Over 30 participants from Lebanon’s agri-food sector attended a training on sustainable refrigeration systems.
On 29 April 2025, Cool Up and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held a training in Lebanon titled “Sustainable Cooling Solutions for Agri-food SMEs.” The session was part of EBRD’s Resource Efficiency Programme and Cool Up’s regional capacity-building initiative aimed at promoting energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration technologies in the agri-food sector.
The training gathered representatives from 16 agri-food companies and engineering firms, including Tayyebat, Tanmia, IMFunding, Cortas Canning and Refrigeration, Debbane Freres SAL, and Biomass. Moderated by Dr. Sorina Mortada, Senior Energy Expert, the event focused on improving cold chain performance while reducing environmental impacts.
Participants were introduced to sustainability assessments of refrigeration systems and best practices for fruit and vegetable storage, including pre-cooling and cooling time estimations. The training also covered cold storage design, insulation methods, system operation and maintenance, and air-conditioning integration.
Further sessions addressed energy-efficient strategies and how to incorporate renewable energy sources into cold storage applications. Both passive and active cooling approaches were discussed, with emphasis on their role in enhancing food quality and reducing energy demand across the value chain.
“The training provided valuable insight into innovative technologies and practical measures to enhance cold storage efficiency in Lebanon’s agri-food sector,” said Dr. Sorina Mortada, Senior Energy Expert and moderator of the session.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment and participant feedback, indicating strong interest and positive response. The initiative contributes to Lebanon’s shift toward sustainable cooling technologies and supports improved environmental outcomes for agri-food operations.