German Proposal to Ban Public Procurement of VRFs
Germany: The German government’s proposed ban on public procurement of multi-split and VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning systems has faced industry criticism. The draft legislation, introduced by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), outlines specific criteria for environmentally sustainable public procurement. It includes a “negative list” prohibiting the purchase of certain products, including multi-split/VRF units with over 10kW cooling capacity, liquid coolers with nominal capacities above 10kW using refrigerants with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) above 150, and both stationary and mobile cooling systems using halogenated refrigerants.
Industry associations, including the German contractors’ group VDKF, the BTGA (Technical Building Equipment Group), and the FGK (Specialist Association for Building Climate), have voiced opposition to the proposed regulation. They argue that restricting multi-split/VRF systems, known for their high energy efficiency, runs counter to Germany’s broader energy efficiency and sustainability goals. These groups maintain that the draft regulation, known as the general administrative regulation (AVV), undermines established energy policies focused on environmental performance.
Source: Cooling Post