Muscat: Today, the Environment Authority and the Oman Energy Association (OPAL) entered into a strategic cooperation agreement focused on creating and executing a professional competency program for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. This initiative promotes the adoption of environmentally sustainable best practices within this essential sector.
This signing reflects Oman's dedication to meeting its international commitments under the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer. Additionally, it marks the implementation of the Environment Authority's third phase of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out strategy, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The program is designed to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances while improving the efficiency of the national workforce in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
Furthermore, this collaboration aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by establishing and executing a professional competency testing system that promotes environmentally friendly practices among workers in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
The agreement was formalized by Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, and Eng. Mohammed Hamoud Al Naabi, CEO of OPAL.
The program aims to achieve several strategic goals, particularly: creating a detailed implementation plan for a professional competency system that is recognized both nationally and internationally; formulating specialized professional standards, assessments, and training programs that take environmental factors into account; certifying and evaluating workers in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries, both public and private; granting accredited professional licenses to those who fulfill competency and environmentally safe practice standards; and aiding in the regulation of the profession by collaborating with relevant authorities to formulate associated legislation.
The program specifies that both parties will share expertise, along with technical and logistical assistance, and will develop professional competency assessment tools for mutually agreed professions. Additionally, it encompasses the adaptation of the electronic platform to incorporate professional assessments, preparation for these assessments, accreditation of assessment centers and evaluators, and the issuance of professional license cards.
