The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) have agreed to work together on the development of a global qualifications program for refrigerant supply chain networks in response to the depleting ozone layer.

An exchange of letters was completed between the two organizations during the Montreal Protocol Open Ended Working Group meeting in Paris, France on July 23.

Known as “refrigerant driving license” (RDL), the program will target the sound and safe management of refrigerants and accelerate the transition to greener types.

“Working with UNEP and developing the RDL is one very important aspect of the industry’s focus on ensuring the proper, safe, and environmentally sound management of refrigerants,” said AHRI President and CEO, Stephen Yurek. “AHRI’s relationship with UNEP will provide an excellent platform for working with other associations and institutes, creating a global network to support the safe handling of refrigerants.”

In addition to reaching targets instigated by the Montreal Protocol—an international treaty to protect the ozone layer,—the agreement will also advance the skills of field specialists as new technologies surface.