Publications

This global roadmap provides information on key processes in this sector and gives guidance to policy-makers, e.g. national ozone officers and policy-makers from the waste sector, on developing strategies for successful management of ozone depleting substances (ODS) banks. Furhtermore, the paper presents a decision tree to assist in taking the right decisions concerning ODS bank management.

These papers are part of the project ‘Management and Destruction of Existing Ozone Depleting Substances Banks’ funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Ozone and climate protection is not just a European challenge but a global challenge. However, the European Union is considered a pioneer in F-gas regulation. In order to pass on this early experience, the EU, together with BMZ, supports countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa in reaching their targets of ODS phase-out and early actions on HFCs.

The SPODS project (opens in a new window) in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the ROCA project in Africa are about policy advice, strategy development, training, new cooling technologies and much more. While SPODS is ending after 3 years of successful cooperation, ROCA is just getting started.

The side event provided insights in both projects and the European Green Cooling approach.

Agenda

Facilitator: Janna Breitfeld, GIZ Proklima

Despite the increasing market growth of split-type air conditioners, window-type ACs still have stable markets in many regions, accounting for about 13 million sales annually. Most of these sold units are featured with a low energy performance and highly climate-damaging HCFC-22 (GWP 1800) and HFC-410A (GWP 2088). However, their compactness, small refrigerant charge and simple installation perfectly qualify them for HC-290 (GWP of 1), holding large efficiency and climate benefits on scale.

In this side event we zoomed into most dominant regional markets, unfolded the GHG mitigation potential that would result from a timely transition to HC-290 (GWP of 1), and discussed design and safety aspects of R290 window-type ACs.

The side event provided insights in the Green Cooling potential of window type ACs.

Agenda

Facilitator: Janna Breitfeld, GIZ Proklima

Access to cooling plays an important role to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, there is a global need to provide off-grid (mainly solar) cooling to those who do currently not have access to cooling. With a growing off-grid refrigeration market, future cold chains and off-grid refrigeration equipment need to be designed in a sustainable and climate resilient way.

Solar cooling technologies present a significant opportunity to contribute to the economic livelihood of communities and reaching at the same time global climate goals. Solar cooling technologies strengthen cold chains in communities with poor access to electricity and cooling by providing reliable, sustainable, and inclusive refrigeration options that reduce postharvest losses, enhance economic opportunities, and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

By harnessing solar energy, these systems reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, solar cooling projects need to consider the ecological impact of the energy source, the refrigerant and insulation material used. There are many solar cooling technologies that are not environmentally and climate friendly, because they use synthetic refrigerants such as Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Consequently, climate and environmentally friendly solar cooling technologies need to use natural refrigerants that have an ultra-low GWP and not emit other chemical pollutants, such as PFAS, to truly mitigate carbon emissions and have no negative environmental impact.

Global roadmap on ODS banks management (EN / ES)

Guideline to conduct an ODS bank inventory (EN / ES)

Guideline on policy measures for the management and destruction of ozone depleting substances

Agen­da

Facilitators: Mónica Silva González, Maria Carolina Velez, Janna Breitfeld (GIZ)

Organisers: European Commission and GIZ Proklima on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

Agenda

Moderation: Birgit Mayer, GIZ Proklima

Moderation: Kerstin Kreß, GIZ Proklima

Our author Elke Schimmel, on behalf of the Green Cooling Initiative, has conducted interviews with engineers, trainers, and other experts from Bangladesh, Colombia, and Kenya. She has put their experiences in a broader context by analysing existing data about the situation of women in cooling on a global level. 

Read a summary of her findings in our short handbook with practical recommendations on how we can support women in cooling in different stages of their career.

Solar cooling technologies are varied and include solar thermal cooling (absorption and adsorption), and solar electric cooling systems. Each technology has its unique advantages and applications, from residential to industrial uses, especially for cold chain applications. GIZ showcases its experience regarding solar cooling in this publication by presenting selected examples from the many collaborative projects done by GIZ and its partners worldwide or other organisations, developers or manufacturers.

The process to acquire a solar cooling technology can be complex and complicated to navigate. This requires careful navigation of policies, agreement of multiple stakeholders, adequate documentation of end-user needs and subsequent technical specification that satisfies those needs. Therefore, this publication offers guidance for future project managers that wish to procure, install, and operate a solar cooling technology successfully.

Facilitator: Janna Breitfeld and Julia Schabel, GIZ Proklima

Organiser: GIZ Proklima on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window).

You want to dive deeper? Download the full report! 

You will find extensive descriptions of the situation of women working in the cooling sector in Bangladesh, Colombia, Kenya, and on a global level, containing facts and figures as well as quotes from the interviews. The report shows the challenges and barriers women face and draws conclusions on what we can do to overcome them. 

The report has been elaborated by the Green Cooling Initiative with support by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) in the context of the International Climate Initiative.

🎤 Speakers:

• Elke Schimmel: urban planner, anthropologist, CEO of november:city
• Betzabe Parra: refrigeration and air conditioning technician
• Ellen Michel, team leader at GIZ Proklima

Facilitator: Kerstin Kreß, GIZ Proklima

These papers are part of the project ‘Management and Destruction of Existing Ozone Depleting Substances Banks’ funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

ROCA stands for "Ozone and Climate Friendly Cooling in West and Central Africa". The project is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Cooling is no longer a luxury. It saves lifes during heatwaves, preserves vaccines, and ensures food security. But the same systems that protect us from rising temperatures also contribute significantly to climate change. If left unchecked, refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technologies could be responsible for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, reaching 6.1 GtCO2eq by 2050. This paradox — where cooling both protects and pollutes — is what the Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change (C4) project set out to address. Over 10 years, C4 has helped countries turn cooling from a blind spot into a climate solution — by building national inventories, crafting strategic policies, developing action plans, strengthening skills, and engaging financial institutions.

Across two phases (2016–2025), the C4 project helped 3 partner countries (Costa Rica, Grenada, The Philippines), in the first phase Iran and Vietnam and in the second phase 2 pilot countries (Nigeria, Liberia) to:

•  Develop or update their national RAC greenhouse gas inventories, develop National Cooling Action Plans and MRV frameworks, and finally integrate RAC mitigation into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 

•  Co-develop Green Cooling pilot projects with more than 140 R-290 air-conditioning (AC) installations in hotels, hospitals and public buildings 

•  Train more than 210 technicians and instructors in the safe handling of natural refrigerants, encouraging more women to take up technical professions 

•  Catalyze new financial instruments and procurement schemes for climate-friendly cooling 

•  Develop global tools such as the NDC Helpdesk (opens in a new window) and the Green Cooling Finance Platform (opens in a new window)

From Baseline to Action: Countries Making Cooling Count

Implementing best practices could reduce cooling-related emissions worldwide by up to 60% by 2050 — and up to 96% with faster grid decarbonization. Yet the RAC sector remains one of the least addressed in national climate strategies. Many countries lack the data, coordination, or financing systems to take meaningful action. 

A five-step approach developed under the C4 project is already being applied by Costa Rica, Grenada, the Philippines, Liberia, and Nigeria — each tailoring it to their national context. Three priority areas stand out:

Understanding a country’s cooling footprint is the first step to addressing it. Still, cooling-related emissions often go unaccounted in national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. That’s why C4 helped partner countries build sector-specific inventories based on internationally recognized Tier 1 and 2 methods (basic vs. more detailed inventory approaches) — tracking refrigerant use, equipment stock, and energy demand. 

These inventories help identify mitigation potential, align with Kigali targets, and strengthen national climate strategies. 

Country Snapshots: 

•  Costa Rica completed a Tier 2 inventory and updated it to inform policy and public procurement. 

•  Grenada built a full Tier 2 RAC inventory (updated in 2025) and linked it to technician training and policy planning. 

•  The Philippines mapped RAC emissions and aligned data with training, standards, and appliance efficiency. 

•  Nigeria built a baseline across key RAC subsectors for inclusion in its upcoming NDC 3.0. 

•  Liberia completed its first national RAC inventory using a Tier 1 approach in 2024, and as a basis for its upcoming National Cooling Action Plan.

Explore tools: The C4 Quick Self-Analysis (opens in a new window) Tool and Mini Module (opens in a new window) 1 including its HFC Emissions Baseline Excel Tool (opens in a new window) support robust RAC inventories.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the core mechanism for countries to outline and update their climate strategies every five years. The upcoming 2025 NDC 3.0 update is a key moment to expand ambition and formally include cooling. 

Integrating cooling into NDCs enables countries to tackle both direct refrigerant emissions and indirect energy-related emissions, while unlocking co-benefits like energy security, health resilience, and green jobs. It also promotes coordination across climate, energy, and ozone actors — leading to more robust baselines and long-term planning. 

Country Snapshots 

•  Costa Rica included RAC mitigation in its 2020 NDC, focusing on the use of air conditioners in hotels, green public procurement, minimum energy performance standards, and training. 

•  Grenada focused on mitigation in room AC and domestic refrigeration in its NDC (2020) and launched public awareness campaigns, energy labels, and a cross-border training network. 

•  The Philippines integrated the RAC sector in its 2020 NDC; focused on unitary AC and cold chain interventions. 

•  Nigeria prepared sectoral mitigation strategies as part of its 2025 NDC update. 

•  Liberia is currently drafting an Action Plan to include RAC measures for NDC 2025 integration. 

Explore tools: Use the NDC Helpdesk (opens in a new window) as a starting point to a multitude of publications, videos, and tools – among them the NDC guidance for NDC policy makers (opens in a new window), the Excel NDC Benchmarking Tool (opens in a new window), and the NDC4 Webinar series. (opens in a new window)

As the world prepares for the next NDC update in 2025, C4 has shown how to move from ambition to action in cooling. It’s not only about technology — it’s about data, finance, training, and governance. The tools, lessons, and strategies developed under the project now form a global blueprint. But the job isn’t done:

•  MAINSTREAM COOLING IN NDC 3.0: Ensure that all countries — not just early pioneers — include cooling in their NDCs, with concrete targets and implementation pathways. 

•  SCALE NATIONAL ACTION: Move from planning to action through technician training, regulatory enforcement, and financing for clean cooling technologies. 

•  BRIDGE CLIMATE AND OZONE POLICY: Align Kigali Amendment and NDC reporting to avoid duplication, streamline data, and raise overall ambition. 

•  ENSURE ACCESS AND EQUITY: Support countries in developing cooling strategies that serve both people and planet — with a strong focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups. 

•  ALIGN WITH CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS: Link cooling to national electrification strategies using energy-efficient appliances, solar PV, mini-grids, and smart demand-side management. 

•  INTEGRATE COOLING INTO ADAPTATION PLANS: Ensure cooling is embedded in adaptation efforts — from hospitals and vaccine logistics to food systems and urban resilience. 

•  CLOSE THE FINANCE GAP: Unlock greater investment in sustainable cooling through blended finance, public privat partnerships (PPPs), and innovative models like Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS).

More details can be found in our C4 project brochure (opens in a new window) for country highlights and success stories. 

The publication is only available in spanish

This sub-sector plays a key role in reducing emissions due to its high volume of RAC equipment and intensive use of refrigerants. Many of these refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), are potent greenhouse gases (GHG). Reducing emissions associated with this equipment is essential to protecting the ozone layer and mitigating climate change.

This publication provides a detailed technical approach for formulating and implementing mitigation initiatives that reduce the consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and HFC, thereby contributing to the achievement of national GHG reduction targets. Implementing the proposed strategies can help organizations improve energy efficiency, increase sector productivity, and transition to more sustainable operations.
What will you find in this guide?
•    An overview of ODS phase-out and climate change mitigation.
•    The relationship of Colombia's retail sub-sector to ODS and HFC and its contribution to the national GHG inventory.
•    A review of voluntary and regulated carbon markets and how they can generate additional revenue and a competitive advantage through the sale of emission reduction certificates.
•    A complete cycle for formulating and implementing greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation initiatives, including planning (activity definition, methodology selection, and feasibility analysis) and development (monitoring and verification).
•    Application of recognized international methodologies to quantify emission reductions, especially in refrigerant management and energy efficiency.
•    Financing options and tax benefits are available to support these actions.
 

The guide's primary goal is to promote the adoption of best practices for using equipment and systems with R-290 refrigerant within Colombia's commercial refrigeration sector. The initiative seeks to promote environmental protection and cold chain efficiency by leveraging the thermodynamic properties of R-290, which enable high energy efficiency.
The guide is intended for anyone interacting with this technology in Colombia, including service, maintenance, and installation technicians; also, equipment owners, operators, designers and manufacturers. It offers a valuable resource for the safe and efficient management of R-290. The content exclusively focuses on commercial refrigeration systems that use this type of refrigerant in Colombia.
 

The main topics covered include:
•    The characteristics and safety classification of hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as R-290.
•    Environmental and safety requirements, including toxicity and flammability load limits, occupancy categories, and system locations.
•    References to relevant national and international technical standards such as NTC 6228, IEC 60335-2-89, ISO, IEC, EN, and ANSI/ASHRAE.
•    Guidelines on occupational health and safety (OHS): risk assessment, ignition source prevention, and signaling.
•    Good practices for preventive and corrective maintenance, including technical documentation, component inventory, and leak inspection schedules.
•    Detailed technical procedures for servicing, including fault detection, controlled venting, and the safe recovery of R-290 refrigerant using certified equipment.
•    Protocols for safely opening the system (without flame), replacing the filter drier and oil, and cleaning with oxygen-free dry nitrogen (OFN).
•    Instructions for leak testing, system vacuuming, and accurately charging the system with refrigerant.
•    Recommendations for system start-up, stabilization, and sealing.
•    Considerations for the deinstallation or dismantling of equipment, as well as environmentally responsible waste management.
•    Specific advice for owners on the safe use and maintenance of hydrocarbon equipment.
•    Lists of recommended tools and equipment for technical work with R-290.
 

The publication is only available in spanish

This guide is an essential tool for achieving safer, more efficient, and more sustainable refrigeration in Colombia. 

ROCA is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

As Indian cities face rising temperatures, rapid urbanisation, and increasing energy demand, the need for sustainable cooling is becoming urgent. At the same time, national ambitions such as Make in India and digital transformation depend on reliable cooling solutions. Yet much of the renewable energy added in recent years has been used to meet rising cooling demand—making cooling central to India’s energy transition. By 2038, India’s cooling needs across buildings, cold chains, data centres, transport, and industry are projected to grow eightfold. Space cooling alone could account for 45% of peak electricity demand by 2050. Incremental efficiency improvements will not be sufficient; a more systemic, scalable approach—such as District Cooling—is essential.

Leaks in RAC systems can be small or significant and can compromise the integrity of the equipment. For this reason, leak tests are performed on individual components as well as complete systems. Leaks have negative effects in three main areas:
•    Mechanical: They decrease the cooling capacity of the equipment.
•    Environmental: Many refrigerants affect the ozone layer or contribute to global warming.
•    Health and safety: Inhaling certain refrigerants can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and, in severe cases, pulmonary edema.
 

ROCA stands for "Ozone and Climate Friendly Cooling in West and Central Africa". The project is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).

ROCA stands for "Ozone and Climate Friendly Cooling in West and Central Africa". The project is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Regarding leak detection, the guide presents direct and indirect methods that should be performed with calibrated, appropriate equipment, especially when working with flammable refrigerants.

Direct methods allow for the precise location of the leak point. These methods include techniques such as bubble testing (with soapy water), using electronic detectors (such as semiconductor, infrared, and electrochemical), ultrasound, and tracer mixtures (such as nitrogen/hydrogen or helium).

Indirect methods are based on analyzing system indicators that suggest a leak is present, such as pressure and temperature variations (overheating and undercooling), increased compressor energy consumption, a decreased liquid refrigerant level, and frequent refrigerant recharging.

The guide is based on current technical standards for leakage control in RAC systems. The main standards include NTC 6228, NTC 6572, ISO 817, ISO 5149, and EN 378.

Implementing leakage control from the stages of manufacturing, installing, and operating systems is essential to protecting the environment, reducing operating costs, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring people's safety.

The publication is only available in spanish 

How to use the HFC Emission Baseline Tool? 

The tool is based on an excel. Please download the excel table and follow the instructions on the respective sheet. Secondly, basic data entry is performed on the sheet Country Data Input. In the third step, calculations are performed on the sheet Estimated Emissions. 

District Cooling Systems (DCS) centralise the production and distribution of cooling, improving energy efficiency by up to 50% and reducing peak power demand by as much as 40%. Integrated with renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and water systems, DCS supports circular economy goals and offers lifecycle cost savings of up to 25%. It also ensures equitable access to cooling, strengthens urban resilience, and reduces environmental impact.

While not a silver bullet, DCS is a practical, strategic intervention that aligns modern infrastructure with traditional Indian values of harmony with nature. India’s heritage of passive cooling—from shaded courtyards to water features—offers valuable lessons for today. Bridging indigenous knowledge with technological innovation presents a contextually relevant way forward.
 

Maharashtra, India’s most industrialised state, is well placed to lead this transition. In 2022–23, its industrial sector consumed nearly 59,000 million units of electricity—a 10.3% increase from the previous year. DCS adoption in dense urban zones such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Dharavi, Mindspace Airoli, and major industrial developments like the Reliance Industrial Hub and Bidkin Industrial Area could reduce demand by 1 GW, cut emissions by 80 million tonnes, and attract USD 1.5 billion in investment.

Realising this potential will require robust policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and integrated urban planning. Capacity-building and knowledge-sharing platforms are equally critical, helping to merge traditional wisdom with modern engineering.

This report sets out a systematic approach to energy and cooling for Maharashtra—positioning the state as a frontrunner in sustainable urban development, while supporting inclusive economic growth and climate resilience.

This report is an initiative undertaken as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Tabreed India and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)’s ‘Energy Efficiency Cooling’ programme, jointly implemented with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), to accelerate adoption of sustainable cooling practices.

Andhra Pradesh is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most climate-vulnerable states, experiencing the highest number of heatwave days in South India. In 2024 alone, temperatures soared to 47.7°C. As air-conditioning becomes more widespread—with national penetration expected to rise from 8% to 40% by 2038—cooling demand across buildings, cold chains, transport, refrigeration, and industry is projected to increase installed cooling capacity eightfold compared to 2018.

In Andhra Pradesh, peak electricity demand is expected to rise by 57% within the next five years, reaching nearly 20 GW by 2029, largely driven by increased cooling needs. A business-as-usual approach—focused solely on renewable energy uptake or incremental efficiency measures—will not suffice to meet the state’s energy and climate goals.
Recognising this challenge, Andhra Pradesh is already taking proactive steps. The state’s draft Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy 2023–2028 calls for promoting advanced technologies for energy conservation. These ambitions are also being reflected in discussions on the forthcoming Industrial Policy. One key solution under consideration is District Cooling.

District Cooling offers such a solution. By centralising the production and distribution of cooling, District Cooling Systems (DCS) dramatically improve energy efficiency, reduce peak power loads, and make use of alternative resources like waste water and renewable energy. These systems reduce environmental footprints while enabling equitable access to affordable cooling—treating it as a core utility rather than a luxury.

District Cooling supports a more integrated urban development model—one that aligns modern innovation with India’s deep-rooted environmental consciousness. It also facilitates cooperation across government levels and between public and private actors, paving the way for seamless governance and circular resource use.
 

This report is an initiative undertaken as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Tabreed India and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)’s ‘Energy Efficiency Cooling’ programme, jointly implemented with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), to accelerate adoption of sustainable cooling practices.

District Cooling Systems (DCS) centralise the production and distribution of cooling, improving energy efficiency, enabling renewable energy integration, and reducing environmental impact. DCS can be coupled with sewage treatment, waste-to-energy, and other urban systems to create circular, resource-efficient infrastructure. By treating cooling as a public utility, DCS ensures affordability, reliability, and equitable access across diverse urban settings.

Andhra Pradesh has already taken a pioneering step. In 2019, the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) signed India’s first Public-Private Partnership concession with Tabreed to develop a 20,000 refrigeration tonne (RT) DCS in Amaravati. Designed to reduce electricity demand for cooling government buildings such as the High Court and Secretariat by 50%, this project sets a precedent for integrated planning.
If District Cooling is scaled across high-density urban zones as per Amaravati’s masterplan, the state could attract USD 4 billion in investments, reduce installed cooling capacity by 700,000 RT, lower peak electricity demand by 1.8 GW, and cut carbon emissions by 2.6 million tonnes.

Beyond Amaravati, the report explores opportunities in upcoming mega-projects such as Bhogapuram Airport, Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City, Sri City, and planned IT parks and data centres. Together, these could benefit from 475,000 RT of District Cooling capacity, translating into USD 880 million in investment potential and over 500 MW in peak power savings.

This report highlights the transformative role that District Cooling can play in achieving both sustainable development and economic growth in Andhra Pradesh. With the right policy support and integrated urban planning, the state has the opportunity to become a national leader in low-carbon cooling.
 

This report is an initiative undertaken as a part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Tabreed India and Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)’s ‘Energy Efficiency Cooling’ programme, jointly implemented with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), to accelerate adoption of sustainable cooling practices.

The publication has been elaborated by the project ROCA (opens in a new window)(Refroidissement respectueux de l'Ozone et du Climat en Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale). The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the National Ozone Units (NOUs) and the relevant ministries of the partner countries Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cameroon.

Have a look at our Energy Efficiency Calculator! Use this tool to estimate and compare the running costs, the energy consumption and the emissions of domestic refrigerators or air conditioners in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Energy Efficiency Tool

A successful transformation depends on four key pillars:

• Technology development and deployment – Accelerating prototype testing and integrating energy-efficient designs.
• Stronger regulations and policy support – National and global regulatory frameworks must actively incentivise the shift to sustainable refrigerants.
• Capacity building – Technicians must be trained and awareness raised among key industry stakeholders, including shipping companies and regulatory authorities.
• Financial mobilisation and partnerships – Carbon markets, public incentives, and public–private partnerships must be leveraged to ease financial burdens and foster cross-sector collaboration.

To meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement and remain competitive in a market that is shifting rapidly toward sustainability, the transition to Greener Reefers is not optional — it is imperative. The white paper “Accelerating the transition to climate and environmentally friendly reefers” outlines immediate steps toward a sustainable future, presenting detailed emissions models that underscore the stark contrast between action and inaction. It highlights the critical importance of scaling up the use of natural refrigerants.

This publication, jointly developed by the Kuehne Climate Center and the GIZ-implemented project Greener Reefers, benefited from the valuable contributions of the shipping and container industry. Their input helped sharpen the content and provide crucial insights into the future of maritime freight transport and logistics. The Greener Reefers project is financed through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

The publication has been elaborated by the project ROCA (opens in a new window)(Refroidissement respectueux de l'Ozone et du Climat en Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale). The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the National Ozone Units (NOUs) and the relevant ministries of the partner countries Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cameroon.

Have a look at our Energy Efficiency Calculator! Use this tool to estimate and compare the running costs, the energy consumption and the emissions of domestic refrigerators or air conditioners in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Energy Efficiency Tool

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_SVLx_7N83qGHLDT75czemIny7qTjdTS (opens in a new window)

This publication was co-financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Ministry for Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI).  

It was implemented by GIZ Proklima in collaboration with the Directorate of Environmental Quality Management (DIGECA) of Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), with the Central American Integration System (SICA) and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It’s content is GIZ’s responsibility only.

The global projects Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change C4 II (opens in a new window) and C4 are both implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). In the first phase (C4 I) was implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) from 2016 to 2021. The second phase (C4 II) has been implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) from 2021 - 2025.
 

Based on the data collected and international best practices, recommendations are provided for energy efficiency standards and energy labels for refrigerators and domestic air conditioners. The adoption of advanced energy efficiency standards and the transition to low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants are necessary to achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. It is recommended that, in addition to the label agreed within the UEMOA framework on the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning appliances, the label should also contain information on the refrigerant used, its quantity and its GWP. The adoption of increasingly ambitious standards and labels will not result in increased costs for end-users. With the cost of electricity set to rise in the future, the introduction of energy standards and labels, coupled with stakeholders' understanding of the life-cycle cost analysis of refrigeration and air-conditioning products, will lead to energy savings for end-users, which will benefit the Burkinabe economy.

The project ROCA (Refroidissement Respectueux de l’Ozone et du Climat en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale) is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It is implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the partner countries' national ozone units. In Burkina Faso, the project is implemented in cooperation with the Direction Générale de la Préservation de l’Environnement (DGPE) du Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement (MEEA), to which the national ozone bureau belongs. 

To address the skills needed for natural refrigerants, GIZ Proklima developed the “Fit-for Green Cooling” modules enabling countries to integrate in the TVET curriculum the safety and skills required in handling climate-friendly refrigerant alternatives. The side event was opened by Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh of the DENR highlighting Filipino skills as world class. Philipp Denzinger of GIZ Proklima presented the “Fit-for-Green Cooling” training modules that is readily available for countries, Manuel Azucena of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) presented the experience of the Philippines in integrating natural refrigerants R290, R717 and Re744 in the RAC TVET curriculum of TESDA and finally Jan Dusek of ATMOsphere presented the Cold Chain Innovation (CCI) Hub as a venue for trainings and events in promoting natural refrigerants in the cold chain. Maraida Licerio of GIZ Philippines moderated the side event.  

Based on the data collected and international best practice, recommendations are provided for energy efficiency standards and labels for refrigerators and air conditioners. The adoption of advanced energy efficiency standards and the transition to low-GWP refrigerants are necessary to achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. It is recommended that, in addition to the label agreed in the UEMAO framework on the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning appliances, the label should also contain information on the refrigerant used, its quantity and its global warming potential (GWP).

The adoption of increasingly ambitious standards and labels will not result in higher costs for end users. With the expected increase in the cost of electricity in the future, the introduction of energy standards and labels, coupled with stakeholders' understanding of the life-cycle cost analysis of refrigeration and air conditioning products, will lead to energy savings for end-users, which will benefit the Malian economy.

The project ROCA (Refroidissement Respectueux de l’Ozone et du Climat en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale) is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, as a contribution to EU's global initiative "Global Climate Change Alliance (opens in a new window)". The national ozone units and their ministries are the project's main coopearation partners. In Mali, the project is implemented in cooperation with the national department for pollution controle (Direction Nationale de l’Assainissement du Contrôle des Pollutions et des Nuisances (DNACPN)) of the ministry for the environment and sustainable development (Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Assainissement et du Développement Durable (MEADD)), to which the national ozone bureau belongs. 

Preparations of the European F-gas regulation began as early as 2006. The official phase-out followed in 2014. What lessons learned should be passed on to subsequent countries? Data capture and trainings are two key elements. Philip Owen also emphasises the labelling of energy-efficient appliances to give consumers more orientation. "It is already possible to move away today from HCFC straight to alternatives" he says and brings up the example of split AC based on propane.

The office buildings at GIZ Bonn were built in 2015 (Mäander building) and 2020 (GIZ Campus). Sustainability was very important in the planning process, also in terms of ventilation and air conditioning. Even the refrigerants contained in the heat pumps have been carefully selected. The air conditioning system of the Mäander building is based on 66 kg propane while 450 kg CO2 are used in the Campus building. Both refrigerants are ozone- and climate-friendly due to their very low Global Warming Potential. The air conditioning system based on CO2 is custom-made and all necessary safety measures have been taken at both plants. "We feel absolutely safe", says Mr. Schäfer, technical director of the buildings services at GIZ Bonn. 

The office buildings at GIZ Bonn were built in 2015 (Mäander building) and 2020 (GIZ Campus). Sustainability was very important in the planning process, also in terms of ventilation and air conditioning. Even the refrigerants contained in the heat pumps have been carefully selected. The air conditioning system of the Mäander building is based on 66 kg propane while 450 kg CO2 are used in the Campus building. Both refrigerants are ozone- and climate-friendly due to their very low Global Warming Potential. 

Intarcon is a global supplier for packaged refrigeration units and solutions for the catering and food distribution sectors and the industry. The company distributes systems that operate with natural refrigerants. Discover Intarcon's refrigeration systems based on propane, CO2 and ammonia!

Roche sends biotechnological medicines from its distribution center to more than 23 countries in the entire Central American and Caribbean region. Two cold rooms with the natural refrigerant R290 store all products requiring a cold chain of 2°C to 8°C degrees, mainly medicines for cancer treatment. A freezing room is used to store refrigeration elements to maintain the cold chain during transportation.

RSF provides insights into how they installed refrigeration systems at a Coca Cola plant in Costa Rica and what considerations played a role in doing so. The systems used, equipped with ammonia, are highly energy efficient and climate-friendly. Additionally, the refrigeration, air conditioning and process water systems are equipped with monitoring devices to avoid waste. 

Mabe is the leader for home appliances in Latin America. The company's goal is to eliminate the conventional refrigerant R134a and replace it with the natural refrigerant R600a. Since the start of this project, Mabe has avoided emissions to the environment of more than 240,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The MOPT replaced its old ACs by inverter ACs based on R290 refrigerants. A total of 20 eco-efficient air conditioners were installed in 2019.

Grenz Concept is an AC distributor based in Grenada. The company installed the first R290 unit in May 2019. Since then, the success of these units has been tremendous: Costumers are very happy with these ACs based on hydrocarbons.

Modern Electrical Solutions is an AC distributor based in Grenada. Founded in 2012, the company keeps Grenada naturally cool by installing R290 units to replace climate damaging refrigerants.

Why are projects like SPODS so important? Philip Owen has many answers to this question. It is crucial to get the knowledge into the market so that the technologies are available. Furthermore, the trainings conducted within the SPODS project are an important part.  Another aspect is the networking effect. "A problem shared is a problem halved", says Philip Owen.

The handbook, which was first published in 2013, is structured into ten modules. Modules 1-5 are related to establishing the GHG emissions baseline and reduction scenarios. Modules 6-10 contain guidance on how to prepare suitable roadmaps and to provide for enabling policy, market and financing environments. Further the modules offer guidelines for the development of implementation plans including aspects for the realisation of co-benefits and the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of emission reductions.

How does SPODS help to reach European and international targets in the field of ozone and climate protection? First of all, it is important to emphasize that "The climate challenge is not a European challenge, it's a global challenge." The EU was one of the first movers and can show in this project that a HFCF phase-down is possible and can provide tools to facilitate implementation. "And perhaps they can do it better than we can", he adds with a smile.

Asked the other way around: What can the EU learn from the SPODS partners in Latin America and the Caribbean? There's a lot! The experience with the use of refrigerants and technologies in hot and humid climates is very valuable.  "Engineers will report back and we will learn from this", says Philip Owen. He concludes that "All the projects are always a two-way street." Here we are sharing both, the policy aspect and the effective deployment of the technologies.

Many thanks to Philip Owen for this enriching interview!

These papers are part of the project ‘Management and Destruction of Existing Ozone Depleting Substances Banks’ funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.