Implementation Models
COPA accomodate a pivotal role in raising awareness of the global need to address the management of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) banks. Achieving a sustainable future requires not only recognition of this challenge but also decisive action through scalable, coordinated, and replicable implementation models and strategies.
Activities
Decisive action through scalable, coordinated, and replicable implementation strategies is required to support the climate and ozone protection goals. By turning the concept of green cooling and ODS and HFC banks management into practical solutions, COPA take a step towards a global shift to sustainable refrigerant management.
- A key initiative was the launch of the “COPA Call for Ideas” in 2023, where members was invited to submit innovative project proposals aimed at improving the sustainable handling of ODS and HFC substances. All project ideas were welcomed, and consequently, a wide range of concepts was being submitted. After assessment of the submitted ideas and approval of the Steering Committee, COPA provided technical and strategic support to further develop some of the proposed project ideas, bringing them one step closer to implementation.
During 2024 and 2025, the development of COPA project ideas with high-impact implementation models continued, often in close collaboration and exchange with other COPA members and intervined with other COPA focus areas. The reuslts and progress of the activities where shared with all COPA members during various online sessions and also presented at global workshops and conferences.
- One of the first project ideas submitted to COPA was from the National Ozone Office in Togo in the framework of the Froid Vert Togo Project (FVT): COPA supported the development of the potential project idea of setting-up a WEEE Recycling Centre (including refrigerant recycling) as a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). A training for PPP potential for the RAC sector in Togo was held with for the Ministry of Environment and the NOU in Togo on 3 June 2025. Focus was put on WEEE recycling facilities for refrigerants in the context of the Froid Vert Togo (FVT) project. The progress was presented in a short movie showed by the Togo NOU at the annual CCAC workshop on LRM in Bankgok in July, 2025.
- During 2024-2025, COPA and Energy Partners developed a concept for a sustainable business model connecting Cooling as a Service (CaaS) with LRM for SMEs in South Africas agricultural sector. The full fledged concept, including a commercial financial model and ready for pilot implementation, was presented to COPA Members at the COPA Plenary Meeting in July 2025 by Samuel Jacobs from Energy Partners.
- Another project developed under the umbreall of the COPA Call for Ideas was conducted by Energy Changes. In the research study Eligibility of ODS/HFC manegemet projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Energy Changes assessed COPA countries' readiness for Article 6 participation through ODS and HFC emission reduction and gas destruction projects. The study also identified high-potential scenarios for leveraging financing under the Paris Agreement. The results were presented in an online session for COPA Members on 5 September 2024.
Implementation Models Working Group
Through the Implementation Models Working Group (IMWG), COPA is proactively advancing the development and implementation of innovative projects aiming at reducing ODS and HFC emissions. Interwined with the other COPA working groups, the activities in the implemenation modesl initiative seeks to identify and support approaches that are tested and work in real life. Focus is on implementation experiences and sharing best practices, not theory! Click the link below to learn more about the IMWG.
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