Lower your carbon footprint with an R448A rig, resulting in up to;
67.5% lower GWP
As global temperatures rise, so does the demand for sustainable cooling. At the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES), Rubirizi campus in Kigali, R448A training rigs are shaping the next generation of refrigeration professionals.
These training rigs provide a safe, controlled environment where students can develop essential hands-on skills in refrigerant handling, leak detection, and system maintenance — without risking environmental harm or equipment damage.
Developed in collaboration with Danston Ltd in the United Kingdom and supported by the Clean Cooling Network, these rigs are vital tools for the practical education in low-GWP technologies. R448A, is an alternative to the current high-impact refrigerants like R404A and offers a significantly reduced Global Warming Potential while maintaining performance in commercial refrigeration.
Global Warming Potential (GWP) Comparison
- R404A GWP: 3,922
- R448A GWP: 1,273
- 67.5% lower GWP
Using R448A, a low-GWP alternative to R404A, ACES trainees gain real-world experience with a modern refrigerant. The rigs simulate live system conditions, allowing students to practice key procedures such as refrigerant recovery, pressure testing, and electronic leak detection. Each kilogram of R404A replaced with R448A saves nearly 2.65 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO2e) over its lifetime if leaked or vented.
Each training rig is designed to reinforce critical safety protocols, including proper PPE use and responsible refrigerant handling. By working on these systems, students not only build technical confidence but also understand the environmental and regulatory responsibilities that come with their trade.
These rigs are more than training tools — they’re part of a wider mission by the Clean Cooling Network, which recognises cooling as essential national infrastructure. Through this initiative we are ensuring students are equipped to deliver sustainable cooling and cold-chain solutions that support food security, health, and climate resilience.
Take a closer look at the; Refrigeration Courses at the Clean Cooling Academy
In Kigali, we are not just teaching refrigeration. “We’re building climate resilience —one solution at a time.”
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Craig Girdlestone
Director of Danston Ltd and International Technical Consultant