At an altitude of 2,600 meters, in the heart of Bhutan, one of the most unique training initiatives in the international HVAC/R scene took place: the Good Servicing Practices & Energy Efficiency in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course, organized at the TTI in Thimphu on April 15 and 16, 2026. A technical event aimed at developing professional skills in a unique geographical context, where training takes on an even more strategic value within the framework of global climate policies.
The course, organized with the support of UNEP (Asia and Pacific Office), gathered local technicians and participants around central themes for the future of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Leading the training activities was Eng. Marco Buoni, Secretary of ATF, engaged in an intensive program focused on proper technical assistance practices, emission reduction, and improving the energy performance of systems.
Among the topics addressed are the recovery of refrigerants, leak detection and prevention, best maintenance practices, and energy efficiency principles applied to RACHP systems. These themes are crucial in every market today, but particularly relevant in countries that are strengthening their technical infrastructures and human capital with a focus on sustainability.
The initiative confirms that the transition of the sector does not solely depend on the introduction of new technologies or low climate-impact refrigerants. The determining factor remains the preparation of the people tasked with installing, maintaining, and managing the systems safely and efficiently. In this sense, the training of technicians represents one of the most effective tools for translating environmental goals into concrete results.
The female participation in the course is particularly noteworthy, as it is a positive sign of a progressive opening of the sector towards greater inclusion and enhancement of skills. The contribution of Women in Cooling continues to gain importance in international capacity-building programs.
