UNIDO and shecco launch first GUIDE on Natural Substances in Developing Countries

19 November 2013

shecco is proud to announce the launch of its latest publication jointly researched and published with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The report, summarising results from the ATMOsphere Technology Summit and global surveys gathering perspectives from emerging economies, is another clear step to strengthen shecco’s involvement in international project activities helping developing countries seize additional climate benefits from natural refrigerants and foams.

The “GUIDE UNIDO - Natural Solutions for Developing Countries” was launched to provide assistance to economies in transition and 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 main objective is to share relevant experiences with ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, water and air in the current phase-out of ozone-depleting HCFCs in Article 5 countries under the Montreal Protocol.

 

The GUIDE is based on two pillars:

 

1) Experiences shared and lessons learnt from the UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit held by UNIDO and shecco on 3-4 June 2013 at the UNIDO headquarters. The conference focused on technology solutions for the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors, as well as for the foam sector. It aimed at addressing topics of particular concern to developing countries and generated lively debates between speakers and audience members.

 

2) Findings from an online survey jointly launched by UNIDO and shecco. The 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 and computing the opinions and trends amongst different stakeholders across the entire globe.

 

Reactions

 

“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. Natural refrigerants and foam blowing agents with low global warming potential are of paramount importance in this transition,” explains Sidi Menad Si Ahmed, Director of the Montreal Protocol Branch of UNIDO, of the motivation for organising the June ATMOsphere Technology Summit and the launch of the GUIDE UNIDO.

 

“shecco strongly believes that natural substances, either used as refrigerants or foams, constitute a long-term viable solution for developing countries not requiring any further move towards substances with known and unknown ecological impact. Aiding countries to “leap-frog” to climate and ozone friendly technologies using air, ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and water as refrigerants can add further impetus to the outstanding role the Montreal Protocol has played in phasing out ozone-depleting substances and reducing the consumption of fluorinated gases,” adds Marc Chasserot, Managing Director shecco.

 

“The GUIDE is a concrete tool to draw attention to existing barriers but most importantly to highlight the success stories and innovative solutions developed in and for developing countries for advancing the use of natural refrigerants and foams. We hope that the survey results and case studies can serve as a reference for industry, legislators and end-users in need of verifiable information about best-practice initiatives to lead the transition away from ozone-depleting and high-global warming substances,” says Nina Masson, lead author and Head of Market Research shecco.

 

Content

 

The GUIDE 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.

 

Surveys: A summary of the main barriers, drivers and trends concerning the uptake of HFC-free foams and refrigerants in developing countries, based on a 2013 UNIDO survey and a 2012 UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) survey.

 

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.

 

UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit: A review of key presentations and panel discussions from the joint UNIDO-shecco event in June 2013 that brought together system and component suppliers, end-users, national and international policy representatives, non-profit organisations, and the academic sector. It identified major market trends, opportunities, and the share of natural refrigerants and foam-blowing agents in developing countries. A special reference is made to natural substance-based projects of UNIDO in Article 5 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 is provided. For each section a general introduction is followed by the specific barriers identified, and concrete solutions found. Survey results complement each section with latest data for the following issues:

 

  • Awareness
  • Training & certification
  • Safety & technology standards
  • Regulation & policy frameworks
  • Financial incentives & costs
  • Technology & market availability
  • 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. The section is sorted according to the main type of barrier addressed by each example. Within each barrier category, cases are listed in alphabetical order for the countries involved.

 

Official GUIDE launch at the ATMOsphere Bangkok Side Event

 

The GUIDE UNIDO was officially launched during a dedicated side event jointly organised by UNIDO and shecco 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).

 

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 (cars, heavy duty vehicle, scooters, bikes). shecco offers a variety of services, ranging from world-leading online industry platforms, to market research & consultancy services, events management, funding & grants support, and public affairs.

 

Contact

 

Nina Masson

Head of Market Research

nina.masson@shecco.com

Marc Chasserot

Managing Director

marc.chasserot@shecco.com  

 

 

Media Contact

Janaina Topley Lira

Media Officer

jana.topleylira@shecco.com

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