Participation at Open ended Working Group (OEWG48) and Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties (ExMOP6)

Trinidad and Tobago actively participated in the Open ended Working Group (OEWG) meeting and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties (ExMOP6) of the Montreal Protocol, contributing to international discussions on the protection of the ozone layer and the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment. The country, represented by Mr. Jonathan Bolai, Ozone Specialist, engaged in technical and policy deliberations on issues related to compliance, financial assistance, energy efficiency, and the adoption of environmentally sustainable alternatives to ozone-depleting substances.

Hydrocarbon Training in Tobago

 The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Trinidad and Tobago conducted Hydrocarbon (HC) Refrigerant Training in Tobago to strengthen the capacity of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians in the safe use of environmentally friendly refrigerants.  The programme also emphasized compliance with national and international safety standards, the use of appropriate tools and equipment, and best practices for minimizing environmental impacts. By equipping technicians with the skills required to work with low global warming potential refrigerants, the National Ozone Unit continues to support Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to the Montreal Protocol and the transition to sustainable, climate friendly cooling technologies.

World Refrigeration Day 2026 Beach Clean Up

Another part of the 2026 World Refrigeration Day celebrations, was a beach clean-up activity organized to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement. Participants worked together to remove litter and marine debris, helping to protect coastal ecosystems while raising awareness of the importance of preserving the natural environment. The initiative highlighted the connection between sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and the refrigeration and air conditioning sector's commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.

Energy Efficiency and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Technology in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) training in Tobago

 The National Ozone Unit and ARIA delivered an Energy Efficiency and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Technology in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) training in Tobago on June 27 for technicians. This training was facilitated by the GEF Project promoting Energy Efficiency in RAC.

Training on Digital Tools in Cooling

The National Ozone Unit continued its training on digital tools in RAC focused on improving staff skills in using modern technologies to enhance productivity, communication, and service delivery. Participants received hands-on instruction in digital platforms, data management, online collaboration tools, and basic cybersecurity practices. The training helped employees build confidence in using digital systems efficiently, supporting smoother daily operations and contributing to the organization's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

Sessions were held in north (2)  and south (2)  Trinidad and in Tobago (1) between in period June 11- June 26.

Training at the National Energy Skills Center (NESC) in Tobago

To commemorate World Refrigeration Day, a training session for RAC technicians was conducted at the National Energy Skills Center (NESC) in Tobago. The programme focused on strengthening technicians' knowledge and practical skills in the safe handling of refrigerants, energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning practices, and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. The training reinforced the importance of professional development and the role of skilled technicians in supporting sustainable cooling solutions and protecting the environment.

Ozone Awareness and Wall Murals

 Ozone awareness activities were conducted in schools to educate students about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and adopting environmentally responsible practices. Interactive presentations and discussions encouraged students to understand the impacts of ozone depletion and climate-friendly actions. As part of the initiative, a wall mural was painted to creatively showcase messages about ozone protection, environmental stewardship, and sustainability, serving as a lasting visual reminder for the school and wider community.

Training of the Plant Quarantine Unit

The National Ozone Unit conducted its training of Border Control Officers with a training of the Plant Quarantine Unit in border control of substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol such as but not limited to Methyl Bromide and its alternatives. The NOU will continue this training with order Border Control agencies with the aim of securing the borders against illegal trade of ODS as well as monitoring all imports and exports so as to meet national obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

Training at Trade Licensing Unit

The National Ozone Unit conducted its training of Border Control Officers with a training of the Trade Licensing Unit, Ministry Trade Industry and Investment in border control of substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol such as but not limited to refrigerant R 22, and R 134a and equipment using these chemicals. Updates were given on implementation of the Kigali Amendment and the upcoming target of the 97.5% reduction from baseline under the HCFC Phase out. The NOU will continue this training with order Border Control agencies with the aim of securing the borders against illegal trade of ODS as well as monitoring all imports and exports so as to meet national obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

Energy Efficiency and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Technology Training

The National Ozone Unit and ARIA delivered an Energy Efficiency and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Technology in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) training at the Metal Industries Ltd on May 23 for technicians. This training was facilitated by the GEF Project promoting Energy Efficiency in RAC.

Global Environment Facility (GEF) National Forum

Trinidad and Tobago is the recipient of financial and capacity building support for various projects from the GEF. The GEF empowers countries in the ownership of the project portfolios and provides project oversight via the hosting of a National Forum. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development hosted a Global Environment Facility (GEF) National Forum on 20 May 2026 at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. 

The National Ozone Unit was happy to present on the GEF Funded project ' Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector in Trinidad and Tobago' which began in 2020 and is being completed this year. The objectives, activities and outcomes of the projects was explained as well as the benefits from implementation.

Customs Officers Training

The National Ozone Unit conducted sensitization of customs officer sharing pertaining information on topics relating to border control for substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol. Issues covered included the Montreal Protocol and ozone depletion, the national policy and regulatory framework for the Kigali Amendment, HS Codes relating the substances under the Montreal Protocol, the Ozone Depleting Substances License and Quota system, illegal trade and use of the refrigerant identifier.

Training for Female RAC Technicians on Digital Cooling

The Digital Tools in Cooling Project in Trinidad and Tobago, funded by the Government of Luxembourg and implemented through a partnership between the Government of the Republic  of Trinidad and Tobago and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to promote smarter, more energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions within the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector. The project focuses on the use of digital and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to monitor and improve the performance of cooling systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen energy efficiency, and support Trinidad and Tobago’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement.  A key component of the project is the delivery of training for female RAC technicians which took place on May 12 , equipping them with skills in digital cooling technologies, data analysis, remote diagnostics, and energy-efficient system management to foster greater inclusion and participation of women in the RAC industry. 

Energy Efficiency in RAC Technicians Training (Inverter Technology)

The National Ozone Unit and ARIA delivered an Inverter technology in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC)  training for energy efficiency at the Metal Industries Ltd on May 09 for technicians. This training was facilitated by the GEF Project promoting Energy Efficiency in RAC.