Development of a National Cooling Plan for Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago signed the Kigali Amendment in November 2017 which expanded the scope of refrigerant to be phased out by this country to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which is harmful to the climate.

Several initiatives have been encouraged under the Kigali Amendment, one being for countries to develop National Cooling Plans (NCP) or cooling road maps. Developing an NCP can offer major benefits for countries, including:

• Delivering cost savings through enhanced energy efficiency for businesses and consumers;

• Reducing emissions which cause to climate change, while creating a stronger, more sustainable energy

system and cleaner air;

• Reducing food waste, improving health, and increasing productivity through improved access to cooling.

Against this background, the National Ozone Unit has spearheaded the development of an NCP using a multisectoral stakeholder approach, bringing together several key stakeholders in the cooling industry, energy efficiency, and alternative refrigerants as well as research entities. It provides an holistic outlook on how the cooling demand in Trinidad and Tobago will evolve and grow, and outline strategies and actions that promote sustainable and smart cooling practices across the nation while mitigating adverse environmental impacts both to the ozone layer and the climate. 

Consultations have begun in both Trinidad, and Tobago, to ensure the document reflects the concerns and ideas of those involved in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector.