2023 CLASP Annual Report

Appliance efficiency: proven solutions at a critical moment

The climate emergency is here. Extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather now affect every person and place on earth. At the same time, millions of people still lack access to vital, modern energy services like cooking and cooling.

CLASP has solutions. CLASP is the leading global authority on appliance efficiency, which drives climate mitigation and adaptation and alleviates energy poverty. Increasing the energy-efficiency and affordability of the appliances people need to live healthy, productive lives is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to cut emissions, address rising energy demand, improve livelihoods, and help communities adapt to more extreme temperatures.

For 24 years, CLASP has led the charge to inform decision makers and push for collective action to create a more sustainable world for future generations.

2023 was a big year for CLASP. We expanded our team, published groundbreaking research, and supported ambitious policies. We also improved our suite of tools that show how increasing appliance efficiency can yield substantial and immediate gains in climate and energy access for sustainable development.

With five regional offices spanning the globe, CLASP is a trusted partner. We collaborate with governments, industry, civil society, and other key stakeholders to build momentum for positive change and catalyze markets for affordable, efficient appliances.

In 2023, CLASP led impactful work through our five regional offices and our constellation of global partners and industry experts.


Illuminating proven solutions for busy policymakers

Robust appliance efficiency policies bolster energy security, job creation, and climate mitigation and adaptation. CLASP works in dozens of countries, collaborating with and supporting those who have the authority to prioritize energy efficiency action.

Brazil Between 2020 and 2023, CLASP supported the Brazilian government in revising refrigerator efficiency policies. CLASP analyzed potential impacts of different policy options and supported Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy with the data and analysis needed to respond to industry inquiry during the public consultation period. The new policy will save consumers an average of $164 USD over the lifetime of each refrigerator and reduce national CO2 emissions by 32 megatons (Mt) by 2040.

China CLASP provided international perspectives on policies for renewable energy transformers, motors, and external power supply. These are projected to avoid 1,330 Mt of CO2 by 2040. CLASP is also providing ongoing technical support to improve and launch seven additional appliance policies in the future.

India CLASP provided technical assistance to India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency as it launched a record-breaking 15 appliance efficiency policies in 2023. The policies range from essential household appliances to industrial equipment. CLASP’s supported robust policies to align with global best practices. The 15 policies are estimated to avoid 120 Mt of CO2 cumulatively by 2030.

Indonesia Throughout 2023, CLASP played a pivotal role in supporting the development of new efficiency policies for refrigerated display cases and televisions that are projected to avoid 13.5 Mt of CO2 by 2040. In addition, leveraging data from CLASP’s research on the dumping of climate harming room air conditioners in Southeast Asia, policymakers in Indonesia phased out the lowest-efficiency class of room air conditioners, cutting 230 Mt of CO2 by 2040.

Farewell to Fluorescents

Through our Clean Lighting Coalition campaign, CLASP facilitated a fast global transition to LEDs by driving support for African governments who were calling for a phaseout of inefficient, toxic fluorescent lighting under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

At Minamata COP5 in November, 147 governments agreed to put an end to fluorescent lighting once and for all in 2027. The move, building on a complementary decision at Minamata COP4, will avoid 2.9 gigatons of CO2 from the phaseout dates to 2050.

Learn more

Flagship Research

CLASP’s sector-leading research bridges the gap between analysis and action, providing policymakers, innovators, and advocates with the robust data and expert recommendations needed to catalyze pivotal solutions.

Net Zero Heroes

CLASP launched the landmark report “Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience” in parallel to a multi-month digital campaign and CLASP’s significant presence at UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai. The analysis revealed the appliance sector accounts for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. At the same time, billions of people do not have access to the appliances needed to live healthy, productive lives.

CLASP identified ambitious efficiency targets for ten appliances – the Net Zero Heroes – that must form the basis of an unprecedented push to curb the climate crisis.

Learn more

The Global Stage

In 2023, CLASP and our partners informed leaders and civil society of the huge climate and development opportunities affordable, efficient appliances can bring.

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28

At COP28, energy efficiency was finally spotlit as a low-cost, highly effective mitigation solution – culminating a new requirement to double efficiency by 2030. In this context, CLASP highlighted efficient appliances at over 15 events.

Pictured: CLASP CEO Christine Egan sits on panel at UNFCCC COP28 alongside partners including representatives from the Kenya Ministry of Energy and Sustainable Energy for All.

2. Minamata Convention on Mercury Fifth Conference of the Parties (COP5)

CLASP was present in Geneva to support policymakers through the Clean Lighting Coalition campaign. Delegates from 147 countries agreed to phase out florescent lighting globally by 2027.

Pictured: CLASP’s Senior Climate Director Ana Maria Carreño with campaign partner Rachel Kamande at Minamata COP5 closing plenary.

3. Africa Climate Summit

CLASP presented solutions at the first-ever Africa Climate Summit, convened by the African Union (AU) and hosted by the Kenyan government.

Pictured: CLASP CEO Christine Egan speaks at the Africa Climate Summit at an event showcasing the opportunities of energy efficiency, hosted by the International Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy for All.

4. 35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP35)

CLASP brought our expertise to the World Cold Chain Symposium and led a stimulating workshop on energy efficiency.

Pictured: CLASP’s Monica Wambui leading a policy workshop at MOP35 hosted by UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat. Photo by IISD.

Measuring the energy efficiency of a solar water pump
Unlocking Green Jobs

CLASP is working to strengthen job creation through appliance and equipment ownership, as well as training and skills development. This will provide farmers and small businesses with the right tools to excel in our modern economy. Through the Efficiency for Access (EforA) Coalition, we collaborated with Dalberg on a report advocating for green skills to facilitate youth employment in Kenya's solar irrigation sector. CLASP co-manages EforA with Energy Saving Trust.

Learn more

Innovative Financing Catalyzes Access to Transformative Appliances

CLASP’s innovative financing methods make appliances affordable to those who need them most.

Twenty-four companies selling productive-use appliances like solar-powered refrigerators, pumps, and milling machines across six countries in Africa were selected to receive subsidies and capacity-building grants through CLASP’s Productive Use Financing Facility, in partnership with Nithio. Companies will use their funding to sell over 20,000 appliances, impacting over 90,000 households.

Efficient productive use appliances have transformative effects on local communities, small businesses, and the environment. However, despite their potential for sustainable development outcomes, appliance sales remain low in emerging markets due to their relatively high upfront costs and a lack of access to finance.

CLASP’s innovative financing facility, supported by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, addresses these challenges by helping appliance distribution companies sell their products at lower prices.

IMPACT STORIES

Providing Affordable and Sustainable Energy Solutions in Ethiopia

Powering Change in Northern Uganda with Solar

 

People & Culture

As the world increases its focus on energy efficiency, CLASP’s expertise is in high demand. In 2023, CLASP expanded our team of experts, adding 15 new faces to our international roster.

CLASP team installing a solar water pump

Finances

With generous donor support for our mission, CLASP expanded our funding in 2023 – increasing our revenue by 24% as compared to 2022.

2023 Funding By Donor Type

2023 Expenses by Region


We are proud of our team’s positive global impacts in 2023. We look forward to driving progress towards a brighter future for people and the planet in CLASP’s 25th year, 2024!

CLASP Team | CLASP Board | Donors & Financials

CLASP Study Shows Appliance Efficiency Standards in the US Prevented Up to 4,400 Pollutant-Related Deaths Annually, Valued at $41 Billion

CLASP’s latest report, “How National Appliance and Equipment Energy Conservation Standards Can Improve Public Health and Advance Justice40 Initiative Goals,” finds that standards adopted over the past 30 years have led to substantial reductions in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM2.5 precursor emissions, which are harmful pollutants that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health issues such as asthma, lung cancer, or heart disease. Data from 2017 suggest that this reduction could prevent between 1,900 and 4,400 PM2.5-related deaths every year. Using the value of statistical life, this translates to monetary benefits of $18 to $41 billion.

Importantly, CLASP’s study finds that the benefits of these standards are distributed relatively equitably among communities with those designated as disadvantaged by Justice40, an initiative aiming to ensure that 40% of the overall benefit of federal climate investments go to disadvantaged communities, receiving a significant share.

These findings demonstrate the far-reaching positive impacts of standards and highlight the importance of the US Department of Energy meeting its deadlines for updating approximately 50 appliance efficiency standards, including for water heaters, by January 2025. Finalizing all pending standards could avert 2.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions while saving consumers nearly $1 trillion over 30 years, according to the agency.

The report outlines actionable recommendations to amplify the benefits of standards and suggests ways to measure their contribution towards Justice40 goals. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities can work together to ensure that national appliance standards continue to drive positive change for all people and the planet.

How National Appliance and Equipment Energy Conservation Standards Can Improve Public Health and Advance Justice40 Initiative Goals

Gain insight into the critical role of national appliance standards in improving public health and discover how to measure their impact against Justice40 goals. Find actionable recommendations for maximizing their benefits for a healthier, greener, and fairer future.

Key findings

  • National appliance standards have led to significant reductions in PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursor emissions, avoiding hundreds of thousands of tons of pollutants in 2017.
  • These standards prevented between 1,900 and 4,400 PM2.5-related deaths in 2017, translating to monetary benefits of $18 to $41 billion.
  • Health benefits from national appliance standards have been distributed relatively equitably. Communities designated as disadvantaged by Justice40, representing 33% of the total population, have received 36% of the health benefits.

Recommendations

  • The US Department of Energy must meet legal deadlines for updating appliance efficiency standards to maximize public health benefits.
  • Governments should expand outreach and incentives to promote efficient appliance adoption, prioritizing disadvantaged communities, renters, and low-income households.
  • Engage disadvantaged communities and people of color in all stages of policy development and implementation.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Resources: 

Press Release

Powering Inclusion in India’s Energy Sector

Around the world, women make up only 32% of the renewable energy workforce, in India this figure is just 11%.  To speak to this topic, CLASP hosted an event in New Delhi, to shine a light on the strategic benefit of increasing equity and inclusion in India’s energy sector. The first-of-its-kind event, titled “Equity Surge: Powering Inclusion in India’s Energy Sector”, brought together respected leaders and experts to delve into the various facets of gender inclusion and its impact on India’s energy transition.

CLASP’s Karishma Joseph opened the discussion

The first discussion, moderated by Neha Dhingra, Senior Manager at CLASP, shed light on the evolving landscape of India’s energy sector and the pivotal role women play within it. Speakers, including Ruchika Drall from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ramila Vyas from People Education & Development Organization, Mandira Kalra Kalaan from Purpose, and Leher Sethi from the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs, Delhi, provided valuable insights into women’s participation, their role as community leaders and decision-makers, and the need for gender-responsive policies.

The first discussion, moderated by Neha Dhingra, Senior Manager at CLASP, shed light on the evolving landscape of India’s energy sector and the pivotal role women play within it. Speakers, including Ruchika Drall from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ramila Vyas from People Education & Development Organization, Mandira Kalra Kalaan from Purpose, and Leher Sethi from the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs, Delhi, provided valuable insights into women’s participation, their role as community leaders and decision-makers, and the need for gender-responsive policies.

Panelists highlight that women’s leadership in India’s energy sector isn’t just vital for equity, it’s an economic imperative. With a potential to create 3.2 million additional jobs by 2025, gender inclusion isn’t just about empowerment; it’s about powering progress.

The speakers noted that women are not just underrepresented in the energy sector but also disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. The need for mainstreaming gender and fostering a gender-neutral framework was emphasized to break stereotypes and achieve gender balance in the workforce.

The solutions include enabling women’s access to finance and community engagement, as well as fostering leadership among women in the energy sector. The importance of monetizing unpaid household care work by women and communicating gender-responsive policies effectively were also underscored as critical steps toward achieving equity and inclusion.

According to India’s Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, if women’s participation in the energy sector is increased to 30%, it could create up to 3.2 million additional jobs by 2025. This CLASP event served as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue, learning and collaboration to encourage a more inclusive and equitable energy sector in India. CLASP continues to steer efforts and collective action globally with the vision of a just and inclusive energy transition for all.

CLASP Supports India Deliver Two More Appliance Efficiency Policies

The two new appliance efficiency polices are set to enhance the energy performances of commercial beverage coolers and packaged boilers. This was announced by Shri R. K. Singh, India’s Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy at the 22nd anniversary of the founding of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). In implementing these, India aims to achieve 16 million tonnes reduction in CO2 emissions, cumulatively by 2033, helping the country meet its climate targets, reduce pressure on the national power grid and lower the running costs for businesses.

BEE’s Standards & Labeling Program now covers 37 efficiency policies, including appliances and equipment across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. CLASP has collaborated with BEE for many years, providing technical assistance, research expertise and policy advice.

Reflecting on the launch, Bishal Thapa, Senior Director at CLASP, commended BEE for its proactive approach to energy efficiency and expressed optimism about the impact of these policies. “Energy efficiency is paramount to tackle climate change, and India’s commitment is commendable,” Bishal remarked. “At CLASP, we are pleased to provide technical assistance to BEE in the development and implementation of appliance efficiency policies in India. CLASP stands ready to support BEE in implementing these policies effectively, ensuring that they deliver tangible benefits for both India and the global community.”

The two policies cover the following appliances:

Commercial Beverage Coolers 

While domestic refrigeration is already regulated for energy consumption in India, the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) noted the opportunity to increase the energy efficiency and lower the running costs of various commercial refrigeration products. This is timely as the number of commercial refrigerators, including commercial beverage coolers, is poised to double in the next decade.

Packaged Boilers

Packaged boilers are small-sized boilers essential for meeting steam and hot water needs of process industries. These small capacity boilers consume a significant amount of energy in industrial and commercial settings. The introduction of a new efficiency labeling program will allow consumers to select more energy-efficient package boilers that are much cheaper to run.

For close to 25 years, CLASP has developed effective tactics for driving climate mitigation and adaptation and improving people’s lives through appliance efficiency. CLASP collaborates with policymakers, appliance manufactures, and leading experts to deliver leading research, sound policy recommendations, innovative tools, and clear pathways to a more sustainable world.

Driving Sustainable Building Practices: CLASP’s Impact in Indonesia

Opportunity for change

Accounting for a whopping 70% of the nation’s electricity usage, Indonesia’s building sector is poised for change. Recognizing the opportunity to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, CLASP has spearheaded initiatives to promote more sustainable building practices, particularly with energy-efficient cooling systems.

CLASP supported the establishment of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for lighting and air conditioning systems. This regulation encourages building owners to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions, reducing demand on the national power grid, and lowering energy costs for consumers. Energy audits recommended by CLASP also identify inefficiencies and allow for their rectification.

Air conditioner resale market in Jakarta

Efficiency creates energy savings and emission reduction

At a recent National Seminar on Decarbonization of the Building Sector, CLASP, ASHRAE Indonesia Chapter and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), brought together industry experts to highlight the critical role of energy-efficient equipment, especially chillers. Chillers account for up to 60% of a building’s energy use, making it a significant opportunity for energy savings and emissions reduction.

Sripeni Inten Cahyani, expert to the MEMR Minister, noted that by embracing energy-efficient appliances and adhering to Minimum Energy Performance Standards (SKEM or MEPS), Indonesia aims to achieve a substantial 83.8 million tons reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030.

Efficiency also yields economic benefits

Sripeni noted potential annual savings of approximately IDR 1.9 trillion (USD 121 million) through the implementation of energy management practices, equivalent to 111,600 tons of oil saved per year.

CLASP’s advocacy and collaborative efforts support the drive for sustainable development in Indonesia’s building sector. By promoting energy-efficient cooling solutions and supporting the implementation of improved standards, CLASP contributes to a more sustainable, more resilient future for Indonesia and the world’s climate.

Image credits: CNA/Danang Wisanggeni

Fighting Extreme Temperatures with the Inflation Reduction Act

The US has experienced extreme and dangerous freezing temperatures this winter – with dozens of deaths attributed to exposure to the bitter cold. Last summer saw sweltering heatwaves across the country shatter previous records.

Heat pumps help people and the planet

Heat pumps – an energy efficient, all-electric indoor space heating and cooling technology – are a key solution for controlling indoor temperatures, while reducing the use of fossil fuels like methane gas and oil.

In 2022, The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), became the biggest climate investment in US history. It funded electrification efforts to increase the widespread adoption of heat pumps, with the aim to make climate-friendly home temperature control accessible to all communities.

Additional policymakers’ action can drive adoption

According to a new report from CLASP and the Regulatory Assistance Project, the IRA funds are insufficient to increase heat pump adoption to the level needed. The research shows that although the IRA is projected to incrementally increase heat pump deployment this decade, complementary state level policies and initiatives could be the key to supercharging heat pumps implementation as a critical climate-solution.

The report outlines effective and proven tactics to drive heat pump adoption – including community engagement, energy efficiency and performance policies, workforce development and financing mechanisms. Hybrid heating, a strategy developed by CLASP and partners to introduce homeowners to heat pumps by pairing them with legacy heating systems, offers another path forward.

The report advises that state policymakers utilize a combination of these approaches to craft a winning strategy that drives familiarity, acceptance, and widespread adoption of heat pumps to make the best use of federal dollars. This would be a win for people and the planet.

Collaborating to Transform China’s Energy Landscape

China is committed to improving national energy efficiency. Over 60% of the nation’s energy consumption is governed by robust energy efficiency policies, making the country a leader in this field. State Council, China’s chief administrative authority, and the National Cabinet, in its recent policy documents, underscored the importance of energy efficiency especially in sectors like appliances, to achieve 13.5% reduction in national energy demand by 2025.

In tandem with China’s energy-saving aspirations, CLASP is spearheading groundbreaking initiatives to set world-leading energy efficiency standards known as minimum energy performance standards (MEPS). Focused on priority appliance groups like electric motors and renewable energy transformers, CLASP’s collaboration is projected to avert a staggering 1.18 billion tons of CO2 in total by 2050.

An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. They are used in appliances, vehicles and industrial machinery.

Electric motors are responsible for over 50% of China’s electricity consumption. Increasing their energy efficiency is a huge opportunity to reduce electricity demand.

In CLASP’s latest publication, Net Zero Heroes, motors contribute to 16% of total emissions by appliances globally. China National Insitute of Standardization (CNIS), and CLASP played a pivotal role in updating a critical standard for permanent magnet synchronous motors. China’s commitment to surpassing IE5 or Ultra-Premium Efficiency levels is a global first, with CLASP’s China Director, Steven Zeng noting, ”China’s initiative will raise worldwide awareness of the efficiency potential of motors.” Together with revised MEPS for high voltage motors, this initiative is set to cut 920 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2040.

In a groundbreaking move, CLASP is extending its impact to renewable energy transformers, addressing crucial components in solar, wind and energy storage facilities. These transformers play a key role in the transmission and distribution of electrical power generated from renewable sources and contribute to the efficiency, reliability, and stability of renewable energy infrastructure.

The draft of the updated MEPS is now open for public opinions and review. If adopted, China will be the first country globally to establish MEPS for renewable energy transformers, and is projected to prevent 260 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2050. Zhu Jing, lead researcher at the China National Laboratory of Wind Power Equipment and Control, notes this significance, stating, “Adopting a standardized method for sustainable power transformers contributes to green transitions, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.”

These innovative policy frameworks are part of CLASP’s efforts towards appliance efficiency, carried out in collaboration with local partners. CLASP works to enhance the access to affordable, energy-efficient appliances to improve the lives of people and reduce the impact on our climate.

Appliance Efficiency Takes Centerstage at COP28 in Dubai, UAE

In the wake of COP28 in Dubai, CLASP is reflecting on the past two weeks of global discourse and collaboration in pursuit of a better world. Though global commitments illustrated positive diplomacy among the international community, the world needs heroic action to get on pace with Net Zero targets.

The CLASP team and partners participated in over 15 events throughout COP28 – showcasing data-backed solutions to drive climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience through efficient appliances in a rapidly warming world.

Cooling

Global momentum for efficient cooling for people and planet was on full display across Expo City in Dubai, with over 60 countries signing on to the Global Cooling Pledge. The pledge outlines a global pathway for cutting climate-warming emissions from cooling by at least 68% by 2050 and increasing the efficiency of cooling appliances.

Aligned with the cooling focus, CLASP hosted the “Pathways to Prevent the Dumping of Inefficient Appliances with Obsolete Refrigerants,” providing a platform for solution-focused dialogue on curbing the dumping of inefficient technologies. The event showcased proven best practices, including policy and trade interventions. Additionally, CLASP’s Chief Communications Officer Corinne Schneider served as a guest judge for finalist cooling innovations by youth from the Global South for SEforALL’s This Is Cool Challenge. Senior Director Bishal Thapa also contributed by joining a panel led by the UNEP’s Cool Coalition to discuss the critical role of data as a driver for sustainable cooling access for all.

Photo by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
CLASP’s Chief Communications Officer Corinne Schneider with fellow judges and winner of SEforALL’s This Is Cool Challenge.
CLASP Senior Director Bishal Thapa speaking on panel at UNEP Ozone Secretariat event, "Data to Drive Sustainable Cooling for All".

Just Energy Transition

In an official UN side event, CLASP, Climate Action Network, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung spotlighted the urgent need for efficient appliance solutions in a just energy transition. CLASP Senior Director Ana Maria Carreño joined colleagues at the Malaysia Pavilion for “Net Zero Heroes: The Efficient Appliances Helping Cities Mitigate & Adapt to Climate Change,” illustrating how cities are climate mitigation leaders, leading their nations in the implementation of climate solutions. Partners included ASEAN Centre for Energy, Climate Action Network- Southeast Asia and UN-Habitat.

CLASP Senior Director Ana Maria Carreño and colleagues at the Malaysia Pavilion event “Net Zero Heroes: The Efficient Appliances Helping Cities Mitigate & Adapt to Climate Change.”

Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficiency finally earned its moment as a low-cost and highly effective mitigation solution. In a historic move, the official Convention text now includes, for the first time, a global goal of doubling energy efficiency. These text additions align with recommendations from CLASP’s Net Zero Heroes report, which identifies 10 appliances crucial for promoting climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

CLASP CEO, Christine Egan, joined representatives from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Edison Electric Institute, Mission Efficiency, and Sustainable Energy for All at a press conference on the Mission Efficiency call to action and pledges. Mission Efficiency urges Parties to the Paris Agreement to commit to more than doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements annually by 2030. Additionally, CLASP Manager, Lauren Boucher, participated in the “Reflecting Product Energy Efficiency in Sub-Saharan African Countries’ NDCs” event by the International Energy Agency (IEA). She highlighted CLASP’s report, “Getting Appliances Back on Track,” which tracks the progress of 15 countries that pledged to double the energy efficiency of four product categories by 2030 through the SEAD Initiative’s COP26 Call to Action.

Photo by Business Council for Sustainable Energy
CLASP CEO Christine Egan and colleagues at a press conference for Mission Efficiency call to action and pledge
Photo by the International Energy Agency (IEA)
CLASP Research Manager Lauren Boucher and colleagues at the NDC event hosted by IEA, UNIDO and SEA

Agreements made at COP28 are on the right track. CLASP and our partners have the solutions to propel leaders to action. The targets in CLASP’s Net Zero Heroes report lay out critical moves. We must prioritize efficient appliances now, and our work is just getting started.

Let’s be #NetZeroHeroes together.

CLASP Supports Pakistan Government’s Efforts with Cooling Needs Assessment

Pakistan faces one of the highest cooling demands globally, ranking 5th in a recent study1. Despite this, access to cooling remains low, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to heat-related risks. In response to this challenge, CLASP and local partner SAMA^Verte have collaborated with the Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to conduct a comprehensive Cooling Needs Assessment (CNA) to inform strategic initiatives, and serve as a foundation for a Pakistan Cooling Action Plan (PCAP).

The CNA analyzed the current state of cooling demand and notes that, while temperatures are rising, many households lack access to adequate space cooling and refrigeration. Although nearly all households have at least one electric fan, only 11% of households own an air conditioner, while 55% refrigerator ownership and limited use of cold chain technology create food safety and waste issues. Additionally, barriers such as access to a steady electricity supply and the affordability of cooling appliances hinder widespread adoption, particularly for the 26% of the population not connected to the grid.

The CNA provides insights into the existing policy landscape, current cooling demand, and future projections under different policy scenarios, which were used to guide the selection of priority interventions for the PCAP.  A comprehensive assessment focused on key cooling appliances – domestic and commercial refrigeration, domestic air conditioning and electric comfort fans – with largest potential for energy consumption and emissions reduction. The data was gathered though extensive consultative processes. The main CNA results include:

  • In a Business-As-Usual scenario, indirect emissions from the priority cooling appliances are responsible for 86% of the total emissions, with direct emissions from the refrigerants accounting for only 14%.
  • Of the indirect emissions, the emissions resulting from the use of fans are the highest at 54% of the total, but fans also offer the greatest potential for reducing energy consumption and emissions.
  • Without policy intervention, between 2024-2030, Pakistan’s cumulative energy consumption and indirect CO2 emissions from the priority cooling appliances are projected to reach 695.4 TWh and 326.8 Mt respectively.

As Pakistan continues its journey towards becoming the world’s 20th largest economy by 2030, the PCAP will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and efficient cooling, aligning with the country’s development and climate ambitions. Increasing access to affordable, efficient cooling will ease the strain on national power grids and reduce consumers’ energy bills.

Building on the analysis in the CNA, the PCAP details concrete interventions to effectively manage the projected growth in cooling demand associated emissions, and reduce the cooling access gap. The PCAP has been finalized and is currently in the process of approval by the government of Pakistan.

The developments of CNA and PCAP were funded by Clean Cooling Collaborative.

Download the full Cooling Needs Assessment report here.

0. This is the product of population and Cooling Degree Days (CDDs) per year (230M x 2,810 CDDs). The Person CDDs methodology has been described by the US Department of Energy in The Future of Air Conditioning For Buildings (2016), which uses the 2016 population figure of 182M. This has been updated using population of 230M in 2022. The 646-billion-person CDDs still ranks Pakistan in 5th place behind India, China, Indonesia and Nigeria.

close

Sign up for the CLASP newsletter

Close