REFRIGERANTS LIFE CYCLE

The REFRIGERANTS LIFE CYCLE project focuses on the comprehensive lifecycle management of refrigerants – from production and market introduction, through use, to recovery, regeneration, or safe disposal. Its primary goal is to reduce the negative environmental and climate impact of refrigerants, while supporting compliance with applicable regulations and building awareness among market participants.

Why is the refrigerant lifecycle so important?

Refrigerants, particularly fluorinated gases (F-gases), have a very high global warming potential (GWP). Uncontrolled emissions – resulting from, among other things, system leaks, improper servicing, or illegal trade – pose a real threat to the climate. The project emphasises that effective environmental protection requires a systemic approach covering the entire “life” of a refrigerant, not just the moment of its use.

Main project objectives

The REFRIGERANTS LIFE CYCLE project aims to:

reduce refrigerant emissions into the atmosphere,
promote legal, safe, and compliant market practices,
increase the level of refrigerant recovery and reuse,
support the transformation of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector towards more climate-friendly solutions,
enhance the competencies and awareness of market participants – both professionals and end users.

Scope of activities

The project implements activities covering comprehensive management and monitoring of refrigerant circulation. It includes the analysis and tracking of refrigerant flows, identification of risks associated with illegal trade and improper handling of F-gases, as well as the promotion of best practices in refrigerant installation, servicing, recovery, and regeneration. Additionally, information and educational activities are carried out to increase awareness and responsibility in the use of refrigeration equipment. The project also supports the implementation of F-gas regulations and the development of a circular economy, creating conditions for the sustainable operation of the HVACR sector.

Target groups

The project is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders from various areas of the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump industry. It encompasses both companies operating in the sector and installers and service technicians responsible for equipment installation and maintenance. The project also addresses businesses that use refrigeration systems in their operations, public institutions and supervisory authorities ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as industry and educational organisations supporting skills development in the sector. Furthermore, the project directs its activities towards end consumers interested in the safe and responsible use of refrigeration equipment, emphasising the importance of a conscious and sustainable approach to refrigerants.

Key Project Activities

The key activities of the REFRIGERANTS LIFE CYCLE project cover four main areas: training, discussion panels, IT tools, and communication and promotional activities.

In the area of training, both central courses for government services and nationwide and regional training sessions for the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry are delivered. The training covers both theoretical and practical components, including hands-on sessions using specialist equipment such as gas analysers and leak detectors.

Discussion panels serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between representatives of ministries, inspectorates, industry organisations, and the academic community. During a minimum of several thematic meetings, legislative recommendations are developed to support the process of amending F-gas regulations.

In the area of IT tools, a dedicated website, bezpiecznehfc.pl, has been launched. It enables the conversion of HFC quantities into CO₂ equivalent (GWP calculator), provides up-to-date legal information, allows for anonymous reporting of suspected illegal HFC trade, and serves as a knowledge hub for industry professionals and the general public.

Communication and promotional activities include information campaigns on social media, educational webinars, awareness-raising videos, articles in trade and general press, as well as advertising campaigns on public transport in Poland’s largest cities — raising public awareness of the risks associated with illegal refrigerants.

Eco-friendly Solutions at the New Branch

The demonstration installation is located at PROZON Foundation’s new branch near Warsaw, which — from the design and construction stage — was planned with eco-friendly solutions in mind and to ensure high working standards.

Water and Energy Resource Conservation

Rational management of natural resources is also a key aspect of the facility’s operation. The building features a rainwater harvesting system and a closed-loop water circuit in the cooling system, significantly reducing water consumption. At the same time, numerous energy efficiency measures have been implemented, including photovoltaic panels, high-quality insulation, and a boiler room equipped with condensing boilers. The facility uses energy-efficient LED lighting, ventilation units with heat recovery exchangers, and appliances of the highest energy class with low electricity consumption.

Ergonomic and Comfortable Working Conditions

The building was also designed with employee ergonomics and comfort in mind. The office spaces benefit from natural daylight, and the hall’s location away from the main road reduces noise nuisance. The technological installation is sheltered from weather conditions, while a modern air conditioning system and noise-dampening elements in the equipment ensure stable and comfortable working conditions.

Protection of Local Flora and Fauna

The site has not been enclosed with an artificial fence, allowing animals to move freely, and special stickers have been applied to windows and doors to reduce the risk of birds colliding with glass surfaces. In addition, nesting boxes for swifts have been installed, supporting local biodiversity.

Project Outcomes and Significance

The outcome of the project is a strengthened responsible and systemic approach to refrigerant management, in particular through reducing uncontrolled emissions into the environment and increasing the scale of recovery and reuse of raw materials. The implementation of the project contributes to achieving the European Union’s climate objectives, as well as to improving environmental and technical safety in the HVACR sector. At the same time, the project supports greater transparency in the refrigerant market, creating conditions for better monitoring of substance flows and compliance with applicable regulations. In the longer term, REFRIGERANTS LIFE CYCLE builds lasting foundations for the development of a circular economy in the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump industry, strengthening sustainable and responsible market operating models.

Check the project page