The Environmental Policy & Planning Division (EPPD) of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development announces that Trinidad and Tobago is currently on track with its rigorous schedule to phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, with a target of 97.5% reduction by the end of 2027.
Trinidad and Tobago is at 78% of the set target as of 2025.
Since acceding to the Montreal Protocol in 1989, Trinidad and Tobago has been a Caribbean trailblazer, becoming the first in the region to sign on to every amendment to the treaty. This Protocol protects the earth’s natural UV shield known as the ozone layer from harmful man-made chemicals. The country’s journey began with the successful elimination in 2008 of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once the standard in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol.
This was no small feat, requiring a complete overhaul of industrial standards, the development of a strong policy and legal framework and a massive retraining of local technicians to ensure that the “cool” in our air conditioners didn’t come at the cost of the ozone layer. This was led by the National Ozone Unit, Environmental Policy and Planning Division which now resides in the Planning Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for Trade, the T&T Bureau of Standards, the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate, the Customs and Excise Division, the UNDP and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association of T&T (ARIA).
Today, the focus has shifted to the next generation of environmental targets and does not stop at the Ozone Layer. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Protocol, which Trinidad and Tobago famously ratified as the first in the Caribbean, this country is now tackling Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) found mostly in refrigeration. While these gases do not affect the ozone layer, they are “super greenhouse gases” with thousands of times the warming potential of carbon dioxide. By transitioning to “Green Cooling” and energy-efficient appliances, the Government is ensuring that our local efforts contribute to a cooler global climate.
The control of the import of these chemicals is conducted through the Import and Export Negative List, and by a quota and licensing system coordinated by the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism’s Trade Licensing Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate, the Customs and Excise Division and the National Ozone Unit of the Planning Ministry.
The success of these phase out programs and the Montreal Protocol hits closer to home than many realize. By phasing out these harmful chemicals, we are directly reducing the risk of skin cancers, cataracts and damaged ecosystems which are caused by excessive UV exposure.
The National Cooling Strategy, launched in recent years, serves as a roadmap for this transition, encouraging citizens to look for ozone friendly labels and energy efficiency when shopping for new appliances. As we move toward a cleaner, safer atmosphere, Trinidad and Tobago continues to prove that collective local action can indeed solve a global crisis.
Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh, who also has responsibility for the environment, emphasised the benefits of government’s commitment to environmental protection and management and stated the importance of continuing collaboration among government, the private sector and the national community to ensure our biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental assets are treated with care, respect and pride.
Cool Tips for a Brighter Future
Protecting the ozone layer starts in our homes and businesses. Here is ways citizens can make a difference in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Ask Before You Buy: When purchasing a new air conditioner or refrigerator, ask the salesperson if it uses ozone friendly refrigerants. Avoid units that rely on HCFCs (like R-22), as these are being phased out and will become harder and more expensive to service.
- Look for the energy efficiency ratings: Check the TTBS (Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards) labels. Energy-efficient appliances don’t just protect the environment; they significantly lower your monthly T&TEC bill.
- Hire professionally certified technicians: These professionals are trained in “Good Refrigeration Practices,” meaning they recover and recycle old gases rather than venting them into the atmosphere.
- Check for Leaks: A struggling AC unit often has a leak. Getting it fixed immediately prevents refrigerants from escaping into the atmosphere and keeps your unit running efficiently.