Alexandria, VA (August 20, 2025) — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has been recognized as a Power of Associations Gold Award winner by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful A2L Refrigerant Safety Training initiative.
ACCA developed its groundbreaking A2L Refrigerant Safety Training program to help the HVACR industry navigate the transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants that present new safety challenges due to their mildly flammable characteristics.
This pioneering training initiative has equipped more than 8,200 technicians and contractors nationwide with critical safety knowledge and protocols, with remarkable results: 97% of participants report increased confidence in A2L handling, and 94% have adopted new safety measures directly from the program. The training addresses a critical industry need as professionals work with these next-generation refrigerants that require specialized safety expertise.
“Congratulations to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”
ACCA leadership noted the training program's broader impact on the industry.
"There’s a lot we do behind the scenes here at ACCA that we’re proud of, but our A2L Refrigerant Training Program was huge for contractors, the HVACR Industry as well as the consumer,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. "Our A2L training is available at no cost for ACCA members and is a testament to our commitment to contractor education and industry leadership. Earning the ASAE Gold Award for this program reflects the value it brings to our members and the HVACR community. We’re proud to be recognized for helping contractors stay ahead of regulatory changes and maintain the highest standards of professionalism."
To learn more about ACCA’s A2L Refrigerant Safety Training program, visit acca.org/a2ltraining.
For more information about ACCA’s A2L Refrigerant Safety Training or ACCA itself, please contact Kate Wessels, ACCA vice president of communications, marketing, and partnerships at kate.wessels@acca.org or 703-824-8864.