35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP35)

In the collegial spirit that the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is known for, delegates at the thirty-fifth Meeting of the Parties (MOP 35) committed firmly to address threats to both the ozone layer and the global climate, designating a significant portion of funding to bring down global temperatures. In an historic decision, parties adopted the largest ever replenishment of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the implementation of the Protocol. The replenishment, just shy of USD 1 billion, will assist developing countries in implementing their obligations under the Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, with a strong focus on shifting away from harmful greenhouses gases and substances with high global warming potential (GWP).

Delegates worked intensely throughout the week on a very heavy agenda. While they made progress on almost every item before them, despite best efforts, they were unable to agree on a decision to address quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) uses of methyl bromide for which alternatives exist. They also agreed to defer discussion on a potential roadmap to end illegal trade in controlled substances to the next meeting of the Montreal Protocol’s Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG).

Since 2023 is a replenishment year, delegates engaged in focused discussions on the MLF replenishment in closed-door negotiations throughout the week. In the final hours of the meeting, the delicate compromise reached by the contact group on the replenishment was shaken slightly when some delegations questioned the binding nature of contributions to the MLF. But, in a spirit of compromise, parties were able to take the historic decision to support developing countries in their efforts to transition away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Parties also adopted a host of decisions on substantive matters, including:

• stratospheric aerosol injection;
• addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HFC baseline consumption for certain parties;
• energy efficiency;
• very short-lived substances;
• feedstock uses of methyl bromide;
• potential areas of focus for the 2026 quadrennial reports of the Protocol’s Assessment Panels;
• the import and export of prohibited cooling equipment, to address the long-standing issue of dumping; and
• further strengthening Protocol institutions, including for combating illegal trade.

They also took decisions on the composition of the Protocol’s Assessment Panels, as well as electing new members to the governing bodies by acclamation, avoiding a vote.

MOP 35 convened from 23-27 October 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, with parties convening at the seat of the Secretariat for the first time in 20 years. Over 600 participants attended the meeting, which was preceded by a workshop on energy efficiency on 22 October 2023.

Trinidad and Tobago was represented at this Meeting by Mr. Jonathan Bolai, Ozone Specialist at the Ministry of Planning and Development. Mr. Bolai also presented at a side event on national experiences with introducing district cooling and energy efficiency in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.

Summary report 22–27 October 2023 (iisd.org)

Approval of a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector – General Requirements Standard for Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS 663:2023)

A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector – General Requirements Standard for Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS 663:2023) has been developed in collaboration with stakeholders and approved through the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. As stated in the Standard, "it was developed with the overall objective of improving the general quality in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector in Trinidad and Tobago and to support all organizations, agencies and individuals responsible for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems by providing minimum requirements for their operations.

The Standard is intended to support the national implementation of the Montreal Protocol. It will support the smooth transition from ozone depleting substances to ozone and climate friendly alternatives in refrigeration technology by allowing existing refrigeration systems to run until the end of their useful life, thereby avoiding premature replacement. It defines minimum requirements for installation, maintenance and decommission of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Also, the standard serves as a resource document in technicians’ training and the development of training materials. It will also assist with communication between relevant stakeholders, including service companies from the informal sector.

The standard also assists in:

-          protecting the consumer or user against danger to health or safety;

-          ensuring public or industrial health, welfare or safety; and

-          protecting the environment.

This standard is intended for use by a wide range of stakeholders including:

-          manufacturers -  in the production process;

-          importers and distributors -  in the procurement process;

-          regulatory agencies - in developing an appropriate regulatory framework for the air conditioning and refrigeration sector;

-          public or private sector agencies - in specifying refrigeration and air conditioning systems equipment and services as part of their procurement process;

-          training institutions – to assist in providing technical training for the air conditioning and refrigeration sector;

-          air conditioning and refrigeration technicians and industry associations – to improve the delivery of technical services; and

-          consumers - in verifying that refrigeration and air conditioning systems equipment meets minimum safety and performance requirements thus ensuring value for money."

TTS 663:2023- REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SECTOR – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS | TTBS (gottbs.com)

Sensitization at Mucurapo High School

The National Ozone Unit joined the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) at  an awareness session on Ozone Layer Protection and careers in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Students were provided with a talk as well as brochures and other practical demonstrations.