Automotive air-conditioning code of practice update underway

VASA is working with the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to overhaul the nation’s 17-year-old automotive air-conditioning code of practice.

The public consultation window will open in October 2025 and the project completion target is March 2026.

VASA president Brett Meads said the organisation “recognises the importance of regulatory frameworks that provide best practice for all stakeholders while ensuring sound environmental outcomes and necessary protections for technicians and consumers”.

The automotive landscape has transformed dramatically since the 2008 code was written, with technology influencing most automotive systems including new refrigerants, system architecture changes, subsystem integration, control strategies, and service and repair techniques.

Modern electric vehicle propulsion systems now utilise advanced refrigerant-based thermal management systems to maximise efficiencies across battery charge and discharge cycles, extending beyond conventional passenger compartment comfort applications.

VASA treasurer and former president Ian Stangroome brings his significant industry experience to overseeing the project, saying the association is “well placed to provide industry with a relevant and workable code of practice”.

“We recognise the value of stakeholder engagement and are looking forward to the industry consultation and feedback phase of the project,” Mr Stangroome said.

VASA vice-president Mark Rowe acknowledged the team’s work, with the project scheduled for completion by March 2026.

“It is very exciting for an industry association to help drive the very document that guides our technicians and workshops,” Mr Rowe said.

“We are all hard at work ensuring we maximise the consultation phase during the last quarter of 2025, which will help shape the final code we deliver to industry next year.”

The public consultation window opens in October 2025 with all constructive feedback welcome.