Riyadh Leads the Way in Environmental Compliance
In a groundbreaking announcement, the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has successfully reduced the proportion of ozone-depleting gases emitted within its borders to a mere 1 percent.
Field Study Reveals Positive Progress
The impressive results were obtained as part of a comprehensive study conducted on the Kingdom’s refrigeration and air-conditioning facilities, aimed at assessing their environmental compliance levels. More than 1,200 facilities were thoroughly surveyed in the process, leading to the activation of corrective plans where necessary.
Workshop Highlights Environmental Compliance Efforts
The NCEC made the groundbreaking announcement during the opening of the workshop titled “Field Study of the Environmental Compliance Extent in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Sector.” The event was attended by top executives and specialists from various government and private agencies.
Positive Outlook for the Future
According to reports from SPA, the study’s findings revealed a significant reduction in prohibited gases over the past decade, with the Kingdom’s consumption plan for ozone-depleting gases now at an all-time low of 1 percent. Furthermore, the importation of eco-friendly appliances and gases has been on the rise since 2020, showcasing a growing awareness of the Montreal Protocol’s objectives to reduce harmful emissions and promote sustainable alternatives. With a commitment to gradually phase out ozone-depleting substances entirely by 2030, the Kingdom is setting a positive example for environmental stewardship.
Comprehensive Coverage of Key Sectors
The study encompassed a wide range of facilities, including 24 factories utilizing relevant gases (2 percent), 689 maintenance centers (58 percent), 248 gas distributors and suppliers (21 percent), and 28 appliance importers (2.3 percent). This extensive coverage highlights the Kingdom’s holistic approach to addressing environmental compliance across various industries.
Commitment to International Agreements
Since ratifying the Montreal Protocol in 1993, the Kingdom has been proactive in implementing national plans for compliance with the agreement. The establishment of the National Ozone Unit, which later became part of the NCEC, underscores the government’s commitment to working collaboratively with relevant sectors to achieve environmental sustainability goals.