ASHRAE Attends Meeting of Caribbean National Ozone Officers in Grenada
Grenada – More than 40 National Ozone Officers, Assistant Ozone Officers, and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians from across the Caribbean gathered in Grenada, June 16–18, 2025, for a Thematic Network Meeting held under the framework of the Montreal Protocol.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy Peron Johnson opened the meeting. Johnson highlighted Grenada’s longstanding dedication to the Montreal Protocol. “Despite our vulnerabilities, Grenada stands proud as a recognized global leader in the Montreal Protocol community,” Johnson said. “We are not just one of the signatories, we are pioneers in shaping the cooling industry for our people. Our National Ozone Unit is a shining example of what dedicated, collaborative, and visionary action can achieve.”
Day One focused on presentations, robust discussions and updates from the Ozone and Multilateral Fund Secretariats, as well as key Implementing Agencies. National Ozone Officers presented progress reports on the implementation of their Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs), offering insight into their respective countries' paths toward HFC phase-down targets.
Day Two welcomed RAC technicians from the region to join the discussions. Darryl Joseph, 2024-25 president of ASHRAE’s Caricom Chapter, was invited to participate.
Sessions covered topics critical to Montreal Protocol implementation, including:
- Enhancing cooperation with the RAC servicing sector to support HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down
- Promoting energy efficiency and adopting technological innovations aligned with Montreal Protocol targets
- Accelerating technology transfer to the Caribbean, including addressing supply chain challenges.
- Gender mainstreaming in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, an emerging priority was led by UNEP OzonAction.
In his comments to attendees, Joseph said ASHRAE can help get more sustainable and lower GWP options to the region and provide guidance to safely transition to lower GWP refrigerants.
Day Three featured a Fireside Chat held as part of the Grenada Sustainable Cooling Exhibition that discussed how RAC associations, including ASHRAE chapters and branches, can assist countries meet their international obligations.
The session led into a live demonstration by local RAC experts centered on safety protocols for handling flammable refrigerants.
The Grenada Sustainable Cooling Exhibition showcased 10 local exhibitors displaying innovative cooling technologies, including: Solar-powered air conditioning systems, tools and equipment for flammable refrigerants, natural refrigerant solutions, and equipment designed to support indoor air quality and environmental safety.
ASHRAE and the OzonAction Division of United Nations Environment Program are launching a joint effort to promote collaboration between ASHRAE chapters and National Ozone Units. According to Joseph, “ASHRAE’s Caricom Chapter participation in the Grenada event reaffirms the Society’s commitment to HFC phase-down targets in the Caribbean Region. The ASHRAE-UNEP portal and ASHRAE members in the region are providing on-site technical assistance to help NOUs meet their targets. By combining global expertise with regional presence, ASHRAE aims to improve services, foster innovation, and accelerate the transition toward climate-friendly alternatives.”
Over 40 National Ozone Officers, Assistant Ozone Officers, and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians from across the Caribbean gathered in Grenada for a Thematic Network Meeting held under the framework of the Montreal Protocol.