DÜSSELDORF, Germany, 28 June 2021: GEA Refrigeration Technologies, the GEA division specializing in industrial refrigeration, has joined the Cool Coalition led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the company said through a Press release. By fostering dialogue among governments, business, finance and civil society, the initiative aims to drive the use of efficient, climate-friendly cooling in urban environments, buildings and industrial processes worldwide, GEA said of the UN programme.  

As the planet heats up, according to International Energy Agency (IEA), it is estimated that we will require 3.5 times more cooling by 2050 than today, GEA pointed out. At present, refrigeration and air conditioning systems already consume around 15% of global electricity production. In its new climate strategy, GEA recently announced it would give priority to driving sustainable innovation in technologies that remain energy-intensive, such as refrigeration technology. By joining the Cool Coalition, GEA said, it is underlining its commitment to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions along its entire value chain to net-zero by 2040.

“There is an urgent need for our industry and those it serves to become more energy-efficient to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kai Becker, CEO, GEA Refrigeration Technologies. “By joining the Cool Coalition. “We aim to share our expertise and add impetus by facilitating the transition toward climate-friendly cooling and heating solutions. The Cool Coalition is a fantastic opportunity for us to take on even greater responsibility in tackling this challenge, and we are proud to be able to do our part.”  

GEA said its commitment to delivering sustainable cooling and heating systems in the form of  innovative heat pumps for heat decarbonisation and the use of natural refrigerants with low to zero global warming potential aligns perfectly with the Cool Coalition’s objectives. Lily Riahi, Cool Coalition Coordinator, UNEP, said: “Today, more than ever, we need sustainable cooling solutions to tackle the climate crisis and achieve the sustainable development goals. We ought to raise the net-zero ambition for cooling to new highs with commitments from industry leaders. We are delighted to see GEA Refrigeration Technologies joining the Cool Coalition efforts and looking forward to GEA’s contribution in finding ways to decarbonize the cooling sector comprehensively by 2050.”