NOU Trade Show on Technolog using alternatives to ODS

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Planning and Development hosted a Trade Show on Technology using Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) Alternatives in the Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning (RAC) Sector on October 13^th and 14^th, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

The Trade Show aimed at sensitising stakeholders both locally, and across the region, on new and emerging technology in the RAC sector. The technology exhibited make use of HCFC-alternatives, mainly Hydrofluorocarbons and Hydrocarbons. Exhibitors included companies with experience using ODS-free RAC equipment; international, regional and local experts including those from Cuba, Brazil, United States of America and Germany; and manufacturers and distributors of new RAC technology.

The NOU also had a booth where participants gained information on ozone layer depletion and about the NOU and its efforts to phase out ODS. Additionally, there were also short presentations and technical information sharing sessions which were approximately thirty (30) minutes each and led by select exhibitors.

This two (2) day Trade Show was well attended by  members of the RAC Sector, technical /vocational and secondary schools and other interested members of the public. Participants gained new and improved technical skills and knowledge on environmentally-friendly RAC technology, in addition, they were provided with a unique opportunity to interact with local and foreign manufacturers, importers and retailers to address any questions or concerns, and to forge new professional relationships. Ultimately, the event was an avenue that supports the efforts of region in making further strides to becoming HCFC-free. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE NOU TRADE SHOW

Stakeholder Engagement on the draft National Guidelines for the RAC Sector

Trinidad and Tobago, via the National Ozone Unit (NOU) within the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) of the Ministry of Planning and Development has made efforts to implement the Montreal Protocol through public awareness, legislation and providing training for the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) sector.

The Unit sought to continue efforts to enhance the RAC sector by holding stakeholder engagement sessions on the National Guidelines for the RAC Sector of Trinidad and Tobago. These guidelines are designed to define standards, good RAC practices, improve safety quality, act as a resource document for training technicians and facilitate the transition from Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to non-ODS refrigeration technology. Its ultimate goal is to enable the reduction and elimination of ODS consumption in Trinidad and Tobago.

There were three (3) sessions held in both Trinidad and in Tobago:

• Magdalena Grand Hotel, Lowlands, Tobago -  August 6, 2015 
• Arthur Lok Jack GSB, Mount Hope, Trinidad -  August 11, 2015 
• Cara Suites, Claxton Bay, Trinidad -  August 13, 2015

The stakeholder engagement sessions were intended to solicit feedback from persons within the Sector on the draft Guidelines. The document has been amended incorporating comments received from these sessions and is currently awaiting approval.

 

Participants at the South Stakeholder Engagement Session

NOU Public Awareness Activities and Training

School Programmes:

 Ms. Krysten Harris of the NOU (back row),  Ministry of the  Environment

 and Water  Resources with students of  Lambeau A.C  Primary 

School after a sensitization  session.

With the aim of increasing public awareness, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) began conducting sensitization programmes in schools across the country during the month of November. Students were educated on the Montreal Protocol, the Ozone Layer and its depletion, and current initiatives being undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The NOU has presented to classes ranging from lower primary school to Form Six and plans to continue doing so in the new 2015 school term. Schools visited include:

• Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain 
• St. Francois Girls’ College 
•  Bishop Centenary College 
•  Lambeau A.C. Primary School 
•  Bon Accord Government Primary

 

Customs Brokers Training:

Dr. Marissa Gowrie, the NOU’s Ozone Officer, 

speaking with participants of the Customs Brokers Training

On 25th November, 2014 the NOU held its first training session for customs brokers at Premier Quality Services Limited, Macoya. This training was done in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the NOU and stakeholders in the trade of ozone depleting substances (ODS), and to increase understanding of the requirements for importation of refrigeration and air conditioning gases.

The workshop was a collaborative effort between the NOU, Trade Licensing Unit, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), Customs and Excise Division and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association. It was well attended by 22 customs brokers from various companies.

Presentations made to the participants included:

• The Montreal Protocol and the science of the Ozone Layer and its depletion by Dr. Marissa Gowrie (NOU)
• HS Tariff Codes for Refrigerants (Customs Quick Tool) by Ms. Neera Singh (NOU) 
• Role of TTBS in monitoring imports and identifying refrigerants by Mr. Urvyn Boochoon (TTBS) 
•  TT Biz Link and ASYCUDA by Ms. Kerry Ann Alexander (Customs Academy).

Mr. Urvyn Boochoon of TTBS having a practical session with customs brokers on the use of refrigerant identifiers

This training session also encompassed the information gained from a regional training workshop held in Grenada in 2013 which focused on “Protecting Caribbean Borders from Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).” The collaborative efforts were well received and the NOU intends to continue further training with custom brokerage firms in 2015.

Caribbean Thematic Workshop on Enabling National Conditions for the Adoption of Standards in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector

The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean  (UNEP ROLAC) hosted the Workshop on Enabling National Conditions for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Sector during the period  October 14 - 16, 2014 in Panama City, Panama.

The Caribbean Region was represented by delegations from Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was represented at this three (3) day Workshop by Mr. Javed Lakhan,  Environmental Policy Analyst, Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Environment and  Water Resources.

The meeting focused on the sharing of experiences among Caribbean countries with respect to the formulation and  adoption of National Standards in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector, in the context of the Montreal Protocol and each country’s Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP). Other important issues discussed included the drafting and adoption of regional standards in the RAC sector as well as which countries would take the lead in formulation of these regional standards.

Overall the workshop was very productive, in that, it laid the foundation for considerable progress to be made in terms of collaboration between Caribbean and Latin American countries in creating, adapting, adopting and implementing proper standards within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector.

 

Establishment of the Montreal Protocol Cabinet Appointed Committee

As of  February, 2014, a Cabinet Appointed Committee was established to guide the  implementation of the Montreal Protocol in Trinidad and Tobago. 

Led by the National Ozone Unit of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of the Environment and Water  Resources, the Committee consists of  representatives from the: 

• Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS)
•  Environmental Management Authority (EMA)
•  Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) 
•  Ministry of Legal Affairs 
•  Ministry of Trade 
•  Trade Licensing Unit, Ministry of Health 
• Chemistry Food and Drugs Division and Plant Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Food Production 
•  Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance and The Economy 
•  Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs and the Tobago House of Assembly 

 

The Committee is charged with the responsibility to guide and provide oversight for the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) in Trinidad and Tobago. The phase out involves the reduction of imports and consumption of these ozone depleting chemicals through a phased approach.  

It is also charged with the responsibility to provide input on the HPMP activities including legislation, standards, public awareness  initiatives and training in new alternatives in the that are both Ozone and Climate  friendly to benefit stakeholders. The  refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the  fumigation sector and the foam manufacturing sector are the primary stakeholders in this phase out.

 

The National Ozone Unit in Action!: Sept.- Nov. 2013

Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Alternatives for Ozone Depleting Substances - Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

 

Trainer Daniel Colborne  addressing participants

The National Ozone Unit hosted a train-the-trainer programme during the period September 26 - October 2, 2013 as part of the phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Participants were trained in using Hydrocarbon Refrigerants as an alternative in domestic and commercial refrigeration and in the air-conditioning industry. The trainees included representatives from the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and from technical schools.  

Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Ozone Officers in Jamaica, September 30 -October 4, 2013

 

Participants of the Caribbean Network during a breakout session to discuss progress of the implementation of the HCFC phase out management plans.

Trinidad and Tobago attended the Joint Network Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Ozone Officers in Jamaica from September 30th to October 4, 2013.  The meeting focused on the phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and the importance of considering climate benefits when choosing alternatives for each application.   

Cancer Awareness EduFest for Primary and Secondary Schools, October 8 - 9, 2013

 

Primary school students listening to the National Ozone Assistant , Ms. Neera Singh  (left) about tips on being sun safe.

 

The Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago hosted an event entitled  “Edufest” for the month of October for  Primary and Secondary Schools at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).  Schools from all across the country attended the event.  Every year the National Ozone Unit participates in the Edufest to educate students on the destruction of the ozone layer through releasing ozone depleting chemicals into the atmosphere and its direct link to increased incidences of skin cancer.  

 

 

Protecting Caribbean Borders from Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS)

 

L-R: Trinidad Participants , Kerry Ann   Alexander, Urvyn Boochoon and Louise Tavarez Jacksonat the workshop

Participants from the Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment) and the Customs Brokers Association participated in a Regional Workshop on combating illegal trade in Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). The three day workshop which occurred from November 27 –29, 2013 focused on identifying illegal trade and measures to curb the practice and gave enforcement personnel hands on training in protecting Caribbean borders.