2.9 Clean Cooling: A New Standard for Sustainable Cooling

A new paradigm is taking root in the HVAC&R industry that reflects the demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that is not only climate-friendly but also meets the cooling needs of all people. This paradigm is called Clean Cooling, developed by Toby Peters, Professor in Cold Economy at the University of Birmingham, U.K., in coordination with ATMOsphere.58

The concept of Clean Cooling will ultimately be employed as a set of measurable standards against which cooling innovation and projects can be assessed. These standards will help all stakeholders to properly understand and quantify the true sustainability (financial, social and environmental) of cooling technology, including CO2e emissions reduction. A definition of Clean Cooling that explains all of these elements was published in 2020.59

At a minimum, Clean Cooling systems require the lowest-possible GWP refrigerants, preferably natural refrigerants, as well as the highest possible efficiency. Other basic elements include demand reduction, repurposing of waste heat, doors on chilled display cases in supermarkets, regular preventive and predictive maintenance to ensure optimal operating performance, and proper end-of-life disposal. Clean Cooling is needed to fill the gaps in developing countries. Thus, Clean Cooling initiatives have been focused on big markets like India and China, as well as markets such as Sub-Saharan Africa and regions like the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. However, Clean Cooling is meant to be a global paradigm that applies to developed countries no less than developing ones.60

Profound implications for NatRefs

Clean Cooling is an emerging concept that is in the early stages of implementation. But its effect on the marketplace could be profound, including a broader adoption of natural refrigerants.