Cool Intelligence: Building a Sustainable Cooling Future for Guyana
On June 26, Guyana joins the global community in observing World Refrigeration Day under the theme “Cool Intelligence.” While the world increasingly focuses on artificial intelligence and digital innovation, this year’s theme highlights another form of intelligence that quietly keeps society running every day—the intelligence behind cooling and refrigeration.
From preserving food and safeguarding medicines to supporting healthcare, businesses, communications, and comfortable living environments, cooling technologies are essential to modern life. However, Cool Intelligence is not simply about advanced technology. It is about making informed decisions at every level—from policy development and system design to installation, servicing, and responsible refrigerant management.
As global demand for cooling continues to rise, the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater. Today, approximately 3.6 billion cooling appliances are in use worldwide. Without improvements in efficiency, emissions from cooling could increase significantly by 2050. The solution lies not only in new technologies but also in how cooling systems are designed, maintained, and operated.
Smart system design is the foundation of sustainable cooling. Proper equipment sizing, accurate load calculations, energy-efficient components, and climate-friendly refrigerants can substantially reduce energy consumption while improving performance and reliability. Equally important is quality installation. Poor installation practices can reduce efficiency, increase operating costs, and contribute to refrigerant leakage. Regular servicing and maintenance help ensure systems continue to operate safely and efficiently throughout their lifespan.
The success of sustainable cooling ultimately depends on people. Skilled technicians, engineers, educators, policymakers, and consumers all have a role to play. Through training, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development, today’s learning becomes tomorrow’s capability.
Guyana has made significant progress in strengthening its Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector through the implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP). Executed by the National Ozone Action Unit (NOAU) of the Hydrometeorological Service, Ministry of Agriculture, the project has supported the country’s transition away from ozone-depleting refrigerants promoting environmentally friendly alternatives. With improved servicing practices, including the recovery and recycling and storage of unusable refrigerants we can contribute to saving the ozone layer and the environment.
With support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funding from the Multilateral Fund (MLF), Guyana has invested in technician training, public awareness, and the procurement of specialized tools and equipment for technical institutions and trained professionals. Technical schools have also benefited from curriculum improvements and enhanced training resources to prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry.
A key milestone was the introduction of a licensing system for RAC technicians in 2015 under the Regulations to Trade Order No. 19 of 2007. Since then, additional trained technicians have been licensed, strengthening professional standards and promoting environmentally responsible practices throughout the sector.
Looking ahead, sustainable cooling will require continued investment in skills, energy efficiency, responsible refrigerant management, and strong policy frameworks. Measures such as licensing and quota systems, technician certification, enforcing minimum energy-efficiency standards (MEPS) and enhanced enforcement to support compliance which will assist in reducing adverse environmental impacts.
World Refrigeration Day 2026 reminds us that cooling is more than comfort—it is a critical service that supports food security, public health, economic development and mitigation of adverse climate change. By embracing Cool Intelligence through smarter choices, better practices, and continued investment in people, Guyana can contribute towards achieving the goal of building a more sustainable and resilient future.