It’s a sweltering afternoon at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The hum of air conditioners fills the halls, but behind the scenes, something revolutionary is happening. A new pilot project is quietly transforming how cooling is managed, not just at UTT, but across Trinidad and Tobago.

This isn’t just about staying cool. It’s about utilizing smart, sustainable technology to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and empower the next generation of technicians and engineers.

Why Cooling Needs a Smarter Future

Cooling systems, like air conditioners and refrigerators, are essential in our tropical climate. But they’re also energy hungry. Globally, cooling accounts for nearly 20% of electricity use in buildings, and in Trinidad and Tobago, demand is rising fast.

If left unchecked, cooling-related emissions could more than double by 2050. That’s why the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of Luxembourg, is working with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to pilot Digital Cooling Technologies that make cooling smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.

Smart Tech, Cooler Results! 

At the heart of this initiative is the use of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and smart sensors. These tools allow technicians to monitor cooling systems in real time, detect inefficiencies, and even predict when maintenance is needed, before a breakdown occurs.

For example, at proposed pilot sites like the UTT and the University of the West Indies (UWI), digital dashboards will help facilities teams track energy use and optimize performance. This could lead to significant energy savings, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving reliability.

But the benefits go beyond technology. The project is also training female refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians and students, helping to build a more inclusive and skilled workforce. As digital tools become more common in the HVAC sector, technicians need new skills, like data analysis and remote diagnostics, to stay ahead.

Innovation Starts on Campus! 

Tertiary institutions like UTT and UWI are not just pilot sites; they’re hubs for innovation and learning. By integrating digital cooling into their operations and curricula, these institutions are helping shape a new generation of climate-conscious professionals.

To support the adoption of energy-efficient solutions among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the project will develop a knowledge product, in the form of a fact sheet, that outlines potential green financing mechanisms. This resource will present options like concessional loans and incentive schemes, aiming to raise awareness among financial institutions about the opportunities to support sustainable business practices. While direct engagement with financial institutions may not be feasible within the current project timeline, this knowledge product will serve as a foundational tool for future dialogue and action, aligning with national climate goals and promoting long-term sustainability in the SME sector. 

Cooling Our Planet, Not Just Our Air!

Cooling is essential, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of our climate. With smart technology, inclusive training, and strong partnerships, Trinidad and Tobago is leading the way toward a cooler, smarter, and cleaner future.

To learn more about how digital cooling is transforming our communities, visit our Digital Tools in Cooling project page.