Another activity for World Refrigeration Day was a training session in hydrocarbon refrigerant for RAC technicians in Tobago. The programme focused on strengthening technicians' knowledge and practical skills in the safe handling of natural refrigerants, and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. This was conducted under the Kigali Implementation Plan.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
On Wednesday, April 22, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) proudly supported the talented young students of Mohammed’s Preschool during their innovative "Recycled Materials Fashion Show."
To celebrate Earth Day, 30 preschoolers took to the runway to showcase creative outfits crafted entirely from repurposed items. This initiative served as a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship, transforming everyday waste—such as cardboard, plastic bottles, and old newspapers—into wearable art. By participating in this event, the NOU helped demonstrate to the next generation that "trash" can have a second life, fostering early awareness of sustainability and the importance of protecting our planet.
To assess the potential benefits of climate-friendly cooling, a pilot project was implemented at the True Blue Bay Resort in Grenada, comparing conventional R410A air-conditioning units with highly efficient R290 (propane-based) units. The pilot demonstrates the technical, economic, and climate benefits of transitioning to energy-efficient air-conditioning systems using ultra-low-GWP refrigerants.
Details can be found at the link below:
https://www.green-cooling-initiative.org/news-media/publications/publication-detail/2026/02/06/hotel-pilot-shows-how-r290-cooling-cuts-costs-and-emissions
As countries in the English-speaking Caribbean and Haiti (Caribbean) Region advance toward complete HCFC phase-out and HFC phase down targets, the role of Customs administrations has become increasingly critical. Effective border control, risk profiling, correct application of World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) codes, verification of quota allocations, and inter-agency coordination between Customs authorities and National Ozone Units (NOUs) are central to ensuring compliance with Montreal Protocol obligations.
While some Caribbean Countries have established HFC License and Quota Systems, operational challenges remain. Small market size, high trade dependency, and regional and international trade flows also increase vulnerability to illegal trade in refrigerants and dependent equipment.
Against this background, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction's CAP team for the Caribbean Region convened the 2026 Caribbean Thematic Meeting from 25 to 27 March 2026. The meeting will focus on strengthening Customs enforcement mechanisms to support effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
·
Assist the 13 Governments to
maintain their 35% HCFC reduction target and to achieve total HCFC phase out by
2030 as per the Montreal Protocol phase-out schedule and Assist 1 country to
maintain total HCFC phase out
·
Assist 14 Governments with
attaining their 10% HFC phase down target by 2029 as per the Montreal Protocol
phase out schedule
·
Assist 14 Governments with
enhancing their Montreal Protocol Monitoring, Reporting, Verification and Enforcement
(MRVE) systems
· Support countries with enhancing their import/export controls and illegal trade prevention measures
Expected
Outputs
·
Maintenance of the 35%
HCFC reduction target and progress towards the 10% HFC phase down target
·
Strengthened enforcement
of HFC LQS including measures at entry ports
·
Strengthened MRVE
systems supporting risk identification, enhanced LQS implementation and illegal
trade prevention.
· Enhanced collaboration between Customs and NOUs
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago virtually participated in the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office to the 2026 Caribbean Thematic Meeting to Support Regulatory and Policy Frameworks during the period March 25 to 27, 2026 and was represented at the Meeting by Dr. Marissa Gowrie, Deputy Environmental Manager/National Ozone Officer and Mr. Jonathan Bolai, Ozone Specialist, Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.
