Dominican Republic to open first energy efficiency testing lab

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will soon host its first testing laboratory for certifying energy efficiency in domestic air conditioning equipment, announced the Ministry of the Environment this Tuesday.

The new laboratory, set to be established at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), is funded by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s technological capabilities and develop public policies that promote energy efficiency in residential settings.

The project involves collaboration between several key entities, including the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, the General Directorate of Customs, the Dominican Institute for Quality, the Dominican Association of Importers of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (AIRA), and UASD.

Minister of the Environment, Paíno Henríquez, made the announcement on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, highlighting the significance of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This amendment focuses on reducing emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are known for their high global warming potential.