Green Cooling Initiative
The Green Cooling Initiative contributed to raising international awareness of the significant mitigation potential associated with environmentally- and climate-friendly cooling technologies. Through its three phases, GCI supported its partners worldwide in accelerating the transformation of the cooling sector towards energy efficient technologies using natural refrigerants. We worked along the three pillars of policy advise, technology transfer and capacity building.
Major Achievements of the Green Cooling Initiative
Piloting and dissemination of technologies using natural refrigerants and high energy efficiency
- Model effect: We promoted the green cooling sector transformation and supported sustainable supply chains on a regional and international level.
Training courses for technicians, trainers, and political actors
- Long-term use of natural refrigerants and suitable safety standards through updated curricula and training of trainers.
- Market introduction: We supported the new technologies with trained technicians who perform energy-efficient maintenance.
- Political Support: Decision-makers were trained, given the opportunity to network, which led to the establishment of the Green Cooling approach, and promoted national transformation efforts.
National regulations
- Consideration of the refrigeration sector: Potential emission reductions are/have been integrated into national regulations
Green Cooling Initiative: from Foundation to Scale
Phase I: Laying the Foundations for Green Cooling (2012–2018)
To advance climate-friendly cooling worldwide, the first phase of the German Green Cooling Initiative (GGCI) focused on establishing green cooling as a recognized approach across policy, technology, and practice.
At an institutional level, GGCI created the Green Cooling Network as a global platform for exchange and launched the Green Cooling Africa Initiative in cooperation with the CTCN. Through numerous workshops, trainings, and side events, GGCI connected policymakers, industry representatives, technicians, and international organizations, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration.
On the policy side the project developed cooling roadmaps, greenhouse gas inventories, and policy frameworks in Ghana, Kenya, Namibia and Mauritius and supported the introduction of energy efficiency standards, and demonstrated the feasibility of climate-friendly cooling through pilot projects and technology deployments using natural refrigerants.
Two flagship pilot projects demonstrated the viability of sustainable cooling in real-world settings: an environmentally friendly fish cold store in Kenya, contributing to a decentralized and resilient food value chain, and the climate-friendly air conditioning of a hotel in Sri Lanka, implemented in cooperation with the Jetwing Hotel Group.
Phase II: Scaling Impact and Embedding Green Cooling in National Systems (2017–2022)
Building on the foundations layed in the first phase, the follow-up programme Green Cooling Initiative II shifted the focus from piloting to mainstreaming and scaling green cooling solutions, with Kenya, Ghana, and Seychelles as partner countries.
Through a wide range of outreach and exchange activities, the Green Cooling Network continued to grow, expanding its membership from 100 to 172 organizations.
Policy support deepened and became more integrated into national climate frameworks. GCI II supported the development of national cooling strategies and roadmaps. Crucially, RAC sector measures were embedded into the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Kenya, Ghana, and Seychelles, with the Seychelles RAC chapter emerging as a best-practice example for other countries.
First steps were taken toward more formalized qualification, certification, and registration (QCR) systems in several countries. Training programmes became more structured through revised curricula, appropriate equipment for training centers and standardized training materials. An important milestone for long-term sector transformation!
Technology transfer and sector-specific solutions - such as for supermarkets, transport refrigeration, and vaccine cold chains - supported the transition from pilots to broader market adoption.
Phase III: Accelerating Adoption and Anchoring Green Cooling Globally (2021–2025)
In its final phase, the Green Cooling Initiative III (GCI III) focused on accelerating the uptake of climate-friendly cooling solutions and embedding them in national systems across an expanded set of partner countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, Honduras, and Bangladesh.
GCI III combined awareness raising, technology demonstration, and capacity building to move green cooling from pilots toward broader adoption. Trainings, public outreach activities, and international study trips supported knowledge exchange, while natural refrigerant technologies were demonstrated through the installation of R290 air conditioning systems in public buildings, hospitals, universities, and training institutes. Additional training infrastructure, including CO₂ and R290-based facilities, strengthened hands-on learning and market readiness.
Policy support ensured alignment with national climate objectives. GCI III contributed to the integration of green cooling measures into NDC updates in several partner countries, provided targeted policy and financial advice, and supported evidence-based decision-making through regional forums and sector studies.
Across all partner countries, more than 1,700 technicians and stakeholders were trained, training institutions were equipped and curricula updated, and progress was made toward stronger qualification, certification, and registration systems - anchoring green cooling as a sustainable, long-term component of national cooling sectors.
Examples from our project countries
Uganda
National Regulation
- Supported national consultations in the development of the East African Community Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for domestic refrigerators and room air conditioners.
- Contributed to the development of safety standards IEC 60335 and ISO 5149 in Uganda, which were approved by the UNBS Standards Management Committee (SMC).
- Facilitated knowledge sharing with East African RAC associations and the continental umbrella association U3ARC, including contributions to the East African Strategic Forum on Qualification, Certification and Registration for RAC Technicians.
Capacity Building
- Trained 17 trainers at Kyambogo University, 80 technicians across four batches at National Technical Colleges and Institutions across three regions, and 17 trainers and technicians at Nakawa Vocational Training Institute.
- Delivered negotiation training for two national policymakers to strengthen their capacity for international climate and refrigeration-related negotiations.
- Provided tools and equipment to training centres and institutions to support hands-on practical training.
- Achieved sustainable improvements to training infrastructure on natural refrigerants, supported by partner commitments to expand course offerings and to revise technician curricula to include hydrocarbon technologies.
Demonstration Projects
- Demonstrated and tested the use of R290 ACs in buildings, confirming the feasibility and safety of natural refrigerants through pilot projects at the GIZ country office, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Kyambogo University.
- Supported a pilot project on energy efficiency in the retail sector, encouraging the adoption of efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies.
Colombia
Impacts Overview
Capacity Building in Colombia under GCI III
- Online Cool Training integrated into the learning platform of the Association for Air Conditioning and Referigeration (ACAIRE)
- 8 trainers and policy makers trained in Cool Training in Germany
- 45 persons trained in negotiation
- 156 trainers trained
- 292 technicians trained
“These trainings were a great opportunity to update our knowledge and skills, especially when it comes to working with natural refrigerants", said Olga Victoria Sanz Uribe, instructor for refrigeration and air conditioning at Colombia's national education service SENA, 2023.
training photo gallery
donations
GCI III equipped training institutes with:
- 1 air compressor
- 4 cold room training modules with R290
- 5 AC training modules with R290
- numerous tools
“This type of equipment allows me to promote good practices for handling refrigerants, in this case hydrocarbons” Diego León Muñoz Quiceno, trainer at SENA, during a R290 training.
Infographic on training
Publications from Colombia
- Guía para el control de fugas de refrigerante (PDF, 16.53 MB - opens in a new window)
- Guía para la formulación de iniciativas destinadas a reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero en sistemas de refrigeración y proyectos de aire acondicionado en el sector minorista de Colombia (PDF, 2.05 MB - opens in a new window)
- Guía de buenas prácticas para equipos y sistemas de refrigeración comercial con refrigerante hidrocarburo R-290 (PDF, 38.79 MB - opens in a new window)
Vietnam
Achievement I: Market Study
- Completed market study for the formulation of a transformation plan toward Green Cooling Technologies in the domestic and retail refrigeration subsectors in Vietnam, which provided the basis for including Green Cooling in Vietnam’s NDC Update 2022.
Achievement II: Capacity Building on the Safe Use of Natural Refrigerants
- Trained 25 resource trainers from eight vocational colleges, six practitioners from RAC suppliers and manufacturers, and 75 students from two vocational colleges on the safe use of RAC equipment using R290 as a refrigerant.
- Developed a new module on Green Cooling and natural refrigerants, which has been included in the updated vocational curriculum at Hanoi Industrial Vocational College and Hanoi Vocational College of Electronics and Electro-Refrigeratory Technics, directly benefiting 500 RAC students.
- Procured three full sets of 29 training tools and equipment each to enable hands-on practical training on the safe use of RAC equipment using natural refrigerants for two vocational colleges.
Achievement III: Stimulating Global and Regional Knowledge Exchange
- Shared technical knowledge on natural refrigerants with the National Ozone Unit Vietnam and other policymakers through our annual Cool Training in Germany and other capacity-building activities.
- Facilitated an exposure visit of a Vietnamese delegation to R290 AC manufacturers in China.
Bangladesh
Activities in Bangladesh
Policy related support:
- Supported the Department of Environment (DoE) in partially updating the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3.0) of Bangladesh.
- Developed a technician handbook in Bangla for the service sector technicians of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector.
Training Infrastructure Development:
Training tools and equipment related to Hydrocarbon Refrigerants provided to BKTTC – Dhaka for developing it as a Centre of Excellence for the Ozone Cell related trainings
Demonstration Projects:
Installed 55 demonstration R-290 air conditioners at various public buildings and institutions.
Capacity Building in Bangladesh
7 batches of trainings with a total of 116 technicians
5-day Training of Trainers for 16 instructors and engineers
Industry visits for the training participants to enhance practical understanding
Supported 2 government officials for participating in international trainings and seminars
Awareness Raising
Organized awareness-raising events on “Green Cooling” at 4 universities covering around 300 students
Arranged an awareness-raising seminar to observe the World Ozone Day 2024 covering 120 stakeholders
Kenya
Improved Political Framework and Perception
- Supported the development of MEPS through market studies and training on MEPS development.
- Developed a data-management platform for appliances regulated by the authority and updated the RAC appliance licensing systems.
- Completed awareness campaigns promoting natural refrigerants through media platforms, including three promotional videos and appearances on live TV shows.
Demonstration of Technology
- Pilot project: Installed 15 R290 split-unit air conditioners at Coast General Hospital to demonstrate the economic viability of natural refrigerants in healthcare.
- Financing: Successfully submitted a proposal for the conversion of supermarket cooling systems to the EE funding window.
Capacity Building
- Conducted regional and local training of trainers (ToT) on building R290 commercial refrigeration models and on the safe handling and installation of R290 ACs.
- Trained over 270 technicians on brazing competency and safe handling of natural refrigerants under the GCI project.
- Implemented a scholarship-programme certificate course for female RAC technicians.
- Revised the RAC curriculum for TVET CDACC, NITA, and KICD to incorporate safety measures for handling HC refrigerants.
- Enabled trainees in 11 RAC training institutes in Kenya to gain practical experience by donating industry-standard tools and equipment.
- Established a CO₂ training unit at The Nairobi National Polytechnic (TNNP).
- Trained NOU officers and policymakers from Kenya and 8 other African countries to strengthen negotiation skills.
Thailand
Policy Advice and Support
- Established a strong network within the RAC sector to promote learning and best practices on the safe use of natural refrigerants.
- Brought together government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to exchange insights on Thailand’s transition toward green cooling.
- Supported the implementation and knowledge exchange of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s (EGAT) Cooling Innovation Fund (CIF), facilitating financial mechanisms that promote innovation and broader adoption of green cooling technologies.
- Disseminated knowledge in collaboration with the Department of Skills Development through motion graphics, seminars, and result-sharing activities to raise awareness of natural refrigerants.
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Training Infrastructure Development
- Provided capacity-building for 222 technicians, professional examiners, and sector experts, strengthening confidence in the safe use and potential of green cooling technologies.
- Developed sustainable and comprehensive training programs to enhance technicians’ technical skills and awareness of green cooling technologies, in partnership with local educational institutions to ensure long-term knowledge transfer.
- Collaboratively developed an Instructor Handbook and an updated curriculum for training on the safe use of flammable natural refrigerants.
Demonstration Projects
- Enabled market availability and facilitated market entry of R290 ACs by supported the testing of the units for compliance with safety industry standards.
- Collected and analyzed performance data from R290 AC demonstration units to strengthen the promotion and expansion of natural refrigerant technologies.
Publications
- Females for Future: Women in the Cooling Sector
- Good Practice Guide for Commercial Refrigeration with R-290 (ES)
- Green Cooling in supermarkets
- Net-zero emission solutions for transport refrigeration
- Green Cooling Roadmap for the Jetwing Hotel Group in Sri Lanka
- Environmentally friendly cold storage for fish – an example from Kenya
- International Safety Standards in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heat Pump