The ACTMEPS project (Accelerating Air Conditioning Transformation through Enhanced Energy Performance Standards) has concluded its activities in the Philippines with a final event titled “Windows of Opportunities” on 30 January 2026. Held in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), the event gathered key stakeholders to consult on enhanced Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners and to mark the formal end of the project’s national component.
The Philippine air conditioner market stands out in Southeast Asia for its continued dominance of window-type, small-capacity fixed speed units under 2kW. While such units are considered outliers in other ASEAN countries, they remain common in the Philippines. According to ACTMEPS studies, this segment typically shows lower energy performance ratings, which may impact the overall efficiency of the national AC market.
Throughout its implementation, ACTMEPS in the Philippines focused on this segment. The closing event included manufacturers and importers discussing the sector’s preparedness for the second-level upgrade to the ASEAN harmonized MEPS level of 6.09 Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF). The consultation explored technical feasibility, industry readiness, and strategic approaches for successful MEPS implementation.
A panel discussion addressed the role of window-type ACs, examining whether higher MEPS could lead to their gradual market phase-out. Experts Bienvenido “Benny” Gonzales and Sommai Phon Amnuaisuk noted that the popularity of these units is partly due to building designs in mass housing that include specific slots for window ACs. Potential design improvements—such as variable speed compressors, high-efficiency motors, U-shape layouts, and the use of R290 refrigerant—were discussed as ways to enhance MEPS compliance within this segment.
ACTMEPS is implemented by GIZ International Services through an agreement with the Clean Cooling Collaborative of the ClimateWorks Foundation, with operations in both the Philippines and Vietnam.
