The world is facing an unprecedented growth in cooling demand, which poses a massive threat to development and a stable climate. A global effort is underway to ensure that the growing need for cooling is met with energy efficient and climate-friendly technologies. At least 27 countries have developed or are working on national cooling plans, while industry is responding with more sustainable and climate friendly technologies, services, and innovative approaches that are less dependent on energy-intensive electrical cooling.

Since this is a new area, not every government speaks the same “cooling” language or calculates these benefits in the same way. This guidance note was designed to help countries overcome that communication barrier and bank the maximum climate benefits from their efficient, clean cooling strategies. It is intended to support policymakers in considering the role of efficient, clean cooling in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the 2020 round of NDC revisions.