REAL Alternatives to be expanded across Europe with support of European Commission environment and climate action programme

As part of its environment and climate action funding programme the European Commission will be co-financing the expansion of the REAL Alternatives blended learning programme for low GWP refrigerants.  ”REAL Alternatives for LIFE“ is a new and extended project to update existing content, develop new materials on applying safety standards and introduce a range of practical exercises and assessments.  It will also include train the trainer events and study days held across Europe.  There will be a high profile awareness campaign to encourage recognition of this training amongst employers, wholesalers, manufacturers, end users and policy makers – increasing confidence in the application of these new refrigerants. The expansion will mean that REAL Alternatives for LIFE training can be delivered to nearly 220,000 technicians across Europe by a network of nationally accredited trainers by the end of the project.

The LIFE programme is the EU's funding instrument for environment and climate action. It promotes innovative solutions and spread best practices in reducing emission and adapting to climate change across the European Union.

REAL Alternatives for LIFE will promote best practice in training for low GWP alternative HFOs, R32, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide and ammonia across Europe – ensuring they are used safely, efficiently, reliably and cost-effectively.  It will addressing some of critical barriers currently preventing more widespread take in the industry by increasing awareness, experience and knowledge levels.  The project will also spread knowledge about the availability of training for low GWP refrigerants with a presence at some of the most important national, EU and global environmental summits, conferences and events.

Institutes, training organisations and trade bodies across thirteen countries will be working together on this important international project which starts in June this year and will run for three years. It will operate in thirteen working languages and include fifteen partner organisations based in UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Romania, Denmark, Portugal, and Turkey. 

The Project Management team includes The Institute of Refrigeration and London South Bank University in the UK, University College Limburg in Belgium, IKKE Regional Training Centre in Germany, ATF Trade Association in Italy, PROZON Foundation for climate protection refrigerant reclamation organization, International Institute of Refrigeration in France, AREA European Contractors Association in Belgium.

Further details can be found at http://www.realalternatives.eu/home

16-06-2017