SEforALL releases Chinese version of Chilling Prospects sustainable cooling report

“China is in a unique position to be a global leader in sustainable cooling,” said Glenn Pearce-Oroz, SEforALL’s Director of Policy and Programs, who released the Chinese version at the CAR Congress in Shanghai. “Millions of its citizens currently lack cooling access, so now is the time to harness China’s spirit for innovation in both policy and technology to protect people from rising temperatures.”

Chilling Prospects highlights China’s slum dweller population as potentially being at risk from a lack of access to cooling. The report recommends that all countries with cooling access gaps take steps to understand who is at risk, and implement affordable and sustainable solutions based on their cooling needs.

In the case of slums, this includes simple solutions like painting roofs and walls white, as well as developing new financing mechanisms to ensure the affordability of efficient fans and fridges, and developing local heat action plans to protect populations in heatwaves.

“It’s encouraging to see that government is taking a holistic view of the cooling challenge as it moves to finalize its national cooling strategy,” said Pearce-Oroz. “This strategy can be informed by insights from our Chilling Prospects report and the growing body of data around consumer preferences.”

A survey conducted by Green Energy Conservation around Chinese consumer preferences for air conditioners identified several signs that improved energy efficiency is a priority for consumers.

For example, 66.4% of respondents agreed that increasing room air conditioners’ energy efficiency is “very important,” with 63.1% wanting new energy efficiency standards to take effect sooner than planned. It was also notable that 56.7% of respondents are willing to purchase a more efficient AC, at a higher price, if lifecycle costs compensate for the price differential.

As a major manufacturer and exporter of cooling devices, including refrigerators and air conditioners, China also has a crucial role to play in ensuring that affordable and sustainable cooling solutions are brought to both local and global markets where vulnerable populations can realize the life-changing benefits of access to cooling.

“China has an important role in achieving sustainable cooling for people, products and the planet,” said Jürgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Cooling. “With its release in Chinese today, the Chilling Prospects report highlights how efficient cooling technology can reduce energy demand and help deliver sustainable Cooling for All.”

The Chinese version of Chilling Prospects is available for download here: 全球可持续制冷普惠的风险与机遇

The Chinese executive summary of Chilling Prospects is available for download here: 全球可持续制冷普惠的风险与机遇 概述

The English version of the Chilling Prospects report is available here