A new approach for environmental analysis of vapor compression refrigeration systems: Environmental impact index

•Developing a new method and index for environmental analysis of VCR systems.•The index tested for R1234yf, and R1234ze (E) refrigerants with low GWP alternatives to R134a.•The index evaluated for cooling systems for the hottest month of a selected sample country.•A new perspective for VCR systems where energy and exergy performance and lower emission energy options are important as well as GWP ratios of refrigerants.