COOLING DOWN

Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Cooling Technologies

Programme: Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

PARTNERS

Coordinated by:

  • ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE CZECH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (Czech Republic)

Participants:

DURATION / VALUE

Status: Ongoing
Start Date: 01 October 2022
End Date: 30 September 2026

PROJECT PURPOSE

The COOLING DOWN project, funded under the EU LIFE Programme, aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient cooling technologies across Europe. As the demand for cooling systems increases due to rising global temperatures and urbanization, there is a pressing need to transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. The project focuses on advancing the use of innovative cooling technologies, reducing energy consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The project’s objectives include developing and demonstrating the potential of cutting-edge cooling solutions, providing training for professionals, and raising public awareness on the benefits of energy-efficient cooling technologies. The ultimate goal is to help EU member states meet their climate targets while promoting the adoption of greener cooling solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Project objectives:

The COOLING DOWN project has the following specific objectives:

  • Demonstrating innovative cooling technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

  • Enhancing the capacity of professionals through targeted training programs that focus on the latest sustainable cooling solutions.

  • Creating awareness about the importance of energy-efficient cooling systems, encouraging their adoption in buildings across Europe.

  • Supporting policy development by providing data and evidence that can guide future regulations and incentives for the cooling sector.

  • Developing scalable solutions that can be replicated across different regions of Europe, contributing to a broader sustainable transition in the cooling industry.

The project will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among key stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, and consumers. It will help overcome existing market barriers, such as high initial costs and lack of awareness, which currently limit the widespread adoption of sustainable cooling technologies.

EXPECTED IMPACT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

The COOLING DOWN project will have a significant long-term impact on the European cooling sector, including:

  • Reduction in energy consumption for cooling, directly contributing to the EU’s climate goals.

  • A greater number of trained professionals in the field of sustainable cooling technologies, thus improving the skills available across the EU.

  • Widespread adoption of energy-efficient cooling solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across Europe.

  • Enhanced public awareness on the importance of sustainable cooling technologies, promoting consumer behavior change toward more energy-efficient solutions.

  • Supporting policy development through the provision of data, guidelines, and best practices, helping to shape future regulations on energy-efficient cooling technologies.

This initiative will contribute to making cooling systems more sustainable, while also addressing energy poverty, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions in line with the EU’s climate and energy goals.