Global cooling demand is rising rapidly, increasing pressure on energy systems, refrigerant emissions and access to affordable, efficient cooling technologies. Manufacturers play a central role in shaping this transition through product design, production capacity, technology choices and supply chains. However, progress depends on stronger alignment between industry commitments, government policies, market incentives and initiatives that support implementation.
While countries are strengthening efficiency standards, refrigerant regulations and sustainable cooling strategies, gaps remain in the availability, affordability and uptake of efficient, low-global-warming-potential (GWP) equipment. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across governments, manufacturers and industry partners to create predictable market conditions, accelerate innovation and scale proven solutions.
The UNEP Cool Coalition's Manufacturing Platform, operationalised by UNEP United for Efficiency (U4E), is one emerging mechanism to support this transition. Introduced at the Global Cooling Pledge Assembly in September 2026 and being developed for launch in 2027, the Platform seeks to connect policy and demand signals with voluntary, time-bound and publicly reported manufacturer commitments.
Building on this initiative, the session will explore the broader landscape of industry-led and collaborative action to transform cooling markets. Through two complementary panels, manufacturers, governments and partner organisations will examine how voluntary commitments, policy frameworks and existing initiatives can reinforce one another to accelerate the availability, affordability and adoption of sustainable cooling technologies.