ASHRAE and UNEP renew partnership for sustainable cooling

ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have renewed their partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding aimed at advancing sustainable refrigeration and air conditioning.

The two-year framework, to be implemented via the 2026–2027 Work Plan, focuses on lifecycle refrigerant management, energy efficiency, and capacity building in developing nations. This collaboration supports the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.

Key initiatives include strengthening the refrigeration and air-conditioning workforce, advancing international technical standards, and utilizing artificial intelligence to improve system performance and refrigerant management. Specific projects involve developing an AI-powered mobile tool for technicians and creating guidance for handling flammable refrigerants.