Real Alternatives continues to advance high-quality training and certification for low-GWP alternative refrigerants, supporting the transition away from fluorinated gases across Europe. With nearly 3,000 certificates issued and training materials available in over 20 languages, the initiative plays a key role in harmonizing certification standards and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Strengthening Training and Certification
Real Alternatives, a European Training Programme, provides structured training on low-GWP refrigerants, including HFOs, hydrocarbons, CO₂, and ammonia. The program is implemented in 23 countries, ensuring accessibility for both trainers and professionals. Over the past seven years, the initiative has built a strong network of 25 associations, including the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association (AREA).
With the introduction of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2215, consistent and high-quality training is more critical than ever. Real Alternatives offers a framework for national decrees, helping EU Member States establish training programs that align with the latest regulations. The initiative provides certification schemes and guidance on risk assessment, safe operating procedures, and standardized training approaches.
Supporting EU Compliance
The Real Alternatives training system aligns with Annex I of the new EU F-gas Certification Implementing Act 2024/2215 for hydrocarbons and CO₂. It also meets the criteria of Article 10(a) of the same regulation, offering a recognized path for compliance with EU requirements.
A key element of this effort is the Train-the-Trainer program, which ensures consistency in teaching methodologies and certification processes. The latest session took place from February 24–28, 2025, at the IKKE training center in Duisburg, Germany. These sessions provide stakeholders with direct experience in well-established training structures, offering insights that can be applied to national training programs.
A Call to Action for EU Decision-Makers
Real Alternatives urges decision-makers, particularly in the environmental ministries of EU Member States, to integrate its training materials into national certification frameworks. The initiative advocates for the recognition of its HC certificate as evidence of additional training for F-gas certified personnel and the CO₂ certificate as a qualification for obtaining certification B under Regulation 2025/2215.
By fostering a harmonized approach to refrigerant training, Real Alternatives contributes to safer and more sustainable practices in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector across Europe.