AREA, the European organisation of air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump contractors, has published its Vision & Strategy 2020, which identifies six key areas for a striving RACHP contracting sector.

Constant technological evolutions and recent regulatory changes are reshaping the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector. According to AREA for contractors, the challenge is to embrace these developments whilst maintaining excellence.

AREA says the world of refrigeration and air conditioning is changing: alternative refrigerants are increasingly used, energy efficiency has become an essential requirement, the regulatory environment is ever more varied and complex, new technologies are emerging. These changes are reshaping the contractor’s job. Contractors must adapt to technical innovations and regulatory evolutions while maintaining high competence to ensure a safe, reliable, and high quality service to their customers.

AREA President Per Jonasson said: “Innovations and regulations make refrigeration and air conditioning more exciting but also more complex. Users rely on expert contractors more than ever.”

AREA has identified 6 key priorities:

1 Sensible standards and regulations that support rather than obstruct our sector’s development;

2 Minimum education and certification requirements on low GWP refrigerants to ensure safe and competent handling

3 Energy efficiency as a key driver in refrigerant and system choice

4 Guidance on technological developments to ensure up-to-date knowledge

5 Exchange of information and best practices within the sector through the AREA network

6 European and international cooperation at both industrial and institutional levels

Mr Jonasson added: “These priorities will guide AREA’s activities in the years to come. AREA will mobilise its structure and its network to work on each objective through tangible contributions.”  

AREA’s Vision & Strategy 2020 can be downloaded from its website at www.area-eur.be