Founded 45 years ago by its President Prof. Dr. Enrico Buoni in the historical and so-called “Italian Capital of Refrigeration” of Casale Monferrato, CSG has been working with national and international realities for over four decades, developing top-level and prestigious partnerships with the largest organizations, associations and institutions throughout the continents. Around 3000 companies are participating in CSG’s activities, taking place in over 15 locations throughout Italy and the United Kingdom.
Interview with Marco Buoni, Director of Centro Studi Galileo.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the organization?
Marco Buoni: Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) is the most renowned training centre in Italy and one of the leading in Europe and around the world for education and information in the sector of refrigeration, air conditioning and renewable energies. Right now, after four years of presidency, the CEO of Centro Studi Galileo, Marco Buoni, is also in charge of AREA (European association of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump contractors) International Affairs, which has led to numerous collaborations over the years.
E.E: What’s the news for 2023 about new directions?
M.B: 2023 is going to be a crucial year for Centro Studi Galileo: the Centre is going to host dozens of trainings all around the world, especially in Italy, because many HVAC technicians actually need to renew the mandatory F-Gas certification, which lasts ten years and was introduced in 2012. Also, in June, Centro Studi Galileo is going to host the 20th edition of its renowned European Conference, alongside international partners such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP OzonAction), the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIF-IIR), the Renewable Energy Institute (REI), the Italian Association of Refrigeration Technicians (ATF) and the European Association of RACHP contractors (AREA).
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
M.B: F-Gases are still fundamental for the industry, and capacity building for these refrigerants is still our core business, but we’re actually seeing an extraordinary growth of interest for natural refrigerants, heat pumps and in general for every green solution. Energy efficiency is also a main trend, with the increasing cost of energy and the application of the latest environmental laws. For example, the new F-Gas Regulation is going to deeply reduce in a few years the use of HFCs, so the alternative refrigerants are going to become prominent in the market.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
M.B: The Italian HVAC technicians needs to renew their certification as soon as possible.
In 2022, this situation led 3000 professionals to contact us to renew their certification, and in 2023 we’re expecting pretty similar numbers.
Also, we’re implementing new trainings on CO2, R290 and other green refrigerants, in response to the increasing demand: many companies need to prepare their employees for the upcoming technological transitions.