Box Hill Institute hosted 2 groups of trainers from the Pacific Islands for a 2-week 'train the trainer' program in natural refrigerants.
About the initiative
Box Hill Institute recognises the profound impact of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry on influencing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and the overall sustainability of built environments. In light of the global challenges posed by climate change and the increasing need for environmental responsibility, there is a crucial demand for enhanced training and education in this industry.
In response to the pressing need for enhanced education in this sector, Box Hill Institute launched the Pacific Islands Training Program. The Institute hosted 2 groups of trainers from the Pacific Islands for a 2-week ‘train the trainer’ program in natural refrigerants at the renowned Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC).
The investment in this initiative stems from partnerships with the Australian Government, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA). This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and the necessity for high-quality training and education in the HVACR sector.
Outcomes and next steps
A total of 13 trainers from diverse Pacific Island nations, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Palau and Samoa, benefitted from the training program.
Box Hill Institute successfully completed this project in 2023, achieving the following key objectives:
- Delivering training and education to individuals within the HVACR industry, empowering them to implement climate-friendly practices
- Contributing to the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out under the Montreal Protocol by enhancing training capacity and service practices in the Pacific Islands countries
- Facilitating the transfer of knowledge to trainers in the Pacific Islands, creating a ripple effect that not only builds knowledge and capability but also strengthens relationships with neighbouring countries.
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