The Bulgarian Branch Chamber – Machine Building joins the Real Alternatives consortium to promote knowledge, skills and the safe use of low-GWP refrigerants in Bulgaria
Real Alternatives is pleased to welcome the Bulgarian Branch Chamber – Machine Building (BBCMB) to its consortium as the National Lead for Bulgaria, marking an important step in expanding the initiative’s reach and strengthening access to training resources for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) professionals across Europe.
Established in 1991, BBCMB is a private, non-profit association dedicated to representing and protecting the interests of its members. It is the largest sectoral employers’ organisation in Bulgaria’s manufacturing industry, bringing together leading companies across a wide range of machine-building sectors. Its activities also encompass specialised associations covering metal casting, refrigeration and air-conditioning technology, and industrial truck manufacturing.
BBCMB has a long-standing role in Bulgaria’s refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. Since the late 1990s, it has maintained a close partnership with the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water on issues related to environmentally harmful refrigerants. Designated as a competent expert organisation for the testing and certification of technicians and companies in the sector, BBCMB is authorised under Bulgaria’s Clean Air Act to issue competency certificates in accordance with applicable European requirements. Its certification activities are carried out by independent, competent and qualified specialists, following national legislation and established procedures approved by the relevant state institutions.
Supporting Bulgaria’s transition to low-GWP refrigerants
As National Lead for Bulgaria, BBCMB will support the dissemination and promotion of the Real Alternatives platform and its training resources, including materials translated into Bulgarian. This will help make technical knowledge and learning opportunities more accessible to local technicians, trainers and training organisations.
Real Alternatives provides blended-learning resources designed to support the safe and effective use of alternative refrigerants, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), ammonia (NH₃) and hydrocarbons. By combining theoretical learning with practical training, the programme helps RACHP professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to work safely with these refrigerants. As the sector moves away from fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with high global warming potential (GWP), access to reliable technical information, appropriate training and competent professionals is essential. BBCMB’s established position within Bulgaria’s manufacturing industry and its experience in technician certification provide a strong foundation for promoting these resources nationally.
Strengthening the European network
The addition of BBCMB further reinforces Real Alternatives’ commitment to building a strong European network of industry associations, training providers and technical experts. Through cooperation with national organisations, the initiative seeks to support the development of professional skills, facilitate knowledge exchange and contribute to the safe adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants.
By working together, Real Alternatives and BBCMB will help strengthen Bulgaria’s training landscape and support the wider transition towards more sustainable refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technologies.
About BBCMB
The Bulgarian Branch Chamber – Machine Building is a private, non-profit association established in 1991. As Bulgaria’s largest sectoral employers’ organisation in the manufacturing industry, it represents companies across multiple machine-building sectors. BBCMB also plays an important role in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector through its longstanding cooperation with the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water and its responsibilities in technician and company certification.
For more information, please visit www.bbcmb.org
