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.

 

  

The Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-Out

Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and the Montreal Protocol for the Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in 1989. Our country was the first of the Caribbean Commonwealth to become a party to this Multilateral Environmental Agreement and has since ratified  all amendments to the Protocol.

Subsequent to the accession, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) was established in August 1997 within the Environmental Policy and Planning Division. This unit ensures that the country meets the obligations under the Protocol.  The efforts of the Unit over the years have resulted in the phase out of:

i. All ozone depleting substances (ODS) used in the fire protection sector (halons)

ii.Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in the foam and aerosol sectors 

iii.The imports of all CFCs as of December 31, 2007.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) was one of the chemicals used as a transient replacement for CFCs because the potential level of damage to the ozone layer was less than that caused by CFC use. However, given the increase in usage of HCFC on the global market and the consequent threat to the ozone layer, a landmark decision was made at the 20th Anniversary Meeting of the Montreal Protocol to accelerate the phase out of HCFCs.

Under this accelerated phase out schedule, the following was revised:

The phase out of HCFCs in Trinidad and Tobago began on January 1, 2013. Even though we do not produce any ozone depleting substances, our consumption is based on our imports. As a result, these chemicals are listed on the country's import negative list and require and import license from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment.