REFCOM registers 9,000th member amid regulatory and market pressures

REFCOM, the UK’s F-Gas certification body, has reached 9,000 members, marking a new milestone in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector. The growth reflects increasing demand from contractors for support with legal compliance and competence verification, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), which operates the scheme.

BESA attributed the rise in registrations to pressures stemming from the Building Safety Act and tightening environmental standards. Jill Nicholls, BESA’s director of competence and compliance, said: “This milestone reflects the growing professionalism of the RACHP sector and the trust that businesses place in REFCOM.”

REFCOM’s ongoing development includes investments in digital tools, training partnerships, and its ‘Elite Membership’ initiative. Nicholls stated these would become more important as contractors adapt to changing legislation and customer expectations.

At a recent briefing event at BESA’s headquarters in London, Jacob Andresen from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said new restrictions on high global warming potential F-gases were under review. He indicated that government consultations would begin later this year, with proposals possibly including accelerated phase-outs and new refrigerant bans.

Members attending the event raised concerns about the flammability of alternative refrigerants. They called for improved public information and increased access to specialist training.