Regional Training programme of the Selected Climate Acquis – Workshop on ODS and F Gases
Date: 27-28.05.2014
Place: Tirana, Albania
Organizer: ECRAN Secretariat with EC TAIEX Unit
The European Union has a strong commitment to protect the ozone layer. To facilitate its recovery the EU has
implemented legislation that goes beyond its obligations under international agreements. The consumption
of ozone depleting substances, as far as controlled under the Montreal Protocol, has already been reduced to
zero since 2010, ten years before the international target of 2020.
To protect the ozone layer the international community has established the Vienna Convention and the
Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in 1987, phasing out chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl bromide.
F gases are contributing to climate change, thus the EU decided to regulate their marketing and use. Industry is
increasingly developing alternatives to fluorinated gases, but some of these gases are less safe for consumers
than the fluorinated gases. Hence, a gradual approach and the gradual substitution of these gases will be
necessary. During this transitional period until all uses of F-gases can be phased out, it is also necessary to
regulate the applications using F-gases with regard to checking, filling and disposal operations to minimize
leakage. For this purpose, a certification scheme is established for certain companies, which require that staff
involved in handling applications with F-gases have the necessary qualifications and training.
Objectives of the training:
Objective is to familiarize the beneficiary with the F-gases and the ODS regulations, with a particular emphasis
on the planning and preparation, certification, verifications and training schemes, labeling, responsibilities for
commercial, industrial and public sector organizations, as well as reporting requirements in the transposition
and implementation of F-gases regulations.
Additionally, there will be an opportunity for sharing of experiences on the knowledge and capacity in the
implementation of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal protocol in the ECRAN beneficiary.
Expected Results of the workshop:
• Understanding of the EU regulatory architecture on legislation related to F-gases and ozone depleting substances
• Improved understanding of the required steps towards transposition and implementation of the obligations arising from the EU F-gases and ODS Regulations.
