Grenada’s National Climate Change Committee embraces plans for a sustainable transformation of the RAC sector

Grenada underscored its commitment for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency in the cooling sector with the successful convening of a stakeholder workshop on its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector.

In Grenada, cooling accounts for one-third of Grenada’s total greenhouse gas emissions and more than 60% of the nation’s national electricity consumption. Recognizing the rising demand for cooling, members the National Climate Change Committee and further stakeholders convened in a workshop on the 7th of March 2024 to discuss strategies for implementing and setting more ambitious goals for the RAC sector within Grenada's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The workshop provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and understanding among key stakeholders. It facilitated discussions on various aspects of the RAC sector, including housing strategy, waste management, and technician capacities. 26 participants explored implementation strategies that require a systemic approach and buy-in from all involved entities.

Deryck Ramkhelawan, Senior Environment Officer in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the cross-cutting nature of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector: “The RAC sector would help public health because we store a number of critical medicines and vaccines. There is also the issue of food safety, we have a number of food that requires refrigeration”.

By integrating the RAC sector into the Nationally Determined Contributions as well as setting up a National Cooling Action Plan, Grenada has taken proactive steps towards promoting Green Cooling. “Grenada punches above its weight category to be a global leader in natural refrigerant technologies”, commented National Ozone Officer Leslie Smith to highlight Grenada’s efforts to lead the region in Green Cooling and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

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