Because the DCSEU’s performance goals are based on total GHG reductions, the organization is uniquely positioned to support and fund this climate-focused strategy, a press release from Hudson Technologies said. The DCSEU helps Washington, D.C., residents and businesses use less energy, save money, and reduce emissions by offering financial incentives, technical assistance, and information.

Through this pilot program, Hudson provides HVAC contractors with training on recovery best practices, supplies proper storage containers for used refrigerants, covers shipping and logistics, and offers financial incentives for recovered refrigerant in addition to those provided by the DCSEU. The training and incentives help contractors offset the costs of recovery equipment and processes while also providing a revenue stream.

“Hudson is proud to partner with the DCSEU in this first of a kind utility sponsored GHG emissions-reduction pilot. According to the 2024 RMI report, refrigerant recovery, reclamation and reuse can result in 70% less emissions compared to using newly manufactured refrigerant,” said Kate Houghton, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hudson. “Increasing awareness around the importance of recovering refrigerant from every unit and providing incentives to contractors for doing so is key to growth of reclamation and we are excited to see the early positive results of this innovative pilot.”

Refrigerants, when leaked into the atmosphere, can have thousands of times the GWP of carbon dioxide. By ensuring that refrigerants are reclaimed and recycled by contractors working on DCSEU programs — like the Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP), which decommissions older HVAC systems — this pilot program not only protects the environment but also strengthens local businesses, adds jobs, bolsters emissions reductions within existing DCSEU programs, and contributes to a circular refrigerant economy in the HVAC industry, the press release said.