The Brazilian HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (PBH) launched its first “Training of Trainers” initiative under the 2025 National Meeting of Partner Instructors with the successful completion of a new course on the safe and efficient use of CO₂ and R-290 in commercial refrigeration systems.
The training took place from October 20 to 24 at the Firjan SENAI Benfica school in Rio de Janeiro, which houses the PBH’s new model laboratory “Mini Supermarket with Natural Refrigerants: CO₂ and R-290.” Twenty instructors from technical schools across the states of Amazonas, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, São Paulo, and the Federal District participated in the program.
The course covered both theoretical and practical elements of CO₂ and propane (R-290) systems, with a strong focus on safety procedures and operational practices. It was led by Fábio Francisco Ferreira, instructor at FAPRO-ETP, and Raphael da Gama Rodrigues, instructor at SENAI-Benfica. Both highlighted the high technical level of the participants and the importance of hands-on experience with the advanced lab equipment.
Many of the trained instructors emphasized the course’s relevance to current market needs, particularly in regard to new technologies and safety protocols. Several participants noted the value of exchanging experiences with colleagues from across Brazil and praised the course structure, didactic resources, and access to state-of-the-art tools.
The initiative is coordinated by Brazil’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Frank Amorim, environmental analyst at MMA, and Stefanie von Heinemann, project manager at GIZ, oversaw the training.
