The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has released a new Informatory Note detailing the current and future CO2 emissions attributed to air conditioning across various regions worldwide.
Air conditioning is critical for economic development in hot, humid areas and is becoming increasingly necessary due to the frequent heat waves driven by global warming. The Informatory Note titled “CO2 emissions from air conditioning” aims to quantify these emissions to inform policy implementation.
The IIR’s model reveals that air conditioning is responsible for over 12% of global electricity consumption and 5% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Of these emissions, 77% are indirect, stemming from the electricity used by air-conditioning units, while 23% are direct emissions from refrigerant leaks during operation and disposal.
Achieving a one-third reduction in global air-conditioning emissions by 2050 requires significant advancements in energy efficiency policies and intensified efforts to reduce refrigerant leaks. The IIR advocates for a proactive approach to meet these targets.
The Informatory Note was prepared by Jean-Luc Dupont, former Director of the IIR’s Scientific and Technical Information Department, and trainee engineer Léo Oudart.
The full note is available for download on FRIDOC (free for IIR members), while a summary for policymakers, including key conclusions and recommendations, is accessible in open access.
