D.C. Launches Nation’s First Refrigerant Recovery Pilot with Hudson Technologies

September 23, 2025

Washington D.C. has launched the nation's first Refrigerant Recovery and Reclamation (RR&R) Pilot program through the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) in partnership with Hudson Technologies. The groundbreaking initiative incentivizes HVAC contractors to properly recover hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) instead of releasing these powerful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The program provides training, storage containers, and financial incentives to participating contractors, with early participant Hugee Corporation already preventing emissions equivalent to 400,000 pounds of CO2.

Who is affected

District HVAC contractors
Local businesses in Washington, D.C.
D.C. residents and businesses benefiting from DCSEU programs
Certified Business Enterprises like Hugee Corporation
The broader community impacted by greenhouse gas emissions

What action is being taken

DCSEU and Hudson Technologies are implementing the Refrigerant Recovery and Reclamation Pilot program
Contractors are being provided with training, proper storage containers, and logistics support
Financial incentives are being offered to contractors for properly recovering refrigerants
The program is being integrated with existing initiatives like the Affordable Home Electrification Program
Hugee Corporation has already recovered and returned more than 200 pounds of refrigerant under the program

Why it matters

HFCs have thousands of times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide
The program turns a climate challenge into a revenue opportunity for local businesses
Only 1.6% of refrigerants sold in the U.S. currently come from reclaimed sources
The initiative supports the District's climate action goals
The program helps reduce emissions while supporting local contractors
Since 2011, DCSEU programs have helped save more than $1.5 billion in lifetime energy costs and prevented seven million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer