Brussels, 3 April 2023 - An alliance of seven leading European associations and global partners responded to the European Parliament’s rejection of several amendments included in the F-Gas Regulation Revision, which would have helped Europe achieve its climate and energy independence goals while maintaining an affordable but ambitious regulation.
The alliance represents industries manufacturing, servicing, and installing heating, cooling, refrigeration and foam insulation solutions; European farmers and agri-cooperatives; and the hospitality sector.
“We are dismayed that Parliament has rejected pragmatic amendments to the implementation of the F-gas regulation revision. Our alliance is fully committed to the phasedown of HFCs but is gravely concerned that the amendments adopted in the European Parliament are not technically feasible in all applications, risk the safety and energy efficiency of some equipment, do not allow enough time to properly train installers and service technicians, and are not affordable for many Europeans.
“We remain hopeful that we can achieve some balance in this regulation over the coming months. We now look to the Council and member states, and hope industry’s perspective will be considered to develop a more pragmatic and realistic implementation.”
WHO WE ARE
APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe represents home appliance manufacturers from across Europe. By promoting innovative, sustainable policies and solutions for EU homes, APPLiA has helped build the sector into an economic powerhouse, with an annual turnover of EUR 50 billion, investing over EUR 1.4 billion in R&D activities and creating nearly 1 million jobs. https://www.applia-europe.eu/
ASERCOM, the Association of European Component Manufacturers is the platform for dealing with scientific and technical topics and their challenges, promoting standards for performance rating, methods of testing and product safety, focusing on improved environmental protection, serving the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and its customers. It is the aim of ASERCOM to be the platform for dealing with scientific and technical topics and their challenges, promoting standards for performance rating, methods of testing and product safety, focusing on improved environmental protection, serving the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and its customers. ASERCOM addresses top issues and communicates relevant opinions of its members to the industry, the public, governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations. https://www.asercom.org/
Copa Cogeca are the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. Together, they ensure that EU agriculture is sustainable, innovative and competitive, while guaranteeing food security for 500 million people throughout Europe.
The European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee is a Cefic Sector Group that monitors legislation related to HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and HFOs (hydrofluoro-olefins) in the EU and at global level. Fluorocarbons are used as feedstock, as refrigerants, as solvents and as blowing agents for insulation plastic foams. https://www.fluorocarbons.org/
EHPA is the European Heat Pump Association. In a fully decarbonised Europe, heat-pump technologies are the number one heating and cooling solution, being a core enabler for a renewable, sustainable and smart energy system. They integrate multiple energy sources, bridging the electric and thermal sector on a local and regional level (micro grids, DHC). Heat pumps are easy to install and widely used in all thermal applications (buildings, transport, white goods) and industrial processes. Refrigerants and other components are available in sufficient quantities. The technology is recognised for its merits in legislation and existing energy models. EHPA is a forward-looking association aiming at putting heat pumps at the centre of the energy system by communicating the benefits of heat pumps, providing relevant information and being a reference point and integrator to all stakeholders. https://www.ehpa.org
EPEE represents the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in Europe. Founded in the year 2000, EPEE’s membership is composed of over 50 companies as well as national and international associations from three continents (Europe, North America, Asia). With manufacturing sites and research and development facilities across the EU, which innovate for the global market, EPEE member companies realise a turnover of over 30 billion Euros, employ more than 200,000 people in Europe and also create indirect employment through a vast network of small and medium-sized enterprises such as contractors who install, service and maintain equipment. https://epeeglobal.org/
EPFA, the European Phenolic Foam Association includes companies that share an interest in the use of phenolic foam products within the insulation industry. The members are either producers of phenolic foam insulation resin suppliers or are companies closely linked with the industry through the provision of raw materials.
Eurovent is Europe’s Industry Association for Indoor Climate (HVAC), Process Cooling, and Food Cold Chain Technologies. Its members from throughout Europe represent more than 1.000 organisations, the majority small and medium-sized manufacturers. Based on objective and verifiable data, these account for a combined annual turnover of more than 30bn EUR, employing around 150.000 people within the association’s geographic area. This makes Eurovent one of the largest cross-regional industry committees of its kind. The organisation’s activities are based on highly valued democratic decision-making principles, ensuring a level playing field for the entire industry independent from organisation sizes or membership fees. https://eurovent.eu/
HOTREC is the umbrella association of Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Cafés and similar establishments in Europe, which brings together 45 National associations in 34 countries and is the voice of European hospitality. HOTREC’s mission is to represent and champion its interests towards the EU and international institutions, foster knowledge sharing and best practices among its members to further promote innovation, and act as a platform of expertise for the hospitality sector. www.hotrec.eu
Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) is a leading European organization representing the interests of about 100 multinational companies of Japanese parentage active in Europe. Our members operate across a wide range of sectors, including information and communication technology, electronics, chemicals, automotive, machinery, wholesale trade, precision instruments, pharmaceutical, textiles and glass products. For more information: https://www.jbce.org/
JRAIA is the industry association representing over 160 manufacturers of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in Japan. We, the members of JRAIA, have so far been dedicated to offering quality products to the markets of EU. JRAIA aims to promote and improve production, distribution and consumption of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and their applied products, as well as auxiliary devices and components, automatic controls and accessories and thereby contribute to the steady development of Japanese industry and the improvement in people’s standard of living. For more information, please see JRAIA’s website: www.jraia.or.jp.
PU Europe is the voice of European voice of the polyurethane (PUR / PIR) insulation industry, whose products are widely used in residential and commercial buildings with an estimated European market share of over 11%. There are more than 110 manufacturing sites in Europe accounting for more than 20,000 direct jobs. https://www.pu-europe.eu
Transfrigoroute International (TI) is the only specialist independent umbrella association for the temperature-controlled road transport industry at the European Union level. TI members include national associations representing the temperature-controlled sector, haulage companies involved with transport at controlled temperatures of foodstuffs and other goods in solid or liquid form, trailer manufacturers, manufacturers of refrigeration equipment and technical testing providers. TI membership is also open to companies providing technical assistance, insurance, damage assessment and legal services, and en-route support.