The National Ozone Unit (NOU) tasked with the implementation and roll out of the National Hydrofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) continued its efforts to support the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector and the public to use alternatives and adopt ozone friendly practices. Over the period January - March, 2016, these activities included:  

•  Technology transfer: The NOU distributed hydrocarbon leak detectors to local air condition and refrigeration technicians. Hydrocarbon has been identified as a viable alternative to the ozone depleting refigerant; HCFCs in the RAC sector. 

•  Regulation of HCFCs: In accordance with the HPMP, quotas were given to eleven (11) local companies to import the R22, R123 refrigerants and their blends. By law, all imports of refrigerant and equipment containing refrigerant require a license from the Trade Licensing Unit of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

• Training: The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP ROLAC) conducted a mission to Trinidad and Tobago. This mission was to facilitate a project which included a training session designed to encourage the use of alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) in this country, and to strengthen the capacity of the fumigation sector to use these alternatives.

• School Awareness Programme: the NOU in an effort to sensitise the public about the ozone layer, its depletion and current initiatives of the NOU as well as how to protect themselves against UV rays, participated in environmental events in schools specifically the Bishop Anstey High School and Trinity East High School's Sustainability Fair and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Primary School's Materials and Energy Conservation Day. In addition, the NOU conducted sensitisation sessions at ASJA Girls and Bishop Anstey High School, Port of Spain.

 

 

NOU Staff engage with students at the Bishop Anstey and Trinity East  Sustainability Fair 

Children of the UWI Primary School thoroughly engrossed in with the presentation by the NOU/EPPD staff.

Ms. Neera Singh,  Ozone Assistant, with students of ASJA Girls after  her presentation on ozone depletion.

For more information on the NOU's activities, visit nou-tt.blogspot.com.

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

1st LBS STAC Meeting

The First Meeting of the Scientific, Technical and Advisory Committee (STAC) to the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources (LBS) and Activities in the Wider Caribbean Region (LBS Protocol) was held from June 5 - 7, 2012 in Oranjestad, Aruba.    

Historically, this was the first technical meeting of national experts following the entry into force of the LBS Protocol in August 2010. This was indeed a key meeting for Trinidad and Tobago as we currently host one of the treaty's Regional Activity Centres (RAC) at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA). Trinidad and Tobago also served as a Vice Chair at this meeting through Ms Nalini Sooklal.

Trinidad and Tobago's delegation at this inaugural meeting comprised:

• Dr Amoy Lum Kong, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA)
• Dr Daryl Banjoo, Officer in Charge/Senior Research Officer, Marine Chemistry Department, IMA
• Ms Nalini Sooklal, Waste Management Specialist, MEAU

Several objectives were met for this STAC meeting, including the evaluation of projects and activities implemented by the Secretariat and the LBS RACs within the Assessment and Management of Environmental Pollution (AMEP) sub-programme during the period 2010-2012. There was also a review of the status of ratification and/or implementation of the LBS Protocol in member countries. In these discussions, the role of the IMA as a RAC was highlighted and the commitment made by T&T to continue to support the Secretariat in this capacity as we move forward. 

Also at this technical meeting, the AMEP Workplan and Budget for the 2013-2014 Biennium was developed and finalized for approval by the 1st Conference of Parties to the LBS Protocol in October 2012. 

For further details on the happenings at the meeting, please visit: http://www.cep.unep.org/meetings-events/1st-lbs-stac