German Green Cooling Initiative (GGCI)
Context
Cooling systems such as refrigerators and air-conditioners cause about seven per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. While roughly one third of that share is directly attributable to refrigerant leakage, the other two thirds are due to appliance electricity consumption.
Rising temperatures, advancing prosperity, sharp population growth and urbanization are steadily driving greater use of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, particularly in emerging countries, and thereby accelerating climate change.
Modern cooling appliances feature low energy consumption and operate using natural refrigerants that have no adverse impact on the ozone layer or climate. The appliances used in threshold countries, however, are usually inefficient units based on obsolete technology. Such equipment consumes more power and uses fluorinated-gas (F gas) refrigerants which, when leaked, cause emissions that damage the ozone layer and exacerbate climate change. Lack of experience and shortages of trained maintenance technicians, spare parts and alternative refrigerants are impeding dissemination of sustainable cooling technology in emerging countries. There are also no uniform standards governing appliance design, operation and safety requirements. The numerous initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in emerging and industrial nations are inadequately networked and have no access to promotion processes. With the agreement on a global model for technology transfer achieved at the 16th UN Climate Change Conference in Cancún a basis for the acceleration of technology transfers and the diffusion of innovative technologies was laid in order to reduce emissions in developing countries.
Objective
Implementation of the Cancún agreements in the field of refrigeration technology by establishing the Green Cooling Initiative. Facilitate the realization of emission reduction potentials through the integration of institutions and processes and the acceleration of transfers in the field of innovative refrigeration technologies.
Approach
The project is aimed at establishing the Green Cooling Initiative, an international forum for political decision-makers, technology providers and buyers, scientific and research institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the field of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC). The Green Cooling Initiative has its own internet platform (http://www.green-cooling-initiative.org) and promotes idea- and information-sharing at international events.
The project promotes the development of guidelines and termed technology road maps, designed to promote and transfer sustainable RAC technologies. These technology road maps are disseminated in manuals and at workshops. Within model projects in partner countries local technical capacities are reinforced and the applicability of innovative cooling technologies is demonstrated in developing countries.
Results
Idea and information exchange between stakeholders active in sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning has expanded. The GCI network includes companies, organizations and institutions, and private members. An active exchange takes place in regional platforms/networks.
An interactive internet application has been developed that enables users to survey country-specific emissions data for various equipment classes. The Green Cooling Initiative has already initiated best practice projects for technology cooperation in Kenya, Ghana and Sri Lanka. First technology roadmaps are completed and are being made accessible to the public.
Thanks to the connection between the Green Cooling Initiative and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) of the United Nations, the project has succeeded in international climate change negotiations in highlighting the importance of sustainable cooling technology and the use of natural refrigerants. In addition, international standards organizations, such as the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) have considered natural refrigerants. Furthermore, partner countries such as Ghana have included the concept of Green Cooling into their national (I)NDCs.