The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has issued an urgent call for countries to establish national refrigeration and cooling committees to address critical challenges in food security, healthcare, and climate change before new global regulations take effect in 2026.
Why This Matters Now
1. Looming Regulatory Changes
✔ 2026 Kigali Amendment mandates 40% HFC reduction
✔ EU F-Gas Phasedown enters strictest compliance stage
✔ Global Cooling Pledge requires national action plans by 2026
2. Key Committee Responsibilities
- Policy Development: Align local laws with international standards
- Workforce Training: Address global shortage of 1.2M refrigeration technicians (UNEP estimate)
- Emergency Preparedness: Vaccine cold chain resilience
3. Countries Leading the Charge
✅ India: Launched committee with $200M training budget
✅ Brazil: Focus on Amazon region cold chain development
❌ GCC States: Lagging despite 40°C+ summer temperatures
Case Study: Nigeria’s Success
- 2024 committee formation reduced post-harvest food loss by 18%
- 5,000 technicians certified in natural refrigerant systems
- Solar-powered cold storage rollout for rural clinics
Industry Reactions
UNEP Cooling Specialist
“Committees prevent fragmented policies that delay emissions cuts.”
HVACR Manufacturers
“Finally, clear standards for flammable refrigerant training.”
Developing Nations
Seek World Bank funding for committee startups