The future of HVAC after F-gases

On May 13, 2026, an expert conference organized by our Climaport division took place at LAB28 in Bratislava. The event focused on the current topic of the future of HVAC systems and natural refrigerants.

In particular, the main topic was Swegon R290 technology – a modern solution using the natural refrigerant propane (R290). As a result, it represents an ecological and efficient alternative to traditional F-gases.

The conference addressed an increasingly relevant question that today’s designers, developers, and technical specialists are dealing with:

What will come after F-gases?

Meanwhile, tightening European legislation and the growing pressure to reduce environmental impact are changing the way heating and cooling systems are designed today. Therefore, R290 is becoming one of the most discussed technologies in the HVAC field.

During expert presentations and discussions, participants focused mainly on several key topics. These included the practical use of the natural refrigerant R290 in design practice, as well as the requirements of EN 378 and current legislation. In addition, attention was given to the safety aspects of flammable refrigerants. Moreover, the most common design mistakes were discussed, along with specific examples from real-world projects.

The event also provided a space for professional discussion, exchange of experience, and networking among designers.

We believe that open professional dialogue and the sharing of experience are key to finding efficient and sustainable solutions for the future of building services engineering systems.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone for their participation, and we look forward to future expert meetings.