Trinidad and Tobago National Ozone Unit : April 2023

Thursday 20 April 2023

Sensitization of Border Control Officers (Customs and Excise Division)

The National Ozone Unit conducted sensitization of the Customs and Excise Division, a key partner in border control implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Officers were informed of updates under the Montreal Protocol, new developments in refrigeration and air conditioning, updates on HS Codes and techniques to avoid illegal trade of substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol.

Thursday 6 April 2023

The Launch of Asa Wright Demonstration Site using Hydrocarbon (R290) AC Units

The HADCO Experiences at the Asa Wright Nature Center has been officially opened. The green aspect of the operations of this facility was enhanced by the installation of ultra-low carbon and energy efficient air conditioning units using new climate and ozone friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant known as R290. This was made possible through a demonstration project under the largest ever grant funded national project by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) entitled “Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-carbon RAC Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago”. The overall goal of this project is to create a sustained market change towards the adoption of low-carbon Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technologies in Trinidad and Tobago.

This project is being implemented by the Ministry of Planning and Development, through the United Nations Development Programme, as part of the national implementation of the Montreal Protocol to which this country became signatory in 1989. The Protocol aims at protecting the earth’s natural ultraviolet (UV) shield which is damaged by some chemicals used in air conditioning and refrigeration. These chemicals have also been found to contribute to the climate change and global warming.

The Honourable Minister of Planning and Development, the Honourable Penelope Beckles noted that projects like these showcase the innovative ways in which the public and private sector can work in tandem to assist this country in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, in particular those related to climate change and ensuring access to affordable, reliable and energy efficient cooling. The Honourable took the opportunity to commend the HADCO Group, UNDP TT, The National Ozone Unit, the Board of the Asa Wright Centre and all stakeholders involved in making this noteworthy initiative come to fruition.