AREA is proud to announce that it will co-organise, together with UNEP OzonAction, a high-level side event during the 48th Open-ended Working Group (OEWG48) of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, on 15 July 2026. The event will focus on strengthening the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) servicing sector through best practices, energy efficiency and capacity building, highlighting the crucial role of well-trained technicians in achieving sustainable cooling.
Entitled "Refrigeration Servicing Sector (RSS) Best Practices and Energy Efficiency Training Resources – From Learning to Impact: Empowering the RAC Sector for Sustainable Cooling," the side event will bring together representatives from governments, National Ozone Units, international organisations and industry to exchange experiences and promote practical solutions for improving servicing practices worldwide.
A central highlight of the event will be the presentation of the UNEP–AREA Best Practices and Energy Efficiency Training Manual, a practical resource developed jointly by UNEP OzonAction and AREA to support technicians, trainers and training centres around the world. The manual promotes high-quality servicing practices, improved energy efficiency, reduced refrigerant emissions and the safe handling of low-GWP refrigerants, providing practical guidance that supports both the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
During the event, Marco Buoni, AREA International Affairs, will demonstrate the practical application of the manual and illustrate how harmonised training and internationally recognised best practices can significantly improve system performance, increase energy efficiency and strengthen technicians' competencies across the RAC sector.
The programme will also feature keynote presentations by Jim Curlin, Head of UNEP OzonAction, and Sonja Wagner, followed by a panel discussion showcasing country experiences in RAC training and capacity building. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, discuss successful training methodologies and explore new opportunities for international cooperation.
This side event represents another important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between UNEP OzonAction and AREA, reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting countries in developing a highly skilled RAC workforce capable of delivering safer, more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable cooling solutions worldwide.
More at: https://www.unep.org/ozonaction/news/news/oewg48-side-event-announcement
