Policy, Industry, and Finance Experts Collaborate on Sustainable Cooling in Türkiye

The National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) workshop, held on January 23, 2025, in Ankara, Türkiye, served as a key milestone under the Cool Up programme. The event brought together 81 stakeholders from government institutions, industry associations, financial organizations, academia, and consortium partners to refine strategies for sustainable cooling solutions.

Workshop Objectives and Structure

The workshop aimed to present and refine 32 measures developed under 11 strategic intervention areas within the NCAP. Structured around two parallel discussion sessions, participants shared insights, provided feedback, and offered suggestions to enhance the measures. This format fostered inter-agency interaction and strengthened stakeholder engagement.

Key Participants

The workshop attracted a diverse range of participants, including representatives from:

• Government Institutions: Ministries and agencies such as the Directorate of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Turkish Standards Institute, among others.
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Associations: Industry groups such as SOSIAD, ESSIAD, ISKID, TTMD, and İSİB contributed to the discussions.
• Financial Sector: Representatives from Sekerbank provided insights on financing mechanisms to support NCAP goals.
• Consortium Members and Experts: Organizations such as Guidehouse (GH), Öko-Recherche, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), along with independent consultants, shared expertise.

Event Highlights

• Opening Address: The Turkish Directorate of Climate Change emphasized the workshop's role in advancing climate goals and fostering sustainable cooling solutions.
• Interactive Sessions: Discussions focused on the proposed measures, allowing participants to ensure alignment with national policy objectives and stakeholder priorities.
• Future Steps: Feedback gathered during the workshop will guide the refinement of the measures in subsequent phases of the Cool Up programme.

Outcomes

The NCAP workshop provided an important platform for collaboration across sectors. By engaging policymakers, industry leaders, and financial institutions, the event advanced efforts to promote energy-efficient cooling solutions in alignment with Türkiye’s climate objectives. Insights from the workshop will shape the development of a robust and actionable National Cooling Action Plan.

Sustainable Cooling Training Initiative Strengthens Finance Sector in Türkiye

UNDP Türkiye and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, in cooperation with the Directorate of Climate Change Türkiye, have conducted a pivotal training session focused on sustainable cooling for financial institutions. Held under the Cool Up programme, this event aimed to enhance knowledge on natural refrigerants, financial feasibility, and sustainable cooling finance.

The training gathered 31 representatives from leading financial entities, such as Sekerbank, Akbank, Halkbank, Isbank, Garanti BBVA, Odeabank, and TSKB, underscoring the urgency of aligning Türkiye’s cooling sector with international sustainability targets. Participants were briefed on transitioning to natural refrigerants, which can significantly reduce emissions by up to 55% by 2050, according to recent studies.

This educational initiative highlights the role of financing as a catalyst for energy-efficient technologies, promising both environmental improvements and economic gains. By expanding technical capacity and awareness, Türkiye’s finance sector is poised to lead in promoting sustainable cooling solutions nationally.

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