World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

FETA says EA needs more support

UK: The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) says it will continue to highlight infringements of the F-gas regulations, particularly by online retailers.

The manufacturers’ group was reacting to the government’s response to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) report on the UK’s progress on reducing F-gas emissions. FETA said would like to see both DEFRA and the Environment Agency given greater prioritisation for resources by central government.

The government had earlier rejected EAC and industry concerns that the Environment Agency (EA), the body responsible for policing the F-gas regulations, did not have the necessary resources available to tackle illegal refrigerant sales.

In addition, while FETA acknowledged that the government’s response showed willingness to work with industry on training, it believed it “lacks conviction” and maintains “that only mandatory qualifications offer any real prospect of immediate impact and enduring success”.

Related stories:

Government rejects F-gas concerns10 July 2018
UK: The UK government insists it will maintain the HFC phase down post-Brexit but has ignored claims that the Environment Agency does not have the adequate resources to tackle compliance. Read more…

UK failing to enforce F-gas regulations – 25 April 2018
UK: The Environmental Audit Committee has expressed concern that the Environment Agency is under-resourced and failing to adequately investigate “large levels of non-compliance” with the F-gas regulations. Read more…

UK a hub for illegal refrigerant sales – 23 March 2018
UK: There are concerns that the UK has become a centre for sales of refrigerant in illegal disposable cylinders, a container which has been banned from use in Europe for over 10 years. Read more…

Phase down sparks rise in illegal sales – 21 March 2018
EUROPE: With the F-gas regulations beginning to bite and higher GWP refrigerants becoming expensive and scarce, evidence of illegal imports and sales is increasing. Read more…

F-gas violators face £200,000 fines – 3 February 2018
UK: Those who breach the F-gas regulations in England and Scotland could face fines of up to £200,000 from April 1. Read more…

Firm fined for breach of F-gas regulations – 5 April 2016
UK: In what has been described as an important result for the Environment Agency, a company has been prosecuted for breaching the F-gas regulations. Read more…

 

Latest News

27th July 2026

US retailers move to defend new HFC deadline

USA: The row over the US Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to roll back parts of the AIM Act rumbles on, with retailers now seeking to intervene in recently filed judicial…
27th July 2026

A chiller for all seasons

UK: Carrier has delivered a high-efficiency R515B chiller upgrade at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane, London, overcoming major access constraints and maintaining continuous cooling throughout the project. 
27th July 2026

Future-proofing homes with aroTHERM plus

UK: Heat pump manufacturer Vaillant is involved in a project to upgrade the heating systems in more than 300 properties owned by North Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire.
27th July 2026

Lib Dems propose air con in all new-build homes

UK: The Liberal Democrats are proposing a new legal requirement for all new build homes in the UK to be fitted with air conditioning or effective cooling systems.
26th July 2026

GEA fruit storage system cuts peak demand

GERMANY: GEA has enabled a South African producer of apples and pears to reduce its peak power consumption while expanding its cold storage capabilities with a new controlled-atmosphere facility.
26th July 2026

Tokyo tops air conditioning usage

JAPAN: Tokyo was found to have the highest air conditioning usage in a survey of AC owners in 12 cities worldwide, with around 30% of Tokyo residents using their air…