UNDP-国家冷却行动计划摘要（英）-2023.11-80页_6mb

Summary of National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs)

Introduction

National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs) are comprehensive strategies developed by governments to address the increasing demand for cooling and its associated environmental impacts. Cooling is essential for health, food security, and economic productivity, but it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, creating a negative feedback loop with climate change. The UNDP-supported NCAPs aim to promote sustainable cooling practices by integrating policy, regulatory, technical, and operational measures to achieve climate and energy goals, aligning with the Kigali Amendment and the Paris Agreement.

Methodology

The NCAP development follows a holistic and modular approach: (1) reducing cooling demand through urban planning and passive solutions, (2) improving energy efficiency in equipment, and (3) promoting optimal operation and behavioral measures. This includes detailed market projections, minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and labeling, transition to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, and customized methodologies based on country-specific contexts. Data analysis for cooling demand and emissions is integral to defining baselines and informing policies.

Key Findings from Countries

• Market Growth and Emissions: Across countries, cooling demand is projected to increase significantly, driven by urbanization and economic growth. For example, by 2050, global cooling energy demand could triple, leading to substantial GHG emissions if emissions-intensive cooling practices continue. Refrigerant management is a key concern, with many countries relying on HFCs, though alternatives like natural refrigerants and low-GWP options are being explored.

• Policy Measures: Countries implemented various actions, including:

  • Establishing MEPS and energy labels (e.g., Peru, Chile, Bangladesh).
  • Promoting efficient technologies, such as district cooling in Trinidad and Tobago, or green building certifications in Costa Rica.
  • Developing financial mechanisms, like taxes or incentives (e.g., Nigeria, Lebanon).
  • Capacity building for technicians and public awareness campaigns (e.g., Mexico, SRI Lanka).

• Regional Focus: Most NCAPs emphasized national priorities, but opportunities for harmonization exist, such as through regional collaborations (e.g., ECOWAS for energy efficiency).

Challenges

• Enforcement and Data: Many countries lack strict enforcement of existing MEPS and face data gaps, making market monitoring difficult. For instance, Nigeria and Lebanon reported weak enforcement, leading to suboptimal appliance performance.
• Financial and Technical Barriers: High upfront costs for efficient cooling equipment deter adoption, especially for SMEs. Technical capacity in refrigerant handling and installation is limited in some regions, requiring training.
• Refrigerant Transition: Challenges include lack of alternatives, compatibility with existing systems, and insufficient infrastructure for safe recovery and disposal (e.g., SRI Lanka, Panama).

Recommendations

• Strengthen MEPS enforcement and labeling programs.
• Develop innovative financing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or import levies, to support low-GWP equipment.
• Enhance capacity building and training for technicians to handle new technologies safely.
• Promote regional harmonization of standards and data sharing to facilitate monitoring and compliance.
• Integrate NCAPs with national climate and energy policies for better alignment with NDCs.

Conclusion

The NCAPs underscore the urgent need for sustainable cooling to mitigate climate change and energy inefficiency. By fostering policy innovation, financial incentives, and technical capacity, these plans provide a roadmap for reducing emissions and advancing global sustainability goals. UNDP support continues to drive implementation, with emphasis on long-term strategies to ensure equitable and efficient cooling access.