On September 11, 2024, in the framework of World Ozone Day celebrations, a panel discussion titled «The Importance of National Standards» was held at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia. The event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA). About 35 representatives from the professional community attended, including lecturers, RAC specialists, experts, students, and PhD candidates.
Speakers at the meeting included Mr. Haik Zeynalyan, Deputy Director, and Ms. Lusine Khachatryan, specialist from Type Approval Department of the National Body for Standards and Metrology; Ms. Anna Karamyan, Head of the Department of Thermal Engineering and Ventilation at NUACA; Mr. Artur Harutyunyan, President of the RAHEA Association, and Mr. Sasha Mkrtchyan, Senior Engineer at Zvartnots International Airport.
The opening ceremony began with a welcome speech by Ms. Liana Ghahramanyan, the National Ozone Focal Point, who addressed the objectives and goals of the meeting.
Ms. Lusine Khachatryan, presented a comprehensive slideshow outlining the stages of standards development, acceptance, and approval, as well as the acquisition process. Ms. Khachatryan emphasized the importance of adopting and applying the AST ISO 22712-2024 standard «Refrigeration Systems and Heat Pumps - Competence of Personnel» and discussed the assessment mechanisms for the competency criteria it sets.
The interactive discussion addressed the connection between the ozone layer protection and standards, focusing on the effectiveness of modern technological solutions in HVACR sector as a result of applying these standards. It also covered international experiences with the implementation of standards.
The discussion concluded with an emphasis on the need to elevate cooperation among all stakeholders in the field to a new level, making it more effective.
The events dedicated to World Ozone Day are carried out within the framework of the «Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building» Project jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment and UNIDO.
