Awareness Activity with the Faculty of Forestry Sciences on the Role of Women in Climate Action under the Montreal Protocol
27/11/2025
Third National Consultation – Preparation of the Inventory of Unwanted Controlled Substances and the National Action Plan
10/12/2025
On 9 December 2025, within the framework of Albania’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, a series of activities was successfully carried out in cooperation with UNIDO. The activities focused on:
- Promotion Ceremony of the “Manual on Safety Standards and Good Practices for Natural Flammable Refrigerants.”
- “Training for maintenance and service technicians working with large end users.”
The events were organized by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in cooperation with Tirana College of Technology and brought together a broad range of stakeholders from public institutions, academia, the private sector, and technical professionals from the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) sector. A total of 62 participants attended the promotion ceremony, and 26 technicians participated in specialized technical training.
The programme commenced with the official Promotion Ceremony of the “Manual on Safety Standards and Good Practices for Natural Flammable Refrigerants”. The event was held under the distinguished patronage of Ms. Diana Bida, Chief Executive Officer of Tirana College of Technology, and marked the formal presentation of the Manual developed by Eng. Ilir Palushaj, in close cooperation with the National Ozone Unit and UNIDO.
In their opening remarks, Mr. Laert Duro, Founder of Tirana College of Technology, praised the Manual’s high professional quality and emphasized its importance in enhancing technical safety and strengthening vocational training in the RAC sector. Prof. Andonaq Lamani, Rector of the College, and Prof. Luan Karcanaj, President of the College, highlighted the value of inter-institutional cooperation and underscored the Manual as a key practical tool for reinforcing the implementation of safety standards.
The Manual serves as a comprehensive reference document for the safe handling of natural flammable refrigerants and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) technologies. It supports technicians, educational institutions, and economic operators in applying modern safety requirements and internationally recognized good practices, contributing to the sustainable transition of the RAC sector in Albania.
The training for maintenance and service technicians working with large end users was an integral part of the event, with 26 technicians participating—most of them actively servicing large RAC systems.
The programme focused on the practical application of the Manual, particularly on occupational safety when handling flammable refrigerants, leak prevention and detection, recovery and recycling procedures, and improving energy efficiency and environmental protection practices. The activities strengthened technicians’ professional competencies, increased awareness of safety and regulatory requirements, enhanced cooperation among institutions and the private sector, and supported Albania’s transition to climate-friendly and low-GWP technologies.
These activities represent an important milestone under initiatives supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), contributing directly to Albania’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
An important practical component of the project was the organization of on-site visits during November–December 2025, conducted in small groups of technicians and trainers. Participants carried out system checks and applied leak detection, recovery, and recycling procedures directly on installed systems at; “Toptani Shopping Center”, “Arredo FAB”, “Birra Tirana”, “Pallati Kongreseve’, Hotel Tirana International”, “Phyramid,” etc.
These hands-on sessions strengthened practical skills under real operating conditions and reinforced the implementation of safety and environmental standards in the RAC sector.
