NEWS New report demystifies UK F-Gas transition A L
s the UK’s transition away from F-gases ramps up, Aggreko has published a new report to provide clarity on the latest regulations and offer businesses guidance on the phase-down. The report, titled F-Gas Phase Down: Navigating Regulations for a Sustainable Future, breaks down the UK’s F-gas phase-down strategy, which includes service and maintenance restrictions and mandatory leak
checks and emission control, and the impact this will have on the construction industry. With the UK aiming for a 79% reduction in F-gas quotas by 2033, the recently established guidelines encourage the adoption of sustainable, low-GWP alternatives to safeguard long-term resilience and regulatory compliance. The new report outlines the phase-down timeline alongside the refrigerants most at risk of being eliminated from the market first, due to factors such as rising costs and increasing restrictions. It also reveals the key considerations that must be made to ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Chris Smith, Head of temperature control for the UK and Ireland at Aggreko, said: “The tightening of F-gas regulations presents firms with several challenges. With the new restrictions in place, a major leak could render equipment unusable, while a gradual leak could compromise its operation over the long term. “Our latest report has been launched to help decisionmakers proactively prepare for the phase-down, delivering compliance and operational excellence in the process. To guarantee a seamless shift, however, leveraging third-party expertise is crucial.” Aggreko’s team of specialised sales engineers and project managers can support the transition by proactively designing and implementing compliant cooling solutions tailored
to a business’s operational needs. It also collaborates closely with operational teams to identify potential risks and establish contingency plans in environments where downtime can significantly damage finances.
More than 2,000 premises a year breaching fire regulations
ighting firm, Thorlux, is warning that more than 2,000 premises a year are breaching fire regulations following an analysis of data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The lighting firm revealed the figure as it unveiled a new generation of its industry leading Firefly emergency lighting product, designed to ensure facilities managers are never left in the dark when it comes to their compliance with stringent
regulations and budgetary pressures. The data from the NFCC shows that 2,066 enforcement and prohibition notices were issued by fire authorities between June 2024 and the end of May 2025, including 10 against hospitals, six against schools and 140 against care homes.
Having
appropriate emergency lighting in place is a crucial part of compliance with fire regulations. While the data published by the NFCC does not only relate to breaches concerning emergency lighting, it nonetheless offers an indication of the level of non- compliance. With emergency lighting offering
critical protection for occupants during power failures, whether resulting from fire or other causes, facilities managers must ensure their systems comply with building regulations and are tested regularly so they are ready when needed. Liam Greene, Product Manager for Emergency Lighting at Thorlux Lighting, said: “Emergency lighting is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Despite the critical importance of compliance, many employers, occupiers, or property owners remain unaware of their responsibilities or the fact that they may already be non-compliant. Breaches of these regulations can result in significant consequences, including personal liability for the designated responsible person, site closures, and restricted access due to safety concerns. “A common challenge is the lack of clarity around who holds responsibility, which can lead to serious safety risks for occupants and legal exposure and fines with no maximum amount for organisations. “In response to these challenges, the Thorlux team set out to create a solution that simplifies ongoing compliance – making it more effective, reliable, and cost-efficient. The result is Firefly, the next generation of discreet emergency lighting. With increased luminaire spacing, reduced battery maintenance, enhanced sustainability, and a fully integrated wireless reporting and control system, Firefly ensures that you’re never left in the dark -and more importantly, never non-compliant.”
OMICRON Zero • Eurovent certified performance
• First air-source simultaneous heating & cooling unit using R290 as a near zero GWP, natural refrigerant solution
• Up to 70°C Hot Water
• High TER 7.75* *W45 A7 / W7 A35
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Swegon qp BSEE
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10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2025 5
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