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The report identifies significant energy and emission reduction potentials through the adoption of 'Green ACs' in public buildings, while highlighting financial, political, and technical barriers that hinder the implementation of Green Public Procurement.

The report evaluates fans, refrigerators, air coolers, and air conditioners for off-grid use, linking their power requirements to the World Bank's Multi-Tier Framework (MTF). It finds that efficiency gains allow cooling services to be accessible at lower energy tiers than previously thought. The document proposes a quality criteria framework (Rating A-D) to help investors and development programmes identify 'best available technologies' and recommends the use of results-based financing (RBF) and third-party testing to scale the market for sustainable, climate-friendly cooling.

Climate Central's analysis of 242 U.S. cities shows that 96% have experienced an increase in cooling degree days since the 1970s, with the most significant rises in the South and Southwest. This trend is driving a projected 59% increase in residential air conditioning consumption by 2050, which contributes to carbon emissions, the urban heat island effect, and the release of heat-trapping gases from improper disposal.

The document argues that Brazil's air conditioning sector suffers from low energy efficiency compared to international standards, partly due to industrial policies in the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM) that create distortions. It finds that the Basic Productive Process (PPB) requirements, such as the use of outdated national compressors, hinder the adoption of inverter technology and overall efficiency. Despite significant tax exemptions, the sector's productive and energy efficiency deteriorated between 2003 and 2015, contrasting with the stability of the broader Brazilian manufacturing industry. The authors recommend aligning industrial and energy policies to promote competitiveness and higher efficiency standards.

The document argues that Brazil's air conditioning (AC) sector lags in energy efficiency compared to international peers and that the current industrial policy in the Manaus Free Trade Zone (ZFM) creates distortions that hinder efficiency gains. Despite significant tax exemptions, the Basic Production Process (PPB) requirements—such as the mandatory use of domestically produced, outdated non-inverter compressors—conflict with energy efficiency goals. The brief recommends aligning industrial policy with energy performance standards and labeling policies to foster a more competitive and efficient sector.

The report finds that the air-conditioning sector in Brazil suffers from low energy efficiency compared to international standards, with a deterioration in both productive and energy efficiency between 2003 and 2015. Despite significant tax exemptions provided by the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM), which accounted for approximately R$ 285 million in 2015 for the AC sector, these incentives have not translated into improved efficiency or higher wages for workers. The authors argue that the Basic Productive Process (PPB) requirements, particularly those mandating the use of outdated national compressors, create distortions that hinder the adoption of modern technologies like inverter compressors and suppress competition. Consequently, rising sales of inefficient AC units, driven by heatwaves and increased income, have led to a 237% increase in residential electricity consumption for ACs between 2005 and 2017.

The document highlights that older adults are disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to physiological vulnerabilities and social isolation. It argues that while air conditioning is critical, it can be inaccessible due to poverty or power failures, and its use contributes to further warming. The report emphasizes that social connection is a primary defense against heat deaths and details successful community interventions in cities like Philadelphia and Phoenix, while warning that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates risks by increasing isolation.

The Kigali First Movers (KFM) project seeks to shift the air conditioning (AC) market in Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Ghana away from high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and energy-inefficient models toward 'green AC' (defined as having GWP < 10 and utilizing best available technology for energy efficiency). The project is structured in two tranches: Tranche 1 focuses on Costa Rica (2020-2026), and Tranche 2 covers Indonesia and Ghana (2022-2028), supported by a global component. It targets a total mitigation impact of 37 MtCO2eq over its 20-year lifespan (2020-2040), with the bulk of reductions expected in Indonesia. The project addresses five main barrier categories: policy and regulatory frameworks, consumer behavior, technical capacity, technology availability, and finance. Key interventions include updating Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), training and certifying RAC technicians, implementing green public procurement, and providing financial mechanisms such as on-bill financing and installation subsidies. The total indicative cost is USD 133.4 million, with USD 43.7 million requested as GCF grants and USD 85.7 million in co-finance.

Climate Central's analysis of 244 U.S. cities reveals that 93% have seen an increase in cooling degree days and 87% have experienced more warm nights since 1970. The report highlights the role of urban heat islands and the increasing reliance on air conditioning, which costs Americans over $27 billion annually for home cooling as of 2015. While energy efficiency standards may reduce cooling electricity consumption by nearly 20% by 2040, the report warns that fossil-fuel-powered cooling and improper appliance disposal exacerbate climate change.

The report assesses the global landscape of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners and refrigerators, building energy efficiency codes, and urban heat mitigation. It highlights significant gaps in policy adoption and enforcement in Africa and other emerging markets, while noting that aligning standards with Best Available Technologies (BAT) could improve appliance energy performance by 50% to 65%.

The report outlines a multi-pronged approach to building cooling, emphasizing the transition from active air conditioning to passive design and high-efficiency technology. It details various technical solutions—ranging from 'super-efficient' AC units and passive cooling techniques to wearable devices and the use of waste cold from LNG terminals. The document also analyzes policy levers such as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and behavior change campaigns like Japan's 'Cool Biz'. Finally, it explores innovative business models to improve affordability for the poor, including Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG), ESCO models, and public-private partnerships in countries like India, Mexico, and Bangladesh.

The report examines the growing global need for cooling, driven by urbanization and rising incomes, particularly in developing countries. It warns that a surge in air conditioning (AC) use could lead to massive increases in electricity demand and urban heat island effects. The document also details the critical role of cold chains in reducing food loss and ensuring vaccine viability, while emphasizing the need to 'leapfrog' high-emission cooling technologies to avoid severe environmental impacts.

The document outlines a hierarchy for space cooling, prioritizing the minimization of heat gain through passive measures before investing in mechanical systems. It details various cooling technologies, including fans, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, and air conditioners, providing guidance on their efficiency, costs, and appropriate climatic applications.

The document analyzes the carbon footprint of a typical American single-family home, which it estimates emits 26,028 lbs of CO2 annually. It proposes a tiered strategy of no-cost, low-cost, and long-term investments—such as improving the building envelope, upgrading appliances, and purchasing green power—to reduce these emissions. The author argues that a combination of efficiency retrofits, solar water heating, and carbon offsets can lead a household to net zero emissions, potentially reducing emissions by 68% before applying offsets.

The report analyzes the total value of adopting energy-efficient computers, using the IBM PS/2 E as a benchmark. It demonstrates that such machines reduce direct energy use by approximately 80% during office hours and lower secondary energy needs for cooling and power distribution. Beyond utility savings, the author highlights substantial capital cost reductions in air-conditioning and wiring for new and renovated buildings. Environmentally, the report quantifies the reduction in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. Finally, it suggests that the elimination of fan noise, radiant heat, and screen flicker, combined with better ergonomics, can lead to productivity gains that may outweigh all other economic benefits.

The document analyzes energy demand and GHG emissions in Pakistan's residential, commercial, and agriculture (RCA) sectors, which accounted for roughly 9 per cent of national emissions in 2012. It identifies 12 mitigation options, prioritizing nine based on abatement potential and cost-effectiveness. Key measures include replacing inefficient lighting, stoves, and cooling appliances, as well as improving irrigation pumps. The report projects that without intervention, RCA sector emissions will grow from 29 MtCO2e in 2012 to 61 MtCO2e by 2030. The most significant abatement potential in 2030 is attributed to efficient stoves (12.86 MtCO2e) and efficient lighting (2.19 MtCO2e).

The document details a technical framework for climate impact assessments in British Columbia, focusing on the selection of General Circulation Models (GCMs) and the quantification of heat-related health and labour risks. It establishes a process for downscaling climate data to 111 population centres and applies exposure-response functions to estimate unexpected deaths, hospitalisations, and lost labour hours. The text also outlines several proactive adaptation scenarios—including increased air conditioning adoption, window shading, urban planning, and shifted work hours—and the economic metrics used to conduct cost-benefit analyses for these interventions.

Ghana faces significant cooling deficits across agriculture, healthcare, and urban environments. In the food sector, 3.2 million tons of food are lost annually, while the healthcare cold chain is hampered by unreliable electricity and a lack of refrigerated transport. Urban areas, particularly Accra, suffer from the urban heat island effect, with 85% of air conditioners being of the lowest energy efficiency category, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and women.

Kenya faces significant cooling challenges, with 40% of agricultural produce lost annually due to inadequate cold chains and government health facilities seeing minimal electricity access improvements (69% to 70% between 2016 and 2021). While the cold chain market is projected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2030, the sector is hindered by fragmented infrastructure and high costs for small-scale farmers. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health aims to equip all facilities with optimal Cold Chain Equipment by 2026, having already deployed 8,342 refrigerators. Urban areas like Mombasa and Nairobi's Kibera settlement suffer from the urban heat island effect and poor building design, with 90% of available air conditioners being low-efficiency models. Additional cooling needs are identified in data centres and planned nuclear power plants in Kilifi and Kwale.