Within the framework of the 48th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from 13 to 17 July 2026, UNEP OzonAction and AREA will organize the side event “Refrigeration Servicing Sector (RSS) Best Practices and Energy Efficiency Training Resources”, focused on the role of technical training in strengthening the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 15 July, from 13:00 to 15:00 at UNESCAP, MR-A, and will focus on training tools, technical manuals, and capacity-building initiatives for technicians, trainers, and National Ozone Units. The objective is to support energy efficiency, improve maintenance best practices, and facilitate the transition toward environmentally sustainable technologies.
The program will open with a presentation by Jim Curlin, Head of Branch at UNEP OzonAction, addressing the transition “from learning to impact,” meaning the shift from knowledge transfer to tangible transformation within the RAC sector. This will be followed by Sonja Wagner, UNEP OzonAction, who will present the training tools developed by OzonAction to strengthen technical skills in countries engaged in implementing the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Representing AREA, Marco Buoni will deliver a presentation titled “Enhancing Energy Efficiency through Good Servicing Practices: Practical Application of the UNEP-AREA Training Manual.” His contribution will focus on the practical application of the UNEP-AREA manual, highlighting how proper maintenance procedures, continuous training, and technical updates can contribute not only to operational safety but also to improved energy efficiency of systems.
The second part of the event will feature a roundtable discussion on national experiences in RAC training, moderated by Sonja Wagner, followed by a Q&A session. This exchange will provide participants with the opportunity to share methodologies, challenges, and best practices, strengthening collaboration among international organizations, national stakeholders, and industry actors.
During OEWG48, Marco Buoni will also participate as a speaker and panelist in two additional key events: the side event organized by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), “Preparing the Servicing Sector for HFC Alternatives to Support Kigali Implementation,” scheduled for 15 July from 18:00 to 20:00, focusing on preparing the servicing sector for the safe management of HFC alternatives; and the Danfoss Climate Solutions event, “Flammable Refrigerants Are What Keep Us Awake,” scheduled for 16 July from 13:00 to 15:00, focusing on flammable refrigerants, safety, A3 system design, ATEX requirements, and the need for adequate training and certification.