UK F-Gas certification milestone signals growing compliance focus
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Membership milestone reflects growth in UK certification
REFCOM has registered its 9,000th member, marking what the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) described as a continuing shift towards legal and environmental compliance within the UK refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) industry.
BESA, which operates the certification scheme, stated that recent regulatory changes linked to the Building Safety Act and increasing demands around environmental standards had accelerated contractor engagement with certification schemes.
The association added that the achievement highlights a wider move in the UK market to formalise competence and accountability among firms working with F-Gas systems.
Jill Nicholls, director of competence and compliance at BESA, said: “This milestone reflects the growing professionalism of the RACHP sector and the trust that businesses place in REFCOM.”
She added: “Helping our members reach and maintain higher standards of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility is a critical part of our role.”
Digital tools and partnerships support certification engagement
According to BESA, REFCOM’s increased membership is supported by its investment in digital compliance tools, strategic training partnerships and its Elite Membership initiative.
Nicholls said these elements provide support that goes beyond the statutory requirements of certification.
She explained that these services were designed to help building services firms address increasing client expectations and stay aligned with future regulatory changes.
Nicholls added: “REFCOM’s ongoing investment in digital tools, training partnerships, and its ‘Elite Membership’ scheme offered further practical support to contractors beyond certification.”
She continued: “These would be increasingly important to firms working to meet rising customer expectations and cope with further proposed changes to legislation.”
Government outlines F-Gas regulatory changes
DEFRA officials attending a REFCOM event warned that more stringent rules on the use of fluorinated gases are under review.
Jacob Andresen, who leads the F-Gas policy team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said a consultation with the sector is expected later in the year.
Andresen said the proposals may include an accelerated phase-out of high-global-warming refrigerants and further restrictions on certain substances to align with EU regulation and UK net zero targets.
He explained that DEFRA’s current position is to remain aligned with the European approach while supporting national goals.
Andresen stated: “The government was planning to consult the sector later this year on reforming its approach as it seeks to meet its obligations of remaining in step with the EU on refrigerant management and contributing to the UK’s own net zero targets.”
Industry calls for training on flammable alternatives
During a wider discussion held at the BESA headquarters in London, members raised safety concerns around low global warming refrigerant alternatives.
REFCOM members said the flammability of these gases introduced new risks and called on government to introduce an awareness campaign and make specialist training more widely available.
BESA reported that members sought clarity on the safety requirements and technical competencies needed when switching to these refrigerants.
The organisation added that training provision would be critical to support firms adapting to these regulatory shifts.
Next steps and additional support for members
REFCOM said its next aim is to reach 10,000 members as part of a continued effort to improve compliance levels across the UK.
Nicholls said this goal would help reinforce the body’s role in environmental responsibility and policy alignment.
She added: “REFCOM was now focused on reaching the 10,000 member milestone – a significant achievement that would further strengthen its position as the UK’s leading F-Gas certification body and support the government’s aims of reducing the environmental impact of the RACHP sector.”
In addition, REFCOM announced that it had negotiated a 10% public liability insurance discount for members via Kingsbridge Insurance.
The organisation will also be exhibiting at the Installer Show this week, where it will support World Refrigeration Day on 26 June.
UK F-Gas certification milestone signals growing compliance focus: Summary
REFCOM has reached 9,000 members in its F-Gas certification scheme.
The Building Engineering Services Association reported increased demand due to regulatory and environmental pressures.
BESA said its digital tools and Elite Membership programme support contractor compliance.
Jill Nicholls of BESA said certification helps meet safety and legal standards.
DEFRA’s Jacob Andresen said tighter rules on refrigerants are being planned.
Consultation with the sector is expected later in 2025.
REFCOM members expressed concern about the flammability of low-GWP gases.
They called for government-backed information campaigns and training.
REFCOM plans to reach 10,000 members in the near future.
A new insurance discount has been introduced through Kingsbridge.
REFCOM will be present at the Installer Show and World Refrigeration Day.