Belmopan. September 12, 2014.
The theme for this year’s celebration highlights the fact that there have been many successes in the battle to save the Ozone Layer. Many countries have achieved their targets in the phasing out of ozone depleting substances, but there is more that needs to be done. The various successes have resulted in a decline of ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere, and the ozone layer is expected to recover around the middle of this century.
Belize through its National Ozone Unit (NOU), has also made significant strides to contribute to this global effort in its effort to reduce its impact on the ozone layer. In 2010, we successfully phased out the consumption of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC or R12 as it was known), and since then has moved to phase out Hydro fluorocarbons (HCFC). The NOU has also provided training and equipment to technicians and has collaborated with ITVETS in Orange Walk and Belize City, and the CET in San Ignacio to introduce a non-synthetic refrigerant hydrocarbon (HC).
On September 16, 2014, the Department will join the international community in celebrating International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The Department of the Environment through the National Ozone Unit will host an Ozone Open House at the ITVET in Belize City from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Awards and equipment will be issued to the Customs and Excise Department for their invaluable assistance in implementing the Montreal Protocol in Belize. There will also be a showcase of information on the phase out programme of HCFC and a demonstration of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment utilizing HC and other alternative refrigerants to HCFC’s. The main goals of this Ozone Open House is to promote the use of more environmentally and ozone friendly products, promote the use of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Alternative Technology for HCFC’s, and to promote best RAC servicing practices.
