New United Nations GUIDE assists Developing Countries in the adoption of Natural Substances

By Simon Burkel, Nov 25, 2013, 12:06 4 minute reading

A new report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and shecco provides assistance to developing countries in the leapfrogging from ozone-depleting substances directly to natural refrigerants and foam-blowing agents. The “GUIDE UNIDO” presents results from a major conference held in June 2013, as well as findings from two global UN surveys and more than 50 best-practice cases from developing countries. 

The “GUIDE UNIDO - Natural Solutions for Developing Countries” was launched to support developing countries looking for safe, cost-effective and technically viable natural solutions to replace ozone-depleting substances in the heating, refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam-blowing sectors. Its ultimate objective is to share experience with hydrocarbons and other natural substances in the current phase-out of ozone-depleting HCFCs in Article 5 countries under the Montreal Protocol. Jointly researched and published by UNIDO and market development expert shecco, the GUIDE is based on two pillars:
 
  1. UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit: The GUIDE presents lessons learnt from an event held on 3-4 June 2013 at the UNIDO headquarters in Vienna. The conference focused on technology options for the HVAC&R sector, as well as for the foam sector. It brought together 150 National Ozone Officers, ministry representatives, component and system suppliers, end-users, academics and non-governmental associations to actively discuss the technical, commercial and social viability of natural refrigerants and foams.
  2. Global Survey: A global survey addressed stakeholder groups involved in the HCFC phase-out in developing countries and economies in transition. It received responses from 82 countries. This survey was important in capturing the opinions and trends amongst different stakeholders throughout the entire globe. In addition, findings from a 2012 UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) survey were released exclusively for the GUIDE to complement the findings. 

Paving the way towards more sustainable and greener industries worldwide

“As one of the implementing agencies of the Montreal Protocol, UNIDO has always been committed to promoting sustainable solutions for companies in the refrigeration, air conditioning and foam sectors that are transitioning away from ozone depleting substances. […] We hope that the lessons learnt from the Summit as well as the findings from the survey for stakeholders in Article 5 countries, which are summarised in this publication, will pave the way towards more sustainable and greener industries worldwide,” explains Sidi Menad Si Ahmed, Director of the Montreal Protocol Branch of UNIDO, the motivation for launching the GUIDE UNIDO.
 
“For more than a decade, shecco has been working together with the heating, refrigeration and cooling industry to introduce technology solutions that would not only alleviate the environmental burden from direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, but that more importantly would highlight the business case for all those involved in a transition towards a “green economy”. shecco is looking forward to initiate a dialogue with all involved parties that we hope will continue long after UNIDO ATMOsphere has finished, leading to measurable and favourable results for the economy and the environment likewise,” adds Marc Chasserot, Managing Director shecco.
 
Content

The GUIDE also covers the following topics:
 
  • Natural Refrigerants & Foam-Blowing Agents: An introduction to the most commonly used natural refrigerants and foam-blowing agents including ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, water and air in the HVAC&R sector today.
  • Success Stories of Natural Substance Use: An overview of best-practice examples of natural refrigerants and foam-blowing agents to be followed in industrial refrigeration, light commercial and commercial refrigeration, domestic refrigeration, and the heating and foam sectors in developing countries.
  • Barriers for the uptake of natural substances in developing countries: An analysis of the main technology, market and policy barriers for the adoption of natural substances in developing countries. For each section a general introduction is followed by specific barriers identified and concrete solutions found. Survey results complement each section with latest data for the fields of awareness, training & certification, safety & technology standards, regulation & policy frameworks, financial incentives & costs, technology & market availability, and refrigerant selection methodology. 
  • Case Studies: 50 case studies are presented in an easy-to-access format providing a short overview of best-practice examples in developing countries. Each case study lists the substance used, the world region concerned, and the application sector. 
 
Official GUIDE launch at the ATMOsphere Bangkok Side Event 

The GUIDE UNIDO was officially launched at a dedicated side event organised on 24 October 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The “ATMOsphere MOP25” event was a success, bringing together 100 participants, mostly National Ozone Units officers, environmental protection agencies, industry representatives and end-users. It was held during the 25th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP25). 
 
More information
 
About UNIDO

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The Organization draws on four mutually reinforcing categories of services: technical cooperation, analytical and policy advisory services, standard setting and compliance, and a convening function for knowledge transfer and networking. Its Montreal Protocol Branch is involved as an implementing agency for the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
 
About shecco

For more than a decade market development expert shecco has been active in helping bring climate friendly technologies faster to market. shecco supports over 100+ partners worldwide in two areas: the HVAC&R sector, where the focus is on sustainable refrigeration, heating & cooling technologies using natural refrigerants; and the transport sectors where an emphasis is put on electric vehicles. shecco offers a variety of services, ranging from online industry platforms, to market research & consultancy services, events management, funding & grants support, and public affairs. 
 

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By Simon Burkel

Nov 25, 2013, 12:06




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