LOW CARBON HEATING & HVAC


NAVIGATING NET-ZERO: WHAT LOW-CARB


Scott Gibbins, managing director at SK Heating & Cooling, discusses how strategic transitions to


low-carbon refrigerants are helping businesses


navigate the complex path to net-zero operations


T


he path to net-zero buildings isn’t just about installing solar panels or upgrading insulation.


For many businesses, the most complex (and costly) transition lies hidden in their mechanical rooms: the refrigeration and HVAC systems that keep operations running smoothly. With F-Gas regulations tightening and high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants facing phase-outs, the question isn’t whether to transition to low- carbon alternatives, but how to navigate the journey without disrupting critical operations. Since January 2025, single-split air conditioning


systems using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of more than 750 have been banned from sale in the UK, yet the challenge extends far beyond simply switching products. Industry leaders are discovering that successful transitions require strategic planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of both regulatory requirements and operational realities.


THE PERFECT STORM For facility managers and business owners, the transition presents a three-pronged challenge that’s proving more complex than many initially anticipated. The first pressure point is regulatory uncertainty. While businesses understand that legislation is coming, many struggle to determine the best path forward for future- proofing their systems. The UK’s F-Gas review remains in consultation, creating an information gap that leaves decision-makers unsure about long-term compliance strategies. The second challenge is economic. Many


organisations want to extract maximum life from their current systems, but this approach carries significant risk. The phase-down of high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants under the UK’s F-Gas Regulations is forcing industries to reconsider their cooling strategies. Many industrial HVAC systems still rely on refrigerants such as R-410A, which will soon become both expensive and difficult to source. The cost of high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A and R-507A has already begun to skyrocket, with some businesses reporting increases of £75-£100 per kilogram, making emergency maintenance prohibitively expensive. The third element, technical complexity, often


proves the most surprising. One significant challenge that industry has highlighted is the requirement for engineers to acquire the necessary skills to handle alternative refrigerant gases, characterised by higher flammability, toxicity, or


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pressure levels. The transition to A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants requires not just new equipment, but enhanced safety protocols, updated training, and often significant changes to installation practices.


WHAT A2L REALLY MEANS The term ‘mildly flammable’ has created considerable anxiety among building operators, but practical experience tells a different story. A2L refrigerants have been successfully deployed in millions of applications worldwide, with more than 68 million air conditioners using A2L refrigerants installed around the world as of December 2018*. The key lies in understanding that ‘mildly flammable’ doesn’t mean dangerous - it means engineered safety systems are required. Recent installations demonstrate this principle in


action. When Walsh Mushrooms Group’s Evesham facility needed to replace their aging R-422D system, SK Heating and Cooling designed and installed a 240kg charge of R-454A (Opteon XL40), delivering both environmental and economic benefits. The installation required careful risk assessment and compliance with EN378 safety standards, but the results speak volumes: an estimated 33.5 tonne reduction in


direct CO2 emissions per circuit over 15 years, plus £13,500 in cost savings per circuit. That makes a predicted total of 134 tonnes of direct


CO2 reduced and £54,000 saved. Similarly, when a Gloucestershire meat processor


faced end-of-life refrigeration issues, SK Heating and Cooling successfully transitioned them to three BITZER ECOLITE condensing units running R-454C. The system now maintains consistent 1˚C cooling for a 315 m³ store processing 5,000 kg of meat per day, while meeting all UKCA certification requirements. These cases illustrate that with proper expertise, A2L transitions can enhance both performance and sustainability.


THE STRATEGIC APPROACH The most successful transitions share common characteristics: they begin with comprehensive assessment, prioritise future-proofing over quick fixes, and integrate safety compliance from the outset. Smart businesses are discovering that a strategic six-stage approach delivers optimal results. The process begins with detailed consultation


and site surveys. During this phase, experienced engineers assess existing systems, understand


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 Installation at Walsh Mushrooms


operational requirements, and evaluate space constraints. This foundation work is crucial because A2L systems often require different safety considerations and equipment configurations compared to traditional refrigerants. Design and planning follows, incorporating not


just technical specifications but long-term business plans. The most successful projects consider factors like planned facility expansions, changing production demands, and evolving regulatory requirements. This forward-thinking approach helps avoid costly retrofits and ensures systems remain compliant throughout their operational life. Regular progress meetings throughout the


planning and installation phases keep all stakeholders informed, while professional installation and commissioning ensure systems meet both performance and safety requirements. Perhaps most importantly, comprehensive handover training ensures facility teams understand their new systems’ operation and maintenance requirements.


THE ECONOMICS OF FUTURE-PROOFING While the upfront investment in any new systems can be substantial, the economic case becomes compelling when viewed holistically. Beyond avoiding the escalating costs of high-GWP refrigerants, low-carbon systems often deliver operational energy efficiencies that improve long-term cost of ownership. The Walsh Mushrooms installation provides a


clear example. Despite the initial investment in new condensing units and safety systems, the project delivered immediate energy savings through improved efficiency, while the 20-tonne


reduction in indirect CO2 emissions per circuit translates to meaningful operational cost reductions over the system’s lifetime. For businesses evaluating their options, the


calculation extends beyond purchase price to include refrigerant availability, maintenance costs, energy consumption, and regulatory compliance. Long-term savings and regulatory benefits far outweigh the initial costs.


ESG: THE STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE Beyond operational benefits, the transition to low-carbon HVAC systems directly supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives that have become central to business strategy. Lower GWP systems and improved energy efficiency demonstrate tangible commitment to responsible investing and environmental stewardship –metrics that investors, stakeholders, and procurement teams increasingly scrutinise. For businesses pursuing public sector contracts or


large-scale tenders, demonstrating clear pathways to net-zero operations has shifted from being an advantage to a necessity. Many procurement processes now require detailed ESG credentials, including specific commitments to carbon reduction and sustainable practices. Companies with established low-carbon HVAC strategies find themselves better positioned to meet these requirements and secure valuable contracts. The transition also supports broader ESG


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