Distribution of Hydrocarbon Training Units

The NOU through the Global Environmental Facility Project - Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Sector distributed Hydrocarbon Training  Units to RAC Training Institutions.

Webinar on Good Refrigeration Practices

The NOU hosted yet another virtual Webinar on Hydrocarbon Refrigerant and Good Refrigeration Practices. Thanks to all that attended.

Webinar on CO2 technologies in RAC Sector and Good Principles

The NOU hosted a virtual training session on CO2 technologies in RAC Sector and Good Principles

National Activities for World Ozone Day 2022

The National Ozone Unit recognized World Ozone Day 2022 with a Refresher Training for Trainers in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a Public Awareness Display as well as a Webinar on Sustainable Financing for Energy Efficiency 

Global Cooperation Protecting Life on Earth- World Ozone Day 2022

Montreal Protocol@35: global cooperation protecting life on earth

In a human lifetime, the mid-thirties can be a time of reflection: to think about what we have achieved and look ahead to what more we can accomplish. It is no different for the Montreal Protocol to Protect the Ozone Layer, the most successful environmental treaty to date.

As the treaty turns 35 on World Ozone Day, we will remember how the Montreal Protocol ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity as a whole: the depletion of the ozone layer. When the world found out that ozone-depleting gases used in aerosols and cooling were creating a hole in the sky, they came together. They showed that multilateralism and effective global cooperation worked and they phased out these gases. Now the ozone layer is healing, allowing it once again to shield humanity from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

This action has protected millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts over the years since. It allowed vital ecosystems to survive and thrive. It safeguarded life on Earth. And it slowed climate change: if ozone-depleting chemicals had not been banned, we would be looking at a global temperature rise of an additional 2.5°C by the end of this century. This would have been a catastrophe.

In the year of Stockholm+50, marking five decades since the landmark conference that kick-started today’s environmental global movement, the Montreal Protocol has much more to give. Under the Kigali Amendment, nations have committed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons – a move that could avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century. The Protocol and its Amendment are helping the world adopt climate friendly and energy-efficient cooling technology.

What does this mean for humanity? As we continue to protect the ozone layer, it will continue to safeguard us and all life on Earth. It also means a cooler planet as more countries ratify the Amendment. It means more people being able to access vital cooling technology without further warming the planet. It also means the Protocol continuing to send a clear and lasting message: global cooperation to protect life on Earth is our best chance at a brighter future for everyone.

https://ozone.unep.org/montreal-protocol-global-cooperation-protecting-life-on-earth

 

World Ozone Day 2022- The Montreal Protocol at Work in Trinidad and Tobago

 

Join us for a Webinar on Sustainable Financing Mechanisms for Energy Efficiency to be held on World Ozone Day 2022

 

Discussion on End of Life Management of Refrigerant and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment

 

Trinidad and Tobago is implementing the largest ever grant funded national project under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) entitled “Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-carbon Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago”. This project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Planning and Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to, amongst other things, assist in the establishment of a structure for ensuring that the equipment being imported into the country in the RAC industry meets international standards from an energy efficiency perspective as well as encourage the move towards low-global warming potential (GWP)) alternative refrigerants. Identified as crucial to the transition, is the need to ensure that the existing refrigerant gases are managed properly during servicing, through good refrigeration practices as well as ensure that they are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

To this end, a consultation was held with key stakeholders to discuss a way forward on this issue .

Consultations on Draft National Quarantine and Pre Shipment Policy

 

Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Montreal Protocol in 1989, and is committed to the obligations under the Protocol which are aimed at the phasing-out of chemicals damaging to the ozone layer. The control of the ozone depleting fumigant methyl bromide for quarantine and pre shipment use, has been achieved nationally since January 1, 2015 through successful and ongoing collaboration between the National Ozone Unit- Ministry of Planning and Development, the Trade Licensing Unit- Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate - Ministry of Health, and the Plant Quarantine Division, Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries. Several pieces of legislation are used to effect the import and export controls of these chemicals, with the Pesticides and Toxic Chemical Act, Chap. 30:03, Legal Notice # 225 of 1987 – The Pesticides (Registration and Import Licensing Regulations) 1987, and the Food and Drugs Regulations specifically employed to control the import and use of methyl bromide.

 The draft National Quarantine and Pre-Shipment Fumigation, which has been endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, has been developed as a key instrument to ensure that this country’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol are maintained. The document aims to ensure that all fumigations conducted in Trinidad and Tobago are done within the scope of International Standards and any relevant national regulation. The Policy outlines the mechanisms to ensure effective treatment of the consignment to meet the specific quarantine requirements related to the import of specific commodity to reduce hazards. Additionally, the policy provides guidance on quarantine treatments and application procedures, prescribed in the Policy are followed whenever any fumigation is performed.

Consultations on the Draft Policy have begun with the aim to finalize the document and submit for approval.