All Maldivian Schools To Go A Bit More Greener With The Installation Of Eco-Friendly Air Conditioners

On Thursday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment for the installation of eco-friendly air conditioners at all schools across the Maldives. The MoU was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Aishath Ali on behalf of the Ministry of Education whereas the Minister of Environment, Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Environment.

The MoU stipulates that the air conditioner that is already in use which utilizes hydrofluorocarbons gas (HFC22) will be replaced by air conditioners that are environmentally friendly and do not harm the ozone layer. These will effectively reduce the need for electricity from the power grid, fewer fossil fuels are required by the local power station – significantly reducing CO2 emissions. This project will be carried out with assistance from the ‘Go Green’ program of the Government of New Zealand.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education notes that 486 air conditioners in 90 schools require replacement under this initiative.

Whilst the Government of Maldives aims to entirely stop using hydrofluorocarbons in the country – in 2015, an import ban was put on devices that required the gas. Moreover, as per the current regulations HFC gas can only be imported until the year 2025 and also only n amount sufficient to cater to the devices presently in use across the country. 

(Photo: Ministry)