DuPont scientist George Levitt was honored in 1993 for the development of sulfonylureas, environmentally friendly herbicides. In 1996, DuPont scientist Stephanie Kwolek was recognized for the discovery and development of DuPont™ Kevlar® aramid fiber, which has since helped save nearly 3,000 lives in law enforcement.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
The 40-minute event will be available to U.S. and international media outlets via both a live satellite feed, a live webcast and Associated Press Worldwide photo. Electronic outlets can pickup visual and audio from the live satellite feed at:
- KU BAND: SBS-6/K02 3-4 p.m. (EST) SHOW
- C BAND: AMC-3/C19 3-4 p.m. (EST) SHOW
The ceremony from the East Room of the White House will be webcast live at: www.whitehouse.gov.
An Associated Press photo of Bush presenting the award to Holliday will be available after 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Nov. 6. at: http://www1.dupont.com/dupontglobal/corp/images/US/en_US/news/releases/media/medal_of_technology_2003.tif
The DuPont Oval, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, and Suva®, Neoprene®, and Kevlar® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.