Recovery, recycling centres to accelerate circular economy

Jamaica is set to accelerate the phase-out of chemicals destructive to the Earth’s ozone layer, by partnering with four organisations to establish seven refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation (RRR&R) centres.

Jamaica’s phase out plans are in keeping with its commitments as a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, a global UN treaty that galvanises global action to repair a hole in the ozone layer – earth’s shield against catastrophic UV ray exposure. Without the ozone layer, UV ray exposure would dangerously impact skin cancer rates, food security and ecosystems.

Targeting ozone depleting substances (ODS) used in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector, the centres are being spearheaded by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) with US$70,000 in specialised equipment financed by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

During a launch event on April 30, HEART/NSTA Trust officially signed on to establish four RRR&R centres while the Caribbean Maritime University, CAC 2000 Limited and the University of Technology signed on to establish one each. This locates the centres in St Ann, St Catherine, St Andrew and Manchester.

THE ‘R’ FORMULA

Arlene Williams, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), said the RRR&R centres align with the Jamaican government’s commitment to establishing a circular economy using a ‘recover, recycle and reclaim’ formula.

“The more refrigerant recovered, reclaimed and repurposed, the greater the chance of reducing the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions,” she stated.

Williams called for an effective management programme throughout the refrigerant life cycles, as well as comprehensive public awareness campaigns to bolster use of the centres and knowledge of the dangers of ozone depleting refrigerants.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr Kishan Khoday lauded MEGJC and NEPA for providing a blueprint for ODS removal, calling the RRR&R centres a landmark and innovative response to the requirements of the Montreal Protocol.

Khoday encouraged participating institutions to offer certified hands-on training programmes for HVAC technicians, engineers, and students to strengthen local expertise and trade in ozone and climate friendly substances and technologies. This, he said, could potentially establish Jamaica as a training and knowledge-sharing hub for the Caribbean.

“By establishing the right policy environment along with proper logistics, monitoring, enforcement, reporting, and public awareness, we will ensure that Jamaica’s blueprint for refrigerant, recovery, recycling and reclamation centres offers the region and the world a best practice,” he said. “Building on the transition to less-harmful chemicals, UNDP will also soon be launching a new initiative in Jamaica to expand energy efficient technology, with AC and refrigeration accounting for more than 25 per cent of energy use globally.”

Speaking on behalf of NEPA, CEO Leonard Francis; Anthony McKenzie, director of the Environmental Management and Conservation Division, said the RRR&R centres would help NEPA meet its commitment to phase out ODS by 2030 and help maintain its compliance record. He said this has already included Jamaica phasing out the importation of chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants four years ahead of the 2006 schedule and building the capacity of 193 refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in good refrigeration practices and ozone-friendly alternatives.

Dr Taneisha Ingleton, managing director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, committed to training students in good refrigeration practices while developing and enshrining best standards in recovery and recycling processes.

Ingleton said this includes developing and incorporating new standards into all air conditioning and refrigeration programmes and development of job certifications.

She indicated that HEART/NSTA Trust would not only reduce harmful gases, but make the new technology available to trainees for entrepreneurial ventures. She called the initiative a pivotal step in safeguarding Earth’s future and a powerful example of collaboration and commitment.

As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol since 1993, Jamaica is participating in a global movement to phase out ODS in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector by 2030. The Protocol is credited for shrinking the hole in the ozone, with full recovery expected by 2066.