A collaborative initiative between the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) and the Australian government is making great strides in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 12 Pacific Island Countries (PICs). AREMA - along with its members (Daikin and Danfoss) and its partners (AG Coombs and the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia) - has generously donated purpose-built "training pods" equipped with tools and resources for good servicing practices (GSP) of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
These pods not only facilitate training on good servicing practices but are also being integrated into formal education through the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum in countries with a TVET system for refrigeration and air-conditioning. This approach ensures the sustainable capacity building of technicians in the servicing sector, crucial for phasing out HCFCs and phasing-down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), both controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol, used as refrigerants.
Nine countries have received these training pods: Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
This initiative has been widely recognized for its positive impacts on technical capacities across the Pacific. The training pods have enhanced the value of GSP practical sessions and improved the technical skills of technicians in the region. The equipment in the training pods and the training materials developed for the train-the-trainers program are aligned to ensure an integrated approach to skills development for both the trainers and the technicians.
“We deeply appreciate AREMA’s initiative in providing these invaluable training pods. The hands-on experience has significantly enhanced our technical skills, knowledge, and confidence and empowered us to not only effectively phase out HCFCs but also phase down HFCs while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in our islands. The training pods serve as a valuable resource, and we believe they will continue to play a crucial role in equipping upcoming technicians,” said Mr. Afaese Dr. Luteru Tauvale, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Meteorology Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa.
UNEP OzonAction expressed its gratitude for the support from the Australian Government, AREMA and industry, recognizing its vital role in achieving shared environmental objectives. They emphasized the significant and lasting impact of the initiative in the Pacific region and expressed their eagerness to continue the collaboration. The Australian Government is continuing to partner with Pacific Island countries to assist them to phase-out and phase-down their use of Montreal Protocol controlled substances in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
“UNEP deeply values the invaluable support from the Australian Government, AREMA and industry and recognizes the vital role it plays in achieving shared environmental objectives,” said Mr. James Curlin, Head of OzonAction, UNEP Law Division.
By providing technical assistance to meet Montreal Protocol obligations, this initiative supports the Regional HCFC Phaseout Management Plan (HPMP) Stage II for Pacific Island countries, which is financed by the Montreal Protocol’s Multilateral Fund and implemented by UNEP OzonAction.
About AREMA
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) is a not-for-profit industry association representing the interests of the Australian refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
About UNEP OzonAction
UNEP OzonAction provides technical assistance to developing countries to assist them meet their obligations under the Montreal Protocol.
For more information
Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong
Interim Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Island Countries, UNEP, Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) Asia and Pacific Office
