Pilot scheme to incentivise refrigerant recovery

USA: A new refrigerant recovery scheme in the District of Columbia aims to help contractors offset the costs of recovery equipment while also providing an additional revenue stream.

The scheme is a partnership between DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) and refrigerant reclaim company Hudson Technologies. 

Unlike traditional utility programmes that solely measure success in energy savings, this effort reduces GHG emissions by incentivising the proper recovery of refrigerants during servicing. 

Through this pilot, Hudson provides HVAC contractors with training on recovery best practices, supplies proper storage containers for used refrigerants, covers shipping and logistics, and offers their own financial incentives for recovered refrigerant in addition to those provided by the DCSEU. 

Importantly, the pilot converts what was an expense for contractors into a revenue stream.

“Increasing awareness around the importance of recovering refrigerant from every unit and providing incentives to contractors for doing so is key to growth of reclamation and we are excited to see the early positive results of this innovative pilot,” commented Kate Houghton, Hudson’s sales and marketing senior VP.

“Our partnership with Hudson ensures that refrigerants are handled responsibly within the District and kept out of the atmosphere, directly aligning with the District’s climate action goals, while also supporting contractors to ensure that recovery is happening,” said DCSEU MD Ben Burdick.