IV All-Russian Congress for Environmental Protection Supported Use of Natural Refrigerants and Establishment of the HVAC&R Certification System

December 05, 2013

On December 2–4, the IV All-Russian Congress for Environmental Protection took place in the Russian Federation. This was one of recent large-scale events on the topic that culminated the year of the environment protection in Russia. The previous, third Congress was held 10 years ago, in 2003.

Congress delegates heard the address of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

22 round tables and panel discussions on various topics were organized as part of the Congress. Representatives of UNIDO and UNIDO-Business working group took part in several, including panel discussion “Climate change: means of prevention, aftermath, adaptation to aftermath. Protection of the ozone layer” held on December 3.

On December 4, the closing session witnessed the discussion of the DRAFT resolution of the congress prepared following the results of resolutions of the previous regional congresses and events that took place within the scope of the congress.

The Resolution of the IV All-Russian Congress for Environmental Protection was passed by an overwhelming majority. The resolution will be publicly communicated online, and its implementation will be controlled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the congress participants.

The resolution includes the most important proposals on support to proliferation of natural refrigerants, including ammonia, training enhancement for HVAC&R technicians and establishment of the new certification system, submitted and seconded by UNIDO and UNIDO-Business working group.

At the close of the congress, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sergey Donskoy congratulated the participants on completion of work and wished them successful implementation of the adopted resolution.

Extract from the Resolution of the IV All-Russian Congress for Environmental Protection on the climate change and protection of the Earth’s ozone layer (point 4 of the Resolution):

4. Climate change and protection of the Earth’s ozone layer

4.1. Giving weight to measures for mitigation of, and adaptation to, the climate change which ensure energy and food security, improve environmental and population health, it is recommended to:

• consider climate problems in the elaboration of regional socio-economic development strategies and programs;
• adopt a long-term state research program joining RAS, higher educational institutions, agency-level research institutes and expert community;
• intensify efforts on elaboration of cut incentive mechanisms for greenhouse gas emissions.

4.2. With the purpose of protecting the ozone layer and phasing out the ozone-depleting substances covered by the Montreal Protocol and greenhouse fluorinated gases covered by UNFCCC, it is recommended to:

• ensure use of natural refrigerants, including ammonia, for transition of the industry to ozone-safe technologies;
• improve quality of training for technicians engaged in work with HVAC&R equipment and introduce the certification system.