GCI III project in Bangladesh concludes with green cooling technologies workshop
Key stakeholders from the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector gathered at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon, Dhaka, to celebrate the successful completion of the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III Project in Bangladesh.
The event, titled "Workshop on the Future of Green Cooling Technologies in Bangladesh," showcased the project's achievements while fostering discussions on the future of sustainable cooling in the country.
Jointly organised by the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III, GIZ Bangladesh, and the Ozone Cell of the DoE, the workshop underscored Bangladesh's commitment to phasing out ozone-depleting substances. Bangladesh has made notable progress in promoting natural refrigerants and improving energy efficiency in the RAC sector as a signatory to the Kigali Amendment and the Paris Agreement.
The GCI III project has played a vital role in strengthening capacity, shaping policy, and raising awareness about climate-friendly cooling solutions.
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Mr Ziaul Haque, Director and Head of the Ozone Cell at DoE, inaugurated the event by commending the collaborative efforts that contributed to the project's success. In a video message, Ms Ellen Michel, Project Manager of GIZ Proklima, emphasised the global significance of green cooling and highlighted GCI's contributions to Bangladesh's sustainable development.
Mr Shanin Muntaha, Implementation Manager of the GCI III Project, provided an overview of the project's key interventions, including technician training on safe hydrocarbon refrigerants, training materials development, and public awareness campaigns targeting students, professionals, and consumers.
A panel discussion titled "Advancing Sustainable Cooling in Bangladesh: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward" brought together experts from academia, industry, and government, including representatives from BUET, Elite Hitech Industries, Walton Hi-Tech Industries, and the Ozone Cell. The discussion addressed barriers to adoption and strategies for accelerating green cooling technologies in Bangladesh.
The event featured a symbolic handover of training tools and demonstration air conditioners to institutional partners, the launch of a technician handbook developed under the project, and resources aimed at strengthening future capacity-building initiatives within the RAC service sector.
The closing session included remarks from Mr. Mohammad Shamim Akhtar, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, and Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. German Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr Achim Tröster, reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in tackling climate challenges. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment.
Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, mentioned, "The active engagement of the private sector in the GCI III project is much appreciated. This ensures that the changes initiated by the project will spread directly and more effectively among the people of our nation."
The successful completion of the GCI III Project in Bangladesh marks a significant milestone in the country's journey toward sustainable cooling solutions. As stakeholders move forward, their collective commitment to energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling technologies will be pivotal in advancing national and global climate goals.
