april, 2025
Event Details
Background
Global demand for cooling is accelerating, driven by rising temperatures, rapid urbanization, and economic growth. It is not surprising then that in many regions, reliable cooling is indispensable—vital for food security, healthcare, productivity, and broader resilience in a warming world. Currently, cooling systems account for around 10% of the world’s electricity consumption, with demand projected to triple by 2050. Yet, conventional cooling approaches often depend on inefficient equipment, high upfront costs, and carbon-intensive energy sources, hindering the widespread adoption of sustainable solutions.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cool Coalition and its extensive membership are committed to transforming this trajectory. A cornerstone of this transformation is Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS), an innovative, market-driven model that overhauls how cooling is delivered. Instead of end users purchasing and maintaining equipment themselves, CaaS pivots to a performance-based service. Customers pay for the cooling they use, while service providers finance, own and manage the systems, ensuring ongoing efficiency, minimal downtime, and long-term sustainability. By eliminating high upfront costs and linking profitability to effective system performance, CaaS aligns economic incentives with environmental goals and bolsters the transition to a circular economy.
This webinar, delivered by UNEP Cool Coalition’s Private Sector Working group, led by Danfoss, Metrus Energy and Carbon Trust, brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to explore how CaaS fosters innovation, promotes efficient cooling practices, and strengthens national climate strategies.
Event Objectives
The webinar provided a deep dive into the CaaS model, unpacking its mechanics, financial structure, benefits, and real-world impact. Participants learned how CaaS is revolutionizing access to cooling in diverse sectors, from commercial and industrial buildings to agriculture, higher education, and healthcare. Featured case studies showcased on-the-ground success stories, and experts discussed the policies, partnerships, and innovations required to scale the model globally.
Speakers discussed:
- How CaaS works and why it is a game-changer for the cooling industry.
- Case studies of successful CaaS projects in commercial buildings, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial cooling.
- The role of financial institutions and investors in scaling CaaS adoption.
- Policy and regulatory considerations to facilitate market expansion.
- How CaaS aligns with global climate commitments by reducing emissions, encouraging energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development.
Agenda
Welcome (3 min)
by Amr Seleem, Country Engagement and Policy Lead, UNEP Cool Coalition
Opening Remarks: Cooling-as-a-Service – Scaling Innovation and Market Transformation (10 min)
by Bob Hinkle, President & CEO, Metrus Energy
Panel Discussion: Rethinking Business Models for Sustainable Cooling (20 min)
moderated by Bob Hinkle, President & CEO, Metrus Energy
- Structuring and Scaling CaaS: Lessons from Implementation and Market Adoption
by Dimitris Karamitsos, Senior Energy Efficiency Business Developer, Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy - Financing the Growth of CaaS – Investor Perspectives on Market Viability
by Shivali Mathur, Associate, Energy Transition, Amberside Advisors - Case Studies: CaaS in Action Across Sectors
by Andrea Voigt, Head of Global Public Affairs & Communication, Danfoss Climate Solutions
by Rhiannon Turner, Senior Manager, Innovation, The Carbon Trust
Q&A Session (10 min)
moderated by Bob Hinkle, President & CEO, Metrus Energy
Closing Remarks (3 min)
by Amr Seleem, Country Engagement and Policy Lead, UNEP Cool Coalition