Green Cooling Initiative

Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI)
Partner countries: Bangladesh, Colombia, Honduras, Kenya, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam (with regional hubs in the highlighted countries)

Rising temperatures and population, progressing urbanisation and economic growth are driving up the worldwide cooling demand, particularly in developing countries. But many of the refrigerants and insulating foams currently in use are harmful to the environment. In 2023, it is estimated that the refrigeration industry accounted for around ten to twelve per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Objective

The Green Cooling Initiative contributes to raising international awareness of the significant mitigation potential associated with environmentally- and climate-friendly cooling technologies. In its third phase, GCI supports its partners worldwide by accelerating the transformation of the cooling sector towards energy efficient technologies using natural refrigerants. This includes policy advise, technology transfer and capacity building.

Green Cooling is the most viable way to meet the growing cooling demand and protect our climate at the same time. It is based on two principals: using natural refrigerants with an ultra-low global warming potential and highly energy-efficient appliances. Ideally, the energy comes from renewable sources. All measures should be complemented by passive cooling, e.g. shading, surrounding vegetation and good insulation.

Approach

The work of the Green Cooling Initiative III is based on three pillars:

Policy advise: We support key actors with access to Green Cooling instruments and arguments, offer demand-based support services and strengthen networking between stakeholders. We shed light on appropriate financing mechanisms.
Technology transfer: We pilot innovative Green Cooling technologies in the partner countries and in cooperation with the private sector. We therefore demonstrate their technical and economic feasibility and spark interest in further upscaling.
Capacity building: We train policy makers, refrigeration trainers and technicians on the handling and characteristics of natural refrigerants. In addition, we offer needs-based trainings.

Moreover, the Green Cooling Initiative III recognises that exchange between technology suppliers and users, as well as between the industry, public institutions and civil society is important for the promotion of said technologies. One of the main goals is therefore to create global and regional networks with representatives from different sectors (see Network).

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Targeted policy advice based on Cooling Strategies will support partner countries in the implementation of cooling technology standards and measures, whilst capacity building will allow them to sustainably manage their technology transformations. Voluntary private sector contributions will increase transformational readiness and will generate public-private partnerships. Proposals to financing institutions can provide replicable funding models and instruments to facilitate access to Green Cooling technology.

Bildergalerie

The phase-out and phase-down of F-gases and the increase in energy efficiency in the RAC sector make it easier to achieve ambitious NDCs, which were defined by UNFCCC COP21 as the basis for global GHG emission savings. So far, Ghana is one of the few African countries that has integrated F-gases into its NDC to a limited extent. GCI advised Ghana on this by drawing up a GHG inventory of the RAC sector, on the basis of which a Cooling Strategy for emission reduction measures was drafted.

Latest Publications

Training of Trainers: Building a Commercial Chiller Simulator Model

09.08.2024 , News :

17 refrigeration and air conditioning trainers took part in a training in Kenya. The training consisted of a combination of pedagocical skills and technology knowledge on natural refrigeration.

The refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector is pivotal in modern infrastructure, essential for healthcare, comfort and the preservation of perishable goods. In July, GIZ Green Cooling Initiative together with the National Ozone Unit in Kenya organised a training of trainers (ToT) on building simulator models for commercial Chillers that use R290 refrigerant. That training was held in the National Industrial Training Institute (NITA) Mombasa.

Seventeen RAC trainers from across the country attended the 5-day training to improve their advanced technical knowledge and pedagogical skills on safe handling of natural refrigerants. These programs typically encompass a blend of theoretical and practical components. Trainers learn about mounting interior parts of commercial chillers using R290 refrigerants, energy-efficient systems, and environmental regulations. Emphasis is placed on understanding systems, troubleshooting techniques, and integrating sustainable practices.

Practical sessions we carried out in groups of three, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and simulations. In this field, it is crucial to ensure a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and advancing these technologies. The trainers completed the training and were urged to build similar models in their respective institution which will then be used to demonstrate proper techniques and assess learners’ performance.

The ToT program included learning soft skills such as effective communication between trainers and encourage innovation which was evident by the result that the final models build by various groups did not resemble. The trainers ascertained that the training had equipped them with skills to better manage classroom dynamics and foster an environment conducive to practical learning.

The partner ministry along side the Collaborating institute included GIZ Proklima for designing trainings that emphasize continuous professional development. At the end of the training, the trainers were encouraged to stay updated with industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that the training remains relevant and that trainers can pass on the most current knowledge and practices to their students.

Supported by…

The training of trainer program is sponsored by the project Green Cooling Initiative III with the support of the Kenyan Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry. GCI III is financed by BMUV and IKI and implemented by GIZ.