ASHRAE UNEP Renew Global Partnership for Sustainable Cooling
A new framework advances lifecycle refrigerant management, energy efficiency and technician safety in developing nations
- By Jesse Jacobs
- September 14, 2026
Global environmental leaders and heating and cooling engineers have signed an agreement to advance sustainable refrigeration and air-conditioning practices worldwide.
The agreement between ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme establishes a two-year framework supporting the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment. The renewed partnership focuses on expanding lifecycle refrigerant management, improving energy efficiency and boosting workforce capacity, with a primary concentration on developing countries.
Under the 2026–2027 Work Plan, activities will address refrigerants at every operational stage, ranging from production and equipment selection to leak prevention and end-of-life disposal. Key initiatives include the development of an artificial-intelligence-powered field companion for technicians, updated technical guidance on the safe handling of flammable refrigerants and stronger integration between regional industry chapters and National Ozone Units.
The initiative pairs international policy mandates with technical industry expertise to help nations transition toward lower global warming potential technologies. Updated operational guides and field assessment tools created through the partnership remain accessible to environmental managers and industry professionals through a shared online portal.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is Assistant Editor of EPOnline.com.
