On October 24, 2024, in Hanoi, the Green Cooling Initiative III (GCI III) project held its closing workshop to review the past three years of progress and discuss the future of sustainable cooling in Vietnam’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector. Representatives from government ministries, partner organizations, and technical experts gathered to reflect on the project’s accomplishments and share insights on advancing green cooling technologies.
In 2019, with the ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, Vietnam pledged to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions by 80% by 2045. HFCs, widely used in cooling technologies, are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Through GCI III, which partners with countries like Thailand, Bangladesh, and Kenya, Vietnam has worked to adopt energy-efficient, natural refrigerants, supporting its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Oemar Idoe, Coordinator of GIZ’s Environment, Climate Change, and Agriculture Cluster in Vietnam, commended the joint efforts of GCI III and local institutions, emphasizing Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable cooling. He also highlighted Vietnam’s decision to join the Global Cooling Pledge at COP28, signaling its dedication to advancing eco-friendly cooling solutions.
The workshop spotlighted key project achievements, such as the integration of green cooling solutions into Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Training initiatives held at vocational colleges have been instrumental in building a skilled workforce for the green cooling market, with courses reaching 30 trainers and 75 students, including a strong focus on supporting female participants.
Participants also explored insights from two market studies on Vietnam’s domestic and retail refrigeration sectors and the transformative potential of green cooling technologies in the food cold chain.
GCI III, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Environment through the International Climate Initiative, aims to support partner countries like Vietnam in adopting natural refrigerants and boosting energy efficiency. Through policy advising, technology transfer, and capacity building, GCI III helps minimize the environmental impact of the cooling sector, ensuring sustainable solutions for future generations.