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On 9 December 2025, within the framework of Albania’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, a set of activities was successfully implemented focusing on the promotion of the Manual on Safety Standards and Good Practices for Natural Flammable Refrigerants, alongside the Training for Maintenance and Service Technicians for Large End Users.
The activities were organized by Tirana College of Technology, in cooperation with the National Ozone Unit (NOU), and brought together approximately 62 participants, including representatives of public institutions, academia, the private sector, and technical professionals from the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector.
The promotion of the Manual on Safety Standards and Good Practices for Natural Flammable Refrigerants was conducted under the distinguished patronage of Ms. Diana Bida, Chief Executive Officer of Tirana College of Technology, and marked the official presentation of the Manual developed by Eng. Ilir Palushaj in close cooperation with the National Ozone Unit and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The Manual serves as a practical reference document for the safe handling of flammable refrigerants and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) technologies, supporting technicians, educational institutions, and economic operators in the application of contemporary safety standards and internationally recognized good practices.
In their opening remarks, Mr. Laert Duro, Founder of Tirana College of Technology, commended the high professional quality of the work undertaken by Eng. Ilir Palushaj in the preparation of the Manual, emphasizing its relevance for technical safety and vocational training. Furthermore, Prof. Andonaq Lamani, Rector of Tirana College of Technology, and Prof. Luan Karcanaj, President of the College, underlined the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and highlighted the Manual as a key practical tool for strengthening the implementation of safety standards within the RAC sector.
The training component for maintenance and service technicians serving large end users constituted an integral part of the event and focused on the application of the Manual in relation to:
- occupational safety when handling flammable refrigerants;
- prevention, detection, and management of refrigerant leaks;
- recovery and recycling of refrigerants;
- enhancement of energy efficiency and environmental protection.
The activities contributed to:
- increasing awareness of safety standards and regulatory requirements in the RAC sector;
- strengthening the technical capacities and competencies of service technicians;
- enhancing collaboration among public institutions, academic entities, and the private sector;
- supporting a safe and sustainable transition towards climate-friendly technologies in Albania.
These activities represent an important milestone in the implementation of UNIDO-supported initiatives and contribute directly to the achievement of Albania’s national objectives related to the protection of the ozone layer and the mitigation of climate change, in line with the obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
