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

National Ozone Unit Public Awareness and Training Activities

During the period April - June 2015, the National Ozone Unit (NOU), a specialised of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) had several initiatives in their efforts to minimise the consumption of ozone depleting substances and thus, fulfill the requirements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. These initiatives included:

School Sensitisation Programmes:

With the aim of increasing public awareness, the NOU conducted  sensitisation programmes in schools across the country during the months May to June, 2015. 

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 as well as the NOU shared tips for protecting oneself from the sun’s harmful UV rays .

The NOU has presented to classes ranging from lower primary school to Form Six.  Schools visited included:

• Mucurapo Girls’  RC School (May 1, 2015) 
• Barrackpore East Secondary (June 2, 2015) 
• Parvati Girls’ Hindu College (June 5, 2015) 
•  Arouca Government Primary (June 11, 2015) 
•  ASJA Boys’ College (March 18, 2015)

 

Ms. Krysten Harris of the NOU, MEWR facilitating a  sensitisation session with students of Mucurapo Girls

 

Stakeholder Engagement:

New applicants for loans and mortgages can look out for useful information on making smart choices when purchasing equipment such as air conditioning unit and domestic refrigerators for their homes.

The National Ozone Unit held a sensitisation session on April 14, 2015 with members of the financial sector to develop a collaboration which would be used to disseminate information to consumers and homeowners. This will be done through brochures and the uploading of information to the various websites. The participants were very interested in the partnership and took part actively in the discussions.

Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer conducting  a  sensitisation with members of the financial sector.

 

Training Sessions: 

As part of the effort to strengthen the regulatory monitoring of the import of ozone depleting substances (ODS), the National Ozone Unit  (NOU) is continuing its sensitisation of customs brokers. On May 12, 2015 the NOU also has commenced its partnership with the Customs Training School in Port of Spain to impart knowledge, examples and up to date information on these substances. 

 

Ms. Neera Singh facilitating the training session with participants from the Customs Training School, Port-of-Spain (May 12, 2015)

In addition, on May 19, 2015 the NOU visited Huggins Shipping in Port of Spain to continue its company specific training sessions. The session was well received by the officers and the offer has been extended to other sections of the company. 

Ms. Neera Singh conducting the training session with Huggins Shipping and Customs Brokerage company, May 19th, 2015

In continuation of its promotion of hydrocarbon as an alternative refrigerant, which is ozone friendly as well as climate friendly, the NOU conducted a hydrocarbon training in south Trinidad on Saturday May 23, 2015. The session was facilitated by Mr. Anthony Banfield, (Flavorite Foods Limited and Hydrocarbon trainer) focused on proper refrigeration practices including safe handling of refrigerant and equipment. The practical session exposed participants to new technology in the air conditioning and refrigeration sector using hydro-carbon refrigerant. 

 

 

Mr. Anthony Banfield facilitating the training on hydrocarbons in south Trinidad.

 

Methyl Bromide has been phased out for non-quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) since January 1, 2015 but its use is still allowed for QPS though strictly controlled through a licensing system. In this regard, on June 10, 2015 the NOU conducted a sensitisation session for the Pest Risk Management Unit at Centeno to provide some up to date information on some of the alternatives available for methyl bromide for QPS.

  

Mr. Anthony Ramdeen (Consultant for the Methyl Bromide Phase-Out Project) facilitating the session on alternatives of Methyl Bromide.

 

Sensitisation Training for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians on Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

The National Ozone Unit (NOU) embarked on a drive to educate technicians on the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants as a preferred alternative to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Sector. 

Trinidad and Tobago opted to utilise this new refrigerant because it is :

safe for the environment  


it is Non-Ozone Depleting and; 

does not cause Global Warming unlike the Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) alternatives currently available.

These series of training sessions took place in both Trinidad and Tobago during 2012 and early 2013. The final training session occurred in Tobago on 15th January, 2013 at Crowne Point Beach Hotel. Technicians were sensitised about hydrocarbon use and the safety precautions required when using these hydrocarbons. In addition, they were also refreshed on proper refrigeration practices.

The  facilitator, Mr. Vernon Ramjattan of the  National Energy Skills Centre (NESC)  (front, centre) and Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer  (front, left) from the NOU, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources  addressing the technicians in a training session held in Tobago.