ACR Journal

11 NEWS Already tested the BEST-IN-CLASS? Then let’s go! The new BOCK lub compressor oil provides optimum lubrication, offers high wear protection, increased efficiency, and resource conservation – all in one. The best way to keep your mobile or stationary compressor running smooth and efficient. We call this: The °Clever Art of Protection | More info at bock.de Best-in-class: BOCK lub compressor oils BOCK colour the world of tomorrow F-Gas penalties “huge statement of intent” UK F-Gas register REFCOM has welcomed a “huge statement of intent” from the Environment Agency’ following its decision to fine a company more than £1m for breaching the F-Gas Regulations. London-based IMO Gas Supplies Ltd was found guilty of seven separate offences linked to breaches of regulation 31A of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations over a two-year period. It was given five separate penalties of £200,000 each for failing to ensure that the quantity of HFCs it was using did not exceed its F-Gas quota. It also received a £10,000 fine for failing to sufficiently report imports of HFCs to the European Commission and a £1,500 penalty for not keeping proper records. The company is reported to have been dealing in refrigerants R134A, R404A, R410A and R407C, which are all subject to restrictions under the F-Gas Regulations. “This is precisely the kind of tough action we have been urging from the Environment Agency,” said REFCOM’s head of technical Graeme Fox. “It is the direct result of a tip-off from a REFCOMmember who had become exasperated by this kind of irresponsible behaviour that gives the whole sector a bad name. “This is only the second fine issued to an F-Gas offender, but it is a huge statement of intent from the EA. However, we know this is not an isolated incident and the battle goes on against rogue traders who seem bent on flouting this vital environmental law for financial gain.” REFCOM said it was also closely monitoring the use of illegally imported refrigerant gas in the UK. “The continued use of illegal refrigerants by unscrupulous contractors is a very serious problem,” said Fox. “Not only do they damage the environment and atmosphere but are an extreme danger to life and property. “This is another area where the authorities need to raise their game because there are still far too many ‘cowboy operators’ using illegal products that they buy online. REFCOMmembers are audited to ensure safety and legal compliance so they are rightly sick of being undercut by uncertified firms using dangerous practices and dodgy products.” REFCOM recently recorded its 7,000th company membership, thought to be an estimated 90 per cent of the total number of firms operating in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. BELFIELD HONOURED AT BCIA AWARDS The controls industry recognised its outstanding people, products and projects as the BCIA Awards returned at the Hilton Birmingham's Metropole following a virtual event last year. Immediate past president of the BCIA, Jon Belfield, received the award for Outstanding Contribution of the Year in recognition of the amount of time, effort and enthusiasm he has dedicated to new initiatives which have benefited the whole industry. BCIA president Terry Sharp said: “I am very proud to call Jon a friend and I am personally delighted for him. If he retired tomorrow he would leave a lasting legacy of someone who evoked positive change in the building controls industry.” First to collect their award from comedian Lucy Porter were ABEC who were named BEMS Installer of the Year. The Engineer of the Year Award was given to Steven Nuttal of Aimteq Solutions, with Lewis Williams of Detail Design Engineering named as the winner in the Young Engineer category. Ecopilot (UK) & E.ON Control Solutions won the Energy Management Award for their work with Aberdeen Standard Investments at One Trinity Gardens in Newcastle, while Global Associates took the prize for Best Service and Maintenance Provider. Technical Innovation of the Year went to Angel Guard in the Product category for their AI Clinical Washbasin, and BGES Group’s work on a major renewable retrofit at the Oxfordshire Golf Course won in the Project category. InTandem Systems took the Contribution to Training Award, and the impressive work by Carbon Numbers on the Blizard Building for the London School of Medicine and Dentistry scooped the Smart Buildings Award. Jon Belfield, centre, with Terry Sharp and comedian Lucy Porter Graeme Fox

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