Train the Trainer Session on District Cooling

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Trinidad and Tobago faces unique challenges in energy management and climate change mitigation. Rising temperatures and increased energy demands pose significant challenges to our sustainable development. Introducing district cooling systems with the concept of Cooling as a Service (CaaS) marks a transformative step toward improving energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector.

District cooling, an advanced energy solution, offers a viable alternative to traditional cooling methods by using a centralized system to cool multiple buildings. This approach addresses growing energy demands and significantly reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and operating costs while decreasing reliance on ozone-depleting substances.

A training manual has been produced by the GEF-funded project, being implemented by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago: “Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-Carbon RAC Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago,'’ facilitated by Carbon Trust. This manual is a crucial resource for trainers and technicians. Its primary aim is to bolster local capacity in the design, installation, and maintenance of district cooling systems, equipping the readers with the requisite skills to implement and sustain these systems effectively.

The initiative aligns with our national goals to improve energy efficiency, reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions, and meet international climate commitments under the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol. The skills and knowledge gained through this manual will play a key role in Trinidad and Tobago's efforts to meet its international obligations to climate change mitigation and ozone layer protection.

The virtual train the trainers session brought together several RAC training schools to improve their capacity to roll out the district cooling skills and knowledge throughout the RAC sector.

RAC Forum for Stakeholders

The National Ozone Unit hosted a “Stakeholder Forum for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector (RAC)”, where the sector was brought up to speed on refrigerant updates, review of import and export controls and updates of policy and legislative controls.

The forum also included an introduction to the digital cooling project and its key components, followed by a Q&A session where attendees were encouraged to share thoughts and ask questions.

Training session on "Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Energy Labelling Requirements in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) Sector."

The NOU hosted a three-day intensive training session on "Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Energy Labelling Requirements in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) Sector." This initiative is part of the GEF-6 Project on Energy Efficiency through Low-Carbon Technologies in the RAC Sector, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Planning and Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Mr. Necmettin Tokur, a renowned international consultant with extensive expertise in MEPS, lead the training. The comprehensive program covered the following key areas:

• Day 1:
  • 1. Introduction to MEPS and Energy Labelling Requirements
  • 2. Benefits for manufacturers, consumers, and dealers
  • 3. Obligations of the supply chain under MEPS and Energy Labelling Standards
• Day 2:
  • 1. Enforcement of MEPS and Energy Labelling Requirements - Market Surveillance
  • 2. Import Controls and coordination between the Customs Administration and Market Surveillance Authorities
• Day 3:
• 1. MV&E (Monitoring, Verification & Enforcement) Strategy
• 2. Practical aspects of enforcement, including shop visits and online inspections

Sensitization on Montreal Protocol at the University of the West Indies

The National Ozone Unit was delighted to take part in an expo conducted at the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at the University of the West Indies. Information was shared on ozone depleting substances, mechanisms to protect the ozone layer and the sustainable cold chain.

Training of Border Control Officers

The National Ozone Unit continued its sensitization of border control officers with a training of officials at the Customs and Excise Division on the Montreal Protocol and aspects related to trade of these substances and prevention of illegal shipments.

Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards celebrates 50 years

 

TTBS marked the occasion recognizing its valued partners. Dr. Marissa Gowrie, Deputy Environmental Manager/National Ozone Officer accepts a token from the Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry.

Painting of Wall Mureal at Schools for World Ozone Day

In commemoration of World Ozone Day 2024 the National Ozone Unit engaged with two schools to showcase the ozone layer. School talks were given and the beautiful murals below paints.

Diego Martin Girls RC School

Four Roads Government School

RAC Stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago Join the Globe to Celebrate World Ozone Day 2024

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/C__hWjFx1wy/?igsh=OW9qa2U4OHZ4eTE0

Work of the National Ozone Unit in Celebration of World Ozone Day 2024

 

Message from the National Ozone Unit of Trinidad and Tobago on World Ozone Day 2024

On this World Ozone Day 2024, the National Ozone Unit of Trinidad and Tobago joins the global community in celebrating the progress made in protecting the ozone layer and safeguarding the future of our planet. This year's theme, "*Fixing the Ozone for Future Generations*," reminds us of the critical importance of our collective efforts to heal and protect the ozone layer, a vital shield that protects all life from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Since the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, countries around the world, including Trinidad and Tobago, have made significant strides in phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Today, we are proud to witness the recovery of the ozone layer, thanks to the tireless work of governments, scientists, and communities who remain committed to protecting this invaluable resource. According to the Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2022, if current policies remain in place, the layer is expected to recover to 1980 values by 2040. Over the Antarctic, this recovery is expected by around 2066, and by 2045 over the Arctic. “The impact the Montreal Protocol has had on climate change mitigation cannot be overstressed,” said Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Ozone Secretariat.  “Over the last 35 years, the Protocol has become a true champion for the environment. The assessments and reviews undertaken by the Scientific Assessment Panel remain a vital component of the work of the Protocol that helps inform policy and decision-makers.”

However, our work is not yet done. As we phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), we must continue to promote sustainable practices, cleaner technologies, and climate-friendly alternatives. These actions not only protect the ozone layer but also mitigate the impacts of climate change, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

We encourage all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to join us in making environmentally conscious choices, supporting the phase-out of harmful substances, and raising awareness about the importance of ozone layer protection.

Together, let us continue to safeguard the ozone for future generations and ensure a healthy planet for all.

Happy World Ozone Day 2024!

WOD 2024 Awareness at Beach Clean up

Trinidad and Tobago joins the global community in celebrating World Ozone Day 2024. This natural shield known as the ozone layer, protects all life on earth from harmful UV rays. Thanks to global efforts under the Montreal Protocol, man made gases in the atmosphere discovered in the 1980s which were causing a hole in the ozone layer are being addressed. If current policies remain in place, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 values by 2040. Removing these harmful gases is also helping to address climate change as these gases also cause global warming. Trinidad and Tobago became signatory to the Montreal Protocol in 1989 and remains committed to pursuing all necessary action to protect the ozone layer and the climate.

The National Ozone Unit celebrated WOD 2024 through awareness of the importance of the ozone layer and sun protection at a beach clean up held at Chagville beach on Sept 14 2024 ahead of WOD on Sept 16.

Training at Metal Industries Company Limited in Natural Refrigerant

 The National Ozone Unit continued its wok on building the competence in the RAC sector, specifically as it relates to natural refrigerant with a hand on training at the Metal Industries Company Ltd. as well as exposure to the theoretical aspect of manipulating this gas.