EWS | DIGEST IN BRIEF Trade bodies dismiss F-Gas proposals The ongoing review of the European F-Gas Regulation has come under attack from a group of international trade organisations. The 15 bodies, including the UKs Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), are alarmed by the suggestion, made in a study commissioned by the EC, that hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants could be used in up to 90% of small heat pumps by 2025, and in all large split air conditioners and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems by 2030. A ban on the use of R410A in new stationary air conditioners and heat pumps is also proposed. The trade bodies claim the modelling used is lacking in detail, and that many of the changes would be economically unviable and ignore safety rules around flammability and toxicity that could restrict the use of alternatives. They also say the study did not consider the contribution of heat pumps to energy efficiency goals and reductions in carbon emissions. The UK has agreed to mirror the measures in the F-Gas Regulation, which is due to be revised this year. Contractors must make net zero pledge Contractors will be barred from bidding for public sector projects worth more than 5m unless they pledge to be net zero by 2050. From September, they will have to provide a carbon-reduction plan showing the sources of their emissions and outlining their environmental management measures. The plan must be updated annually and published on the contractors website. Professional institutions agree climate action plan built-environment bodies to meet the UK governments 2050 net-zero emissions targets. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has launched Carbon Zero: the professional institutions climate action plan. Spearheaded by CICs Climate Change Panel, and supported by professional engineering bodies, including CIBSE, the 10-point plan attempts to coordinate the efforts of all relevant short-, medium-, and longer-term priorities. The signatories have agreed to develop and publish an action implementation programme in time for the COP26 climate conference in to implement actions appropriate to them and support other institutions in delivering actions. CIBSE technical manager Julie Godefroy said: and climate adaptation, such as joint industry higher education institutions. presented at the inaugural meeting of the Balham HQ CIBSE members and other organisations. Carbon reduction code published A Carbon Reduction Code for the built environment has been published by the Construction Leadership Council as part of its Construct Zero initiative. maintenance and operation of built assets. A number or organisations are currently conducting trials of the code, and the CSIC believes and save costs, said CSIC director Dr Jennifer Schooling. It comprises around 40 representatives from consultants, contractors, industry groups and local and central government. 8 July 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE July 21 pp08-09 News.indd 8 25/06/2021 16:10