ASHRAE and UNEP Strengthen Global Cooperation; Launch 2013-2014 Biennial Work Plan

ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have launched their third biennial Work Plan for 2013-2014, based on a global cooperation agreement signed in 2007, at ASHRAE’s 2013 Winter Conference held in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 26-30, 2013.

The ASHRAE-UNEP cooperation agreement was developed to achieve several international goals, including the sustainable phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in refrigeration and air-conditioning applications; maximizing the climate benefits of using zero ODS alternatives including aspects of energy saving in buildings; as well as facilitating the transfer and adoption of suitable technologies in developing countries. 

The new work plan covers the 2013-2014 timeframe with an objective of increasing cooperation between ASHRAE and UNEP by transferring relevant technologies amongst different regions and continents. The plan is prepared based on success achieved and lessons learned from the implementation of two previous work plans.

The new work plan includes two main goals and several relevant actions. The first goal, which addresses emissions reduction, long-term refrigerants and energy efficiency in buildings, includes five different actions. These actions address promoting research of long-term refrigerants, building knowledge of specialists about refrigerants through education and certification, developing a specialized guide for refrigeration installations and coordinating efforts in the area of energy efficiency in buildings. 

The second goal aims at promoting expertise and technological information exchange to governments and specialists dealing with ASHRAE and UNEP, developing a regional roaster of experts, establishing an international advisory team to assist developing countries in instituting/updating relevant standards and codes, as well as developing joint online tools and a forum for partners and stakeholders, allowing for better communication and dissemination of related information.

The ASHRAE-UNEP coordination team will continue its work to oversee sound implementation of the work plan and facilitate the involvement of ASHRAE chapters around the world as well as UNEP regional teams.