Government considers new restrictions on HFC refrigerants in UK

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that the UK government is considering new refrigerant bans and an accelerated phase out of high global warming potential (GWP) gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) shared the update during a briefing hosted by the F-Gas register REFCOM at BESA’s London headquarters.

DEFRA official Jacob Andresen said the department was seeking views from industry stakeholders on how to align with EU refrigerant policy while contributing to the UK’s net zero commitments.

Andresen confirmed a consultation will be held later in 2025 to review current policy and explore further bans on high GWP refrigerants.

DEFRA seeking industry input on barriers to refrigerant transition

During the event, Jacob Andresen asked whether a new HFC phase down or additional bans were needed to support compliance and environmental safety.

Andresen, who leads DEFRA’s F-Gas policy team, said the department was especially interested in understanding barriers to adoption of lower GWP alternatives, such as safety concerns and technological limitations.

He stated: “Do we need a new HFC phase down… do we need new bans?”

Andresen added: “We’re still listening to the industry.”

Industry flags flammability and skills gaps in refrigerant alternatives

BESA’s technical director Kevin Morrissey told attendees that concerns around flammable alternatives were a key topic for its members, alongside the technical challenges of HFC phase down.

Morrissey said: “This is a tough and challenging industry and there is now much greater focus on competence and compliance.”

Morrissey added: “The fact that there are around 9,000 businesses in REFCOM helps us to address the big issues that many have in common.”

He also confirmed that REFCOM was updating its RAC80 design specification to help members remain compliant with safe refrigerant use guidelines.

REFCOM audits reveal compliance shortfalls

REFCOM audit data presented at the event showed that common regulatory failures include the absence of environmental policies, incomplete records of reclaimed refrigerant and missing job sheets documenting refrigerant returns.

BESA reported that training demand has increased, with more companies engaging in F-Gas training through the BESA Academy.

Software firm Joblogic, which sponsored the event, said companies still relying on paper records were more exposed to legal and financial risk.

Business development manager Vishal Bedi said: “Manual processes make it harder to maintain accuracy and audit readiness.”

Bedi added: “Your engineers and office teams waste time duplicating data, and customers don’t get the full transparency [of records] that they now expect.”

Collaboration highlighted by Institute of Refrigeration

The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR), which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, also took part in the event.

Chief executive Miriam Rodway emphasised the importance of cross-industry collaboration to support the sector and represent views to government.

IoR Fellow Ian Fisher reminded attendees that IoR membership includes access to over 300 technical papers and best practice guides.

Fisher said these resources help members stay current with knowledge and support career development.

UK refrigerant bans consultation proposed by DEFRA: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that DEFRA is considering new refrigerant bans.

DEFRA is exploring ways to speed up the HFC phase out and consult the industry later in 2025.

Jacob Andresen of DEFRA said the government is open to industry input on safety and technical barriers.

Andresen asked whether new bans and an updated HFC phase down were required.

BESA’s Kevin Morrissey said flammable refrigerants and phase down regulations are common concerns.

REFCOM audits found recurring compliance gaps including missing environmental policies and incomplete refrigerant records.

Morrissey said REFCOM is updating its RAC80 specification and demand for F-Gas training is growing.

Software firm Joblogic said paper-based compliance increases risk of errors and penalties.

Vishal Bedi of Joblogic said manual processes reduce efficiency and transparency.

The Institute of Refrigeration called for collaboration to represent industry needs.

IoR Fellow Ian Fisher said members can access more than 300 technical documents.