The United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative has identified energy-efficient appliances as a "high-impact opportunity". They have the potential to reduce countries' greenhouse gas emissions, generate economic benefits, enhance energy security and improve people's wellbeing. Amongst a five-part series of United for Efficiency (U4E) reports, the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) contributed to two guidelines on energy-efficient & climate-friendly refrigerators and air conditioners.
Air conditioning and residential refrigerators make up a significant portion of the household energy demand, especially in hot climates. A growing population, a rising middle class and global warming are predicted to prompt a steep increase in the demand for cooling appliances. Transitioning to climate-friendly and energy-efficient air conditioners and household refrigerators can attain significant energy savings.
The guidelines address policy makers, providing them with cross-cutting information and best-practice examples on how to promote energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigerators and room air conditioners in their respective national markets for the establishment of a successful energy efficiency programme. The guideline on air conditioners (abre en una nueva ventana) and refrigerators (abre en una nueva ventana) can be found on the U4E webpage (abre en una nueva ventana).