Search

HEAT regularly applies a sectoral approach when striving to reduce emissions. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories, low-carbon roadmaps and real-life pilot projects can effectively support sector transformation and low-carbon strategies. Aiming at the reduction of emissions from refrigerated transport in South Africa, HEAT supported the GIZ project Mitigating Emissions in the Transport Refrigeration Sector in South Africa in 2013-2017, funded by the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). HEAT identified measures to reduce emissions from refrigerated transport in trucks. The switch to natural refrigerant-based cooling systems and increased efficiency of those systems led to less direct emissions from the refrigerants and less indirect emissions from diesel to operate the equipment. Together with Transfrig, the leading local manufacturer, our experts developed and tested prototypes of climate-friendly refrigeration systems with 30% less energy consumption. Contribution to climate resilience: An improved cold chain leads to better food security and less health risks associated with perishable food. Optimized logistics and more efficient refrigeration systems cause less air pollution than conventional systems. Working with local companies regarding innovative technologies enhances vocational training, job opportunities and supports local operators and technology providers in their efforts to “green” their business. Moreover, the sector strategy introduced Measuring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system procedures that can also be applied in other sectors. …

The number of room air conditioners is rising quickly throughout the world and especially in developing countries with warm climates. According to IEA, there could be over 3.7 billion room ACs in use in 2050. Emissions from room air conditioning will increase dramatically. Besides the decarbonisation of energy supply, increasing the appliances’ energy efficiency and using climate-friendly natural refrigerants are the only way towards zero-carbon and “green” cooling. HEAT has supported a pioneering room AC production conversion project which was implemented by GIZ and funded by the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The Indian manufacturer Godrej ozone- and climate-friendly natural refrigerant R290 and started selling it in 2012. HEAT experts provided technical support for the new product design with a special focus on energy efficient and safe operation. HEAT also supported the elaboration of technicians training regarding the safe handling of flammable refrigerants in this context. In several related projects, HEAT experts have assisted the conversion to natural refrigerants in the production of household refrigerators as well as to natural blowing agents in the production of foam. …