Cambodia Releases Guide for Climate-Smart Passive Cooling Strategies

The Ministry of Environment of the Royal Government of Cambodia has released the Compendium for Passive Cooling Strategies in Cambodia, a resource aimed at reducing energy-intensive cooling in buildings. Developed with technical support from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the guide outlines practical solutions for designing naturally cooler spaces while lowering energy demand and environmental impact.

The Compendium presents three key approaches tailored to Cambodia’s tropical climate:

• Site-oriented strategies: Incorporating tree canopies, green corridors, and landscaping to reduce temperatures and combat the urban heat island effect.
• Design-focused solutions: Utilizing stack ventilation and night cooling systems to regulate indoor temperatures through airflow dynamics.
• Material-based approaches: Implementing insulated walls and reflective roofs to minimize heat absorption and enhance energy efficiency.

By combining these strategies, cooling demand can be reduced by 30% to 50%, leading to significant energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Compendium also includes case studies from around the world, such as reflective pavements in Tokyo and night cooling systems in India, demonstrating successful applications of these techniques.

Each chapter provides technical guidelines and practical steps for integrating passive cooling into building projects. It emphasizes adapting solutions to local conditions to support sustainable urban development.

The Compendium was developed within the framework of the Cool Coalition and funded by the ClimateWorks Foundation under the Passive Cooling Strategies for Sustainable Development in Cambodia project. It serves as a roadmap for architects, urban planners, and building professionals, encouraging climate-smart construction to enhance resilience in Cambodia’s rapidly growing cities.

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