Green Cooling Initiative

Green Cooling for a better future

Cooling is an essential part of everyday life – from cold chains for fresh food and the safe storage of vaccines and medicines, to air-conditioned workplaces and schools where it can elevate productivity. Cooling is a basic need for everyone.

The positive effects of cooling, however, come with a downside. The RAC sector is a massive GHG emitter. This is due to appliances that are not energy-efficient and the high global warming potential of commonly used refrigerants. Many air conditioners and refrigerators contain substances which are up to 15,000 times more harmful to the climate than CO2. On a global scale, the RAC-sector is four times more damaging to the climate than air traffic.

Providing climate-friendly and energy-efficient cooling solutions is a key to protecting the climate and catering to people’s vital needs around the world. It’s what makes Green Cooling so important.

Cooling is an essential part of everyday life - it is a basic need for everyone.

Green Cooling Initiative

Dig deeper

Technology

What is the technology behind the term "Green Cooling"? And why is it the right approach?

Cooling subsectors

What are the main sectors in which cooling is needed? What is the GHG-mitigation potential per sector?

Policy instruments

What options do policy makers have to support the transition to Green Cooling?

NDC Helpdesk

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How can the RAC sector be implemented in the NDCs? What measures can be taken to make the RAC sector more climate-friendly?