High-le­vel Cli­ma­te Ac­tion in Co­lom­bia

The purpose of this first point on his agenda in Colombia was to visit the training center specialized in training refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians. During the visit, SENA and GIZ Proklima demonstrated the importance of a sustainable transformation of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector with natural refrigerants. RAC technicians have the most climate relevant job with the highest climate impact: each room air conditioner causes up to 2 tons of CO 2 eq emissions during normal operation and insufficient maintenance – every year. In 2021, the refrigeration sector was responsible for 7% of global GHG emissions (compared to all air traffic for only 2%). Additionally, improper handling of cooling systems and refrigerants results in safety and health risks, increased energy consumption and negative impacts on the climate and the ozone layer. Well-trained and experienced technicians are therefore crucial to handle the growing number and variety of cooling appliances in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

GIZ Proklima has been working with the Colombian Ministry for Environment and Sustainable Development (Minambiente) and its National Ozone Unit (UTO) since 2012. Over the last years, GIZ Proklima on behalf of different German ministries donated demonstration units, tools and equipment to the center, e.g. the appliances purifying refrigerant gases to minimize their impact on the environment. "We are particularly grateful to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development for the support and the possibility of carrying out projects hand in hand with the German cooperation in the refrigeration sector. Working together has been a great experience", said Carlos Mayorga Prieto of SENA.

With this technology, SENA certifies between500 and 800 refrigeration technicians each year, trains them in the safe handling of natural refrigerants, and thus provides them with significant competitive advantages in the labor market.

At his visit, the German Minister was accompanied by the German ambassador to Colombia, Marian Schuegraf, the National Ozone Officer in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente), Leydy Maria Suarez; and the director of promotion of Corporate Relations at SENA, Carlos Alfonso Mayorga Prieto.

Through their holistic training approach, SENA continues to contribute to the National Development Plan of the Colombian Government and the environmental protection. The visit demonstrated that training technicians in best practices in the RAC sector reduces the negative impact of refrigeration and air conditioning on the ozone layer and the climate.