The major challenges of cold weather: what this changes for you
Whether you are a user/owner of refrigeration equipment (industrial, GMS, ERP…) or an installer, the current challenges in the sector are transforming your practices.
SIFA gives you the keys to anticipate these changes, make the right technical decisions and adapt to an increasingly demanding regulatory framework.
1. Transition to fluids with a low environmental impact
The European F-GAS III regulation (2024/573) and its implementing decree of November 21, 2025, are permanently reshaping the refrigerant landscape. High-GWP HFCs are being phased out. This trend is irreversible.
➤ For the user:
Whether you need to invest now in new installations or anticipate the end of life of your equipment using high GWP HFCs that will no longer be rechargeable, you must opt for solutions compatible with the F-GAS III regulation.
This implies:
- Plan for compliant replacements or retrofits,
- Assess the impact on your operating costs and CSR commitments,
- Anticipating the risks of shortages and price increases linked to reduced HFC quotas
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
Your advisory role is strengthened.
You will need:
- Mastering the specific characteristics of fluids with low or very low GWP (HFO, CO₂, NH₃, hydrocarbons),
- Integrate the new safety rules related to flammable fluids (categories A2L and A3): fire risks, ventilation, leak detection,
- Ensure the ongoing training of your teams,
- To ensure safe, compliant and sustainable installations.
🎤 Conferences not to be missed:
📅 Tuesday, November 24 — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: F-Gas III and the French Environmental Code
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: F-Gas III and the French environmental code
📅 Tuesday, November 24 — 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: F-Gas III and the French Environmental CodeCertification / training
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: F-Gas III and the French Environmental Code — Certification / Training
🔗At the trade fair, talk with the SNEFCCAand the AFCE to complete your information.
2. Energy efficiency and decarbonization
Reducing the carbon footprint of refrigeration systems is now a regulatory, economic and strategic imperative
➤ For the user:
Reducing energy bills is becoming an economic and environmental imperative. The targets set by regulations, including the tertiary sector decree, directly affect you.
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
You must propose comprehensive solutions, taking into account environmental and budgetary constraints, making the best use of available financial aid such as Energy Savings Certificates (CEE).
3. Modernization and reliability of equipment
An aging fleet represents an increased risk: breakdowns, product losses, non-conformities, fines. Modernization is no longer optional.
➤ For the user:
Old or obsolete equipment increases the risk of breakdowns, product losses, and fines for non-compliance. It's time to integrate predictive maintenance into your practices.
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
You are on the front line to recommend reliable technologies, compatible with new regulatory constraints, while securing the installation and minimizing downtime.
4. Skills needed
The industry faces a structural shortage of skilled labor, in a context where technical requirements are continually increasing.
➤ For the user:
Outsourcing maintenance is becoming strategic in a context of skills shortages. It is essential to surround oneself with qualified, trained and responsive service providers.
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
The shortage of skilled labor forces you to rethink your HR strategies: internal training, skills development, attractiveness of jobs.
🎤 A conference not to be missed:
📅 Tuesday, November 24 — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Are heat pumps, from comfort to industry, a market for refrigeration specialists?
🎓 To go further
Discover the results of the 2024 survey commissioned by the Snefccawhich provides figures on the profile of professionals and the activity of the sector.
👉 To explore the possibilities further continuing educationVisit intercariforef.org
👉 To learn more about the initial training and career opportunities, explore ton-avenir-en-froid-clim.fr
Discover the results of the 2024 survey commissioned by the Snefccawhich provides figures on the profile of professionals and the activity of the sector.
👉 To explore the possibilities further continuing educationVisit intercariforef.org
👉 To learn more about the initial training and career opportunities, explore ton-avenir-en-froid-clim.fr
5. Digitalization of facilities
The digital transformation of refrigeration systems is underway. IoT, AI, and monitoring platforms are no longer promises: they are operational realities that are redefining the industry.
➤ For the user:
Connected solutions allow you to better manage your facilities, control your energy consumption, detect anomalies, and automate alerts. This is a powerful tool for reducing your bills and improving your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) indicators.
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
Integrating IoT, AI or monitoring platforms into your services is becoming a customer expectation and an aid to monitoring installations. This requires active technological monitoring and strong partnerships.
🎤 Conferences not to be missed:
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Monitor, analyze, act: from AI to manual
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: AI as a work tool for refrigeration technicians: how to use it effectively on a daily basis?
📅 Tuesday, November 24 — 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Connected refrigeration systems: how to secure remote access and data?
💡 SIFA supports you in your decisions, whether you are a user, specifier or manager of refrigeration assets.
6. Adaptation to climate change and resilience of the cold chain
Increasingly frequent and intense heat waves are putting pressure on cooling systems and revealing the weaknesses of existing infrastructure.
➤ For the user:
Have your facilities been designed to operate in extreme weather conditions? Maintaining the continuity of your cold chain—whether for food, pharmaceutical, or industrial products—is a matter of sovereignty and responsibility. Assess the resilience of your installations to temperature spikes.
➤ For the refrigeration technician/installer:
Design and size installations capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions. Resilience is becoming a performance criterion in its own right, just like energy efficiency.
🎤 A conference not to be missed:
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: +40°: Adapting to climate change, designing and operating your installation.
📅 Wednesday, November 25 — 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Air-to-air heat pumps and summer comfort: adapting buildings to the challenges of climate change