Real Alternatives has welcomed the Bulgarian Branch Chamber – Machine Building (BBCMB) to its consortium as National Lead for Bulgaria. The organisation will promote training resources and professional skills development for the safe use of low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) systems.
BBCMB will support the distribution of Real Alternatives training materials, including resources translated into Bulgarian. The initiative aims to improve access to technical knowledge for local technicians, trainers and training organisations.
The Real Alternatives programme combines theoretical learning with practical training focused on alternative refrigerants, including CO2, NH3 and hydrocarbons. Its resources support professionals working with these refrigerants as the RACHP sector moves away from fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with high GWP.
Established in 1991, BBCMB is Bulgaria’s largest sectoral employers’ organisation in the manufacturing industry. Since the late 1990s, it has cooperated with the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water on issues involving environmentally harmful refrigerants. Under Bulgaria’s Clean Air Act, BBCMB is authorised to issue competency certificates for technicians and companies in accordance with applicable European requirements.
BBCMB’s participation expands the Real Alternatives European network of industry associations, training providers and technical experts. The collaboration will focus on professional training, knowledge exchange and the safe adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants in Bulgaria.
