UNEP OzonAction Updates Its University Course Preparing Future Engineers to Implement the Monreal Protocol
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Download from the ASHRAE UNEP Portal: www.ashrae.org/ashrae-unep-portal
UNEP OzonAction has released a complete revision of its university-level course for students pursuing career paths involving cooling technologies. The objective of the revised course is to help undergraduate engineering students learn how to apply new technologies to environmental challenges, with a particular focus on ozone depletion, global warming, and international environmental treaties. The course was updated by ASHRAE as part of its partnership plan with UNEP and was developed with a focus on the needs of engineering students in developing countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES & NEW COOLING TECHNOLOGIES SOLUTIONS is available as a downloadable Course Pack including lecture materials with PowerPoints, assignments, group projects, exams, and lists of references. The course is full-semester length – 14 to 15 weeks. Due to increased use of student access to artificial intelligence, the revision has been designed to emphasize project-based learning through class discussions, group projects, and case studies in addition to lectures and exams.
Originally developed with funding from UNEP OzonAction in 2018, the update covers technology options now available to deliver ozone-safe and energy-efficient cooling. Along with reviewing how to properly use refrigerants that have lower global warming potential, the revised course discusses the Cascade Refrigeration Cycle, Absorption Refrigeration Cycle, Solar Applications in Refrigeration, Adsorption Refrigeration Cycle, Direct and Indirect Evaporative Cooling, and Radiative Cooling. The ASHRAE Foundation provided financial support for the revision.
The download is available at www.ashrae.org/unep-university.
Engineering students in developing countries need to understand environmental agreements for sustainable cooling because these frameworks determine which refrigerants, technologies, and efficiency standards will shape their future work. Also, cooling demand is rising fastest in their regions. As developing countries phase down high‑GWP refrigerants under agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, engineers must be prepared to design and maintain systems that comply with new rules, use safer low‑GWP alternatives, and avoid locking in outdated, high‑emission equipment. At the same time, mastering advanced cooling technologies allows them to reduce energy consumption, strengthen grid reliability, and lower national emissions while improving public health and economic resilience. By combining policy awareness with technical expertise, engineering graduates can help their countries leapfrog to cleaner, more efficient cooling solutions, support national climate commitments, and build a more sustainable and affordable cooling future.
There is no cost for use of the course by instructors and it may be used in whole or in part. Download the instructor course pack with syllabus in the ASHRAE UNEP Portal at www.ashrae.org/unep-university.
To learn about the other joint products and activities available through the ASHRAE UNEP partnership, visit www.ashrae.org/ashrae-unep-portal.