The United Nations Environment Programme’s United for Efficiency (UNEP-U4E) initiative has launched two Sustainable Procurement Guidelines covering energy-efficient, climate-friendly air conditioners and heat pump systems. Announced by UNEP-U4E Programme Manager Patrick Blake at the Global Cooling Pledge Assembly in Singapore, the publications aim to support sustainable purchasing decisions and public procurement commitments for 2030.
The updated guidelines for air conditioners and reversible air-to-air heat pumps cover equipment with rated cooling output of up to 70 kW (approximately 239,000 BTU/h). They establish procurement criteria for equipment sizing, energy performance, humidity control, lower-GWP refrigerants, safety, sound levels, installation, maintenance and end-of-life management. Particular attention is given to humidity management in hot and humid climates, where oversized or poorly controlled systems can increase energy consumption.
The new guidelines for heating and hot water systems address water-based installations supplied primarily by electrically driven heat pumps using air, ground, water or waste heat sources. They take a system-level approach, covering operating temperatures, heat distribution, controls, buffer and hot water storage, refrigerant requirements and maintenance. The recommendations emphasize evaluating the performance of complete systems rather than individual components.
Both publications include technical criteria and verification requirements, supported by a U4E Excel tool for Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and Emissions assessment. The tool allows purchasers to compare compliant offers based on initial costs, energy consumption, operating expenses and greenhouse gas emissions. The guidelines are intended for public authorities, private companies, utilities and other large buyers.
The publications support implementation of the Kigali Amendment and the Global Cooling Pledge, under which participating countries committed to establishing or updating procurement policies for low-GWP, high-efficiency cooling technologies by 2030. The guidelines will also be highlighted during side events at the 38th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, scheduled for 2–6 November 2026.
Documents:
Sustainable Procurement Guidelines for Heating and Hot Water Systems Using Heat Pumps
