2021 Advisory for Import and Export of Refrigerant

 

Supporting our Caribbean Ozone Colleagues- SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PHASE OUT OF OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES (SPODS) Green Cooling Communication Strategy Virtual Launch

 The National Ozone Unit Trinidad and Tobago attended the Virtual Launch of the SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY PHASE OUT OF OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES (SPODS) Green Cooling Communication Strategy held by the National Ozone Unit in Grenada.

The project Sustainable and climate-friendly Phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (SPODS) assists selected Latin American and Caribbean countries with their transformation processes in fulfilling their obligations under the Montreal Protocol related to the ODS phase-out and current HFC mitigation at the same time.

https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/Factsheet-EU-ELDZ-SPODS-WEB-260618.pdf

Preparing for the Phase down of HFCs

Despite the COVID 19 challenges, discussions are continuing virtually regarding how to best position countries for the upcoming phase down of hydrofluorcarbons (HFCs), particularly in the Caribbean Region. HFCs are mostly used as refrigerant in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector The phase down is scheduled to begin in January 2024.

COVID 19 & Sustainable Cold Chain

 

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), an international team of researchers led by the University of Birmingham created a roadmap and model for in-country COVID-19 vaccination cold-chain design using Bangladesh as a case study.

The report aims to explore the nexus among COVID 19 Vaccine deployment (and future emergency, pandemic and epidemic needs), sustainable cold chain and clean energy infrastructure development.  To achieve the aim, the application of a bottom-up whole systems approach, which includes the collection of primary data for robust assessment of the cold-chain capacity, identifying gaps, and providing possible solutions for COVID-19 vaccine delivery in case study sites, which could be generalised nationally. The work will also include estimation of economic, environmental and social impacts of the current deployment plans.

The report can be accessed CLICK HERE

How climate friendly cooling can support clean resilient Covid 19 recovery

 

Covid-19 and the measures being taken to mitigate the subsequent public health and economic crises are creating huge global shocks. In response, governments and financial institutions are quickly developing fiscal and monetary packages that are unprecedented in scale. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Energy Agency, European Commission, and others across industry, academia, and civil society are challenging governments to keep sight of the climate crisis and to use Covid-19 stimulus packages and recovery plans as an opportunity to build back better, for a cleaner, more resilient world. The Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP), a philanthropic collaboration active in over 50 countries, highlights the vital role that cooling is currently playing to help manage the health and economic shocks of Covid-19, and outlines how cooling is crucial to a resilient recovery. The briefing details six high-impact, near-term, and cost effective opportunities that can help to stimulate the economy while also building a strong foundation for long-term recovery and decarbonization.

 

The report can be assessed CLICK HERE

 

Trinidad and Tobago participation at the Virtual Combined Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (part I) and Thirty-Second Meeting of the Parties during the period November 23-27, 2020.

The Virtual Combined Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (part I) and Thirty-Second Meeting of the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol is being held during the period November 23-27, 2020.

The final report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) on the evaluation of the Critical Use Nominations (CUN) with the final recommendations on the critical-use exemptions will be presented. The issues relating to membership of Montreal Protocol bodies and replenishment for the next triennium will also be addressed. Several Side Events are also planned to explore the latest development in refrigeration and air conditioning technologies as Parties continue toward the implementation  of the Kigali Amendment and the phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Trinidad and Tobago will begin this phase down in 2024.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is being represented at the Virtual Meeting by the following delegation: Dr. Marissa Gowrie Deputy Environmental Manager/National Ozone Officer (Head of Delegation) and Mr. Jonathan Bolai Ozone Specialist (Delegate).

Virtual Training of Officers of the Customs and Excise Division

The National Ozone Unit conducted virtual training of officers from the Customs and Excise Division on Thursday November 19, 2020. The session provided these border control agents with updated knowledge related to the Montreal Protocol and national implementation.

Inception Workshop for Grant Funded Global Environmental Facility - Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-carbon RAC Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago

We have officially begun! The inception workshop for the largest ever grant funded national project under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) entitled “Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-carbon RAC Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago” was successfully  held virtually on Wednesday November 18, 2020.  Mrs. Joanne Deoraj Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Ms. Randi Davis Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten also brought greetings.

The overall goal of this US$5.152 Mn four year project  is to create a sustained market change towards the adoption of low-carbon Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technologies in Trinidad and Tobago, which will deliver multiple benefits at the local, regional and global levels. It will also assist this country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in particular those related to climate change, and ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.  Additionally, it will aid this country in keeping its international commitments under the Montreal Protocol and United Nations Framework Convention to Combat Climate Change (UNFCCC). This will be achieved through the integration of energy efficient Refrigeration and Air Conditioning technologies that would reduce the use of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) refrigerants. 

The National priorities under this project are to:

(a)     Promote a resilient whole-of-government approach to disaster risk management and strengthen capacities to reduce risk and build community resilience to disasters especially within vulnerable groups;

(b)     Promote energy efficiency and the efficient use of resources for increasing energy security through alternative energy technologies, renewable energy and encouraging private sector investment in areas such as low carbon technologies; and

(c)     Develop climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard those most affected.

The project has been organized into the following components:

·         Strengthening the national policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks for Energy Efficiency (EE) gains for RAC technologies

·         Enhancing the investment path along the RAC market chain

·         Implementation of an investment portfolio on replacement of energy intensive technologies; and

·         Development of an information strategy to share knowledge gained, lessons learned and best practices developed.

The project, led by the National Ozone Unit - Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Planning and Development, will utilize a public-private partnership approach engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, including but not limited to, Government Ministries, Public Agencies, Academia and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that will be a fundamental partner for the overall implementation.

It is expected that the project will provide global environmental benefits in terms of direct emission carbon dioxide equivalent (tO2eq) savings of at least 644,396 tCO2eq over the 4 year period.

Stakeholder Meeting for HFC and HC Importers on Regulatory Updates

 

Trinidad and Tobago is signatory to the Montreal Protocol and as such regulatory controls for the import and export of ozone depleting gases are required by the country. This is currently effected through the Import and Export Negative Lists which require a license for the import and export of all refrigerant and related equipment.

 In an effort to ensure the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector is fully informed of all requirements, the National Ozone Unit held a Virtual Stakeholder Meeting to discuss the updated requirements for the import and export of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant for Trinidad and Tobago on November 9, 2020. The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards and the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate were also present at the Meeting. A Meeting on this subject matter was also held on November 6, 2020 with the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association.

 The following was noted 

• The Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate (PTCI) ensure that all pesticides used within Trinidad and Tobago meet international standards and also ensure that the premises where these items are used and stored meet the established regulations.  Also, workers and the environment are monitored to ensure that any exposure is within established international limits.  The PTCI operates as a unit under the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division.
• The legal framework for the operations of the Inspectorate is the "Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Act, No. 42 of 1979" (Amended - Act No. 11 of 1986 and No. 2 of 2004) and its Regulations, known as the "Pesticides (Registration and Import Licensing) Regulation of 1987". HFC and HC fall under the purview of Schedule 1 of this Law.
• This Law has long been in existence and will now be implemented to assist country to meet obligations under Kigali Amendment.
• This will be an additional level of surveillance that has already been in existence. However due to Kigali Amendment, stricter enforcement will take place as January 1st, 2021. 
• From Jan 1 2021- All importers for HFC and HC will now also
  require a chemical license from PTCI for import
• This will be required by the Ministry of Trade and Industry Licensing Unit when applying for import and export license
• For certain quantities a Premise License may also be required. (PTCI will be reviewing all imports to determine marketable quantity and advise stakeholders
• The addition of PTCI does not affect existing protocols and requirements needed for Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards to process import applications. The TTBS will still be responsible for monitoring of all refrigerant, which still requires an importation license. The PTCI adds an additional level of surveillance with respect to HFCs and Hydrocarbons.
• TTBS standards, regulatory and inspection role remains the same

Brochure on Ozone Layer Depletion and Skin Cancer

 

The Ozone Layer and Skin Cancer Webinar - NOUTT and the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society

The National Ozone Unit together with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society hosted a Webinar highlighting the Ozone Layer and Skin Cancer.

The Ozone Layer (2-3 mm thick) in the stratosphere (50 km from earth’s surface) absorbs a large part of the Sun’s biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation. Stratospheric ozone is considered “good” ozone because of this beneficial role. In contrast, ozone formed at Earth’s surface in excess of natural amounts is considered “bad” ozone because it is harmful to humans, plants, and animals.

Stratospheric ozone is considered good for humans and other life forms because it absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun (. If not absorbed, high energy UV radiation would reach Earth’s surface in amounts that are harmful to a variety of life forms.

The Sun emits three types of UV radiation: UV-C; UV-B, and UV-A.

Exposure to UV-C radiation is particularly dangerous to all life forms.

Fortunately, UV-C radiation is entirely absorbed within the ozone layer.

Most UV-B radiation emitted by the Sun is absorbed by the ozone layer; the rest reaches Earth’s surface. In humans, increased exposure to UV-B radiation raises the risks of skin cancer and cataracts, and suppresses the immune system. Exposure to UV-B radiation before adulthood and cumulative exposure are both important health risk factors. Excessive UV-B exposure also can damage terrestrial plant life, including agricultural crops, single-celled organisms, and aquatic ecosystems.

 Low energy UV radiation, UV-A, which is not absorbed significantly by the ozone layer, causes premature aging of the skin.

Protecting stratospheric ozone. In the mid-1970s, it was discovered that gases containing chlorine and bromine atoms released by human activities could cause stratospheric ozone depletion. These gases, referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Ozone depletion increases surface UV-B radiation above naturally occurring amounts. International efforts have been successful in protecting the ozone layer through controls on the production and consumption of ODSs . (https://ozone.unep.org/20-questions-and-answers)

Some more useful information links are presented below:

http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/information/mmcfiles/7738-e-TheMontrealProtocolandHumanHealth.pdf

WHO Skin Cancer Prevention Links

https://www.metoffice.gov.tt/uv/

https://www.who.int/uv/publications/globalindex/en/

Our Professionally Certified RAC Technicians List grows

 Congratulations to the first candidate to take our virtual examination!!!!

Technical Training Workshop: Advanced Technologies for Commercial Food Retail

The Cold Chain Innovation Hub (Phillipines) will be hosting  a Workshop to discuss Co2 and R290 Systems on October 7 2020  2:00 pm Philippines time (TT time 2:00 am on October 7). For those interested click the link below to register.

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg30.jsp&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2F&eventid=2627752&sessionid=1&key=D130BAFD37719D95A46D2B50BFBF4834&regTag=&sourcepage=register

Virtual Service World Expo

SERVICE WORLD EXPO 2020 VIRTUAL

Designed For HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, & Remodeling Residential Service Contractors

Visit the virtual booths of vendors in the residential contracting space.  You will also find cutting edge products and services that will help you innovate, automate, and compete in your market and beyond. 

https://serviceworldexpo.com

National Ozone Unit Workbooks for Kids for World Ozone Day 2020

In honour of World Ozone Day 2020 please see below some links for useful workbooks explaining ozone depletion, its effects and how we can protect the ozone layer.

Secondary School Workbook Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M5N53_SJ-NaWN9mSchOj33t1AnubFgUk/view?usp=sharing

Primary Schools Link to Workbook

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18kAY4iPeIsEQbbmGOI86rY_8frLliwnh/view?usp=sharing

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres' message for the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

                              

MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE OZONE LAYER

16 September 2020

 

There are few global agreements as successful as the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Today, on World Ozone Day, we celebrate 35 years of this convention, which was the first step in fixing the hole in the planet's ozone layer.

 

Gases used in aerosols and cooling appliances were causing this hole. Under the convention's Montreal Protocol, governments, scientists and industry cooperated and have so far replaced 99 per cent of these gases. The ozone layer is now healing, safeguarding human and ecosystem health.

 

But the work of the Montreal Protocol is not over. Through the Protocol's Kigali Amendment, the international community is finding alternatives for coolants that contribute to the growing menace of climate disruption. If fully implemented, the Kigali Amendment can prevent 0.4 degrees Celsius of global warming. I congratulate the 100 Parties that have been leading by example.

 

As we look ahead to global recovery from the social and economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we must commit to building stronger and more resilient societies. It is imperative that we put our efforts and investments into tackling climate change and protecting nature and the ecosystems that sustain us.

 

The ozone treaties stand out as inspiring examples that show that, where political will prevails, there is little limit to what we can achieve in common cause. Let us take encouragement from how we have worked together to preserve the ozone layer and apply the same will to healing the planet and forging a brighter and more equitable future for all humanity.

The National Ozone Unit Celebrates World Ozone Day 2020

 

World Ozone Day 2020 Facts

 

 

Did You Know........ 35 years ago, scientists discovered that manmade chemicals had caused a massive hole to form in the ozone layer, threatening life as we know it. The world acted as one and adopted the Vienna Convention that led to the Montreal Protocol to ban ozone depleting substances. Today the ozone layer is healing and expected to return to pre-1980s levels by 2060.

 

See how you can help: https://ozone.unep.org/what-you-can-do

 

Celebrating World Ozone Day 2020

 

 

On this World Ozone Day we remember that thanks to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol the ozone hole is expected to gradually close, with ozone returning to pre-1980 values by the 2060s.

 

See how you can help: https://ozone.unep.org/what-you-can-do

 

Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection

This year, we celebrate 35 years of the Vienna Convention and 35 years of global ozone layer protection. Life on Earth would not be possible without sunlight. But the energy emanating from the sun would be too much for life on Earth to thrive were it not for the ozone layer. This stratospheric layer shields Earth from most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight makes life possible, but the ozone layer makes life as we know it possible.

So, when scientists working in the late 1970s discovered that humanity was creating a hole in this protective shield, they raised the alarm. The hole – caused by ozone-depleting gases (ODSs) used in aerosols and cooling, such as refrigerators and air-conditioners – was threatening to increase cases of skin cancer and cataracts, and damage plants, crops, and ecosystems.

The global response was decisive. In 1985, the world’s governments adopted the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Under the Convention’s Montreal Protocol, governments, scientists and industry worked together to cut out 99 per cent of all ozone-depleting substances. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is healing and expected to return to pre-1980 values by mid-century. In support of the Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, which came into force in 2019, will work towards reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs), greenhouse gases with powerful climate warming potential and damaging to the environment.

World Ozone Day, held on September 16, celebrates this achievement. It shows that collective decisions and action, guided by science, are the only way to solve major global crises. In this year of the coronavirus pandemic that has brought such social and economic hardship, the ozone treaties’ message of working together in harmony and for the collective good is more important than ever. The slogan of the day, ‘Ozone for life’, reminds us that not only is ozone crucial for life on Earth, but that we must continue to protect the ozone layer for future generations

https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-day/ozone-life-35-years-ozone-layer-protection

World Ozone Day 2020 Virtual Road Show on Green Cooling

 

Sustainable Cold Chains: Protection for a healthy life (GIZ Video)

Most medicines, especially vaccines, have to be kept cool during transport, storage and the inoculation, or they can become ineffective. Essential parts of sustainable cold chains are natural refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer or the climate. Learn more in this GIZ Video.

Sustainable Cold Chains: Protection for a healthy life 

Nature to Table - A Food Story (GIZ Video)

Ever thought about how fresh food gets to your plate from its source in nature? It has to stay cool, or it will perish. Essential parts of sustainable cold chains are natural refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer or the climate. See a Video by GIZ in the link below.

Nature to Table - A Food Story 

The Natural Refrigerant Virtual Trade Show

 Some useful links from the Virtual Trade Show

https://cooltechnologies.org/

https://www.green-cooling-initiative.org/

https://www.airah.org.au/FRSG

https://www.airah.org.au/DA_Manuals

https://cci-hub.org/

https://www.dti.dk/labs/refrigeration-laboratory/34975

ATMOsphere is launching the world’s first Natural Refrigerant Virtual Trade Show

The Clean Cooling community is “gathering" on September 1-2 for the world’s first virtual trade show for natural refrigerants. You are hereby invited to join — and it’s FREE to attend!

The event is global in scope, drawing attendees from all over the world. More than 75 exhibitors have already signed up.

The world’s foremost HVAC&R technology providers will be there to present their latest innovations within environmentally friendly cooling and heating solutions.

There will also be webinars to present the latest knowledge and trends, and a virtual networking lounge. You can read more here https://atmo-marketplace.com/

If you would like to join, you can register here https://www.ubivent.com/register/ATMOmarket-virtual-trade-show-free-registration

Webinar Announcement - RH and the Spread of Covid

 

Ongoing Refrigerant Recovery Unit Distribution

The National Ozone Unit continues to assist technicians in the RAC Sector through the distribution of recovery units to assist in good refrigeration practices despite the ongoing global pandemic challenges.

Discussion on Possible Development of an Ozone App

The National Ozone Unit is exploring the development of an APP to assist in information sharing and building the knowledge and skill base of RAC technicians.

A virtual meeting was held with some key stakeholders to discuss the potential scope and target audience of the APP.  Further engagements will be held with other stakeholders to get as wide a viewpoint as possible as this initiative is explored.

OEWG 42

From 14 to 16 July 2020, parties and other stakeholders to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer convened to discuss the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol for the triennium 2021–2023. The discussion focused on the report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) Replenishment Task Force. The sessions of the forty-second Open-ended Working Group took place online over three days and three different time zones to accommodate all parties. More than 125 parties participated in the meeting, while the number of party delegates was over 250. More than 150 observers from science, industry and NGOs also participated.

Trinidad and Tobago was represented at this Meeting by Dr. Marissa Gowrie National Ozone Officer and Mr. Jonathan Bolai, Ozone Specialist.

World Refrigeration Day Webinar on HVAC technologies in the fight against COVID-19

The National Ozone Unit Environmental Policy and Planning Division held a Webinar on HVAC technologies in the fight against COVID-19 on Friday June 26 , 2020 at 2 pm (AST) in commemoration of World Refrigeration Day 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global industry and commerce to a standstill, where building owners and operators are looking for guidance on real solutions for reopening and re-population. With infectious diseases transmitted through aerosols, air conditioning (HVAC) systems can have a major effect on virus transmission. Decreasing the risk of exposure is an important step in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Based on the science behind the airborne transmission of COVID-19, this presentation will discuss the mitigation technologies available with HVAC systems.

https://undp.zoom.us/rec/share/wpNTAb6q8G1JE5XV0kPUV4IEQ6LZX6a81yAe_vZbmkqps6-1PqzELILxdL6r_-v4

Password: 4E$$6G$B

World Refrigeration Day June 26

Today we recognize the “coolest day” of the year, World Refrigeration Day. Trinidad and Tobago joins other individuals, organizations and companies worldwide in raising awareness and understanding of the critical aspect of refrigeration, air-conditioning industry and its technology in sustaining our society. 

The theme chosen for this year’s World Refrigeration Day celebrates the importance of the food cold chain in sustaining life. 

The science, engineering, and application of cooling touches all our lives in many ways. It makes our tropical climate habitable, provides for thermal storage and delivery of consumables, enables us a productive work environment and learning spaces, and supports the manufacture of products and the operation of data centers in controlled environments.The cold chain links producers and growers across Trinidad and Tobago as well as the globe to the domestic refrigerator in our kitchens. 

Another key sector is the medical sector where vaccines for example must remain chilled until they are used by medical professionals around the world, and the cold chain is essential for blood transfusions and organ donor transport and storage. This is particularly crucial given the current global COVID 19 pandemic.

Ozone and Biodiversity - Celebrating World Environment Day 2020

Healthy ecosystems comprise of interdependent webs of living organisms and their physical environment, are all vital to the biodiversity of the Earth. Throughout Earth’s history, healthy ecosystems have usually been resilient enough to adapt to gradual environmental changes. Biodiversity, the variation of life on Earth, is a major factor in its resilience. It is often the most overlooked species that are the most important to sustaining the biodiversity of Earth. A damaged or depleted ozone layer allows more Ultra Violet Radiation (UV Rays) to reach the surface of the earth. This affects many fundamentally important ecological processes that underpin biodiversity.

References

https://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/ozone/UNEP/chap4.html#cons

https://populationmatters.org/the-facts/biodiversity?gclid=CjwKCAjwt-L2BRA_EiwAacX32TXJnPwtQp0URF4Hdr2uRYqovXuBISLMsPC6IHqLk4TT347_AQom-hoCqdkQAvD_BwE

https://serc.si.edu/research/laboratories/photobiology-and-solar-radiation/uv-effects-ecosystems

Virtual Training of officers of the Trade Licensing Unit - Ministry of Trade and Industry

The National Ozone Unit is continuing building the institutional capacity of our border control agencies despite the current Covid 19 challenges. A virtual training of officers of the Trade Licensing Unit was conducted successfully on May 26th 2020. Thank you to all who took part.

ASHRAE Offers COVID-19 Building Readiness/Reopening Guidance

The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on mitigating potential health risks during reopening of buildings closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the link below:

https://www.ashrae.org/about/news/2020/ashrae-offers-covid-19-building-readiness-reopening-guidance

ARIA Recommendations on dealing with Covid-19 in Air-Conditioned Spaces