ShareUK government may tighten F-Gas refrigerant rules
The UK government is considering stricter regulations on refrigerant gases to help meet environmental targets, including speeding up phase-out programmes and introducing new bans, according to a DEFRA spokesman.
The UK government could further tighten the rules around refrigerant gases responsible for global warming, potentially accelerating the phase-out of HFC gases and introducing additional bans. Jacob Andresen, speaking at a briefing hosted by the UK’s F-Gas registration scheme, REFCOM, emphasised that the government is still listening to the industry and exploring ways to meet stricter safety and environmental targets, including faster removal of HFC gases from the market.
The government is planning to consult the sector later this year on reforms, aiming to align its approach with the EU’s refrigerant management policies and contribute to the UK’s net zero goals. DEFRA is also seeking feedback from the industry on barriers to the adoption of lower GWP refrigerants, including technological and safety concerns.
At the event, the growing concern over the flammability of alternative refrigerants was raised, with calls for a government-led information campaign and more training. Kevin Morrissey, technical director at the Building Engineering Services Association, noted that alternative refrigerants are among the most common technical queries from industry professionals, alongside issues related to the HFC phase-out.
REFCOM highlighted common issues found during audits, such as businesses lacking environmental policies and failing to provide complete refrigerant recovery records. Vishal Bedi from Joblogic stressed that compliance with F-Gas regulations is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly for companies relying on paper records, which puts them at risk of fines and legal issues. Miriam Rodway from the Institute of Refrigeration underscored the importance of collaboration among industry bodies to support the profession and represent its views to the government.