To address these gaps and accelerate implementation of the Global Cooling Pledge, UNEP’s Cool Coalition established the EPIC Facility. EPIC will provide targeted, fast-track technical assistance and pilot technology deployments in Pledge Signatory countries and cities to inform sustainable cooling policy,  de-risk investment environments and drive market transformation through scalable, sustainable cooling solutions.

The facility consists of two components

EPIC Deploy: A Pilot Deployment Facility

EPIC Solutions: A Technical Assistance Facility

The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (IMEES), in partnership with UNEP-led Cool Coalition, is launching EPIC Deploy to supports countries in turning Global Cooling Pledge commitments into tangible action. EPIC Deploy will identify and implement transformative, sustainable cooling technologies to scale market solutions and inform policy through measurable results. EPIC Deploy combines industry leadership and technological innovation to help meet country cooling needs through solutions with high potential for market transformation and real-world impact, such as centralized chillers, cold chain systems, and energy-efficient, renewable-powered, digital solutions.

The cooling market in developing economies is expected to grow from around USD 300 billion today to at least USD 600 billion per year by 2050, with the fastest expansion in Africa, where it could grow sixfold to USD 105 billion by 2050. EPIC Deploy leverages this rapidly expanding market to identify, test, and scale technologies that generate evidence and business models capable of unlocking investment and transforming markets at scale. The methodology combines techno-economic market assessments with open calls for proposals to identify transformative technologies and partners for each country. Selected pilots are then deployed and monitored to generate evidence that informs national and sub-national policies, strengthens enabling environments, and catalyzes market transformation and investment.

A Technical Assistance Facility that helps national and sub-national Global Cooling Pledge signatories turn commitments into action through technical guidance, policy support, capacity building, and feasibility assessments. Requests are submitted online, drawing on the dynamic EPIC Solutions Catalogue of thematic support areas. Submitted requests are reviewed by the Secretariat and matched with appropriate partners for implementation within an annual request cycle.

Who can access support?

Signatory Countries

National governments that have endorsed the Global Cooling Pledge

Signatory sub-nationals

Signatory Cities, states, counties and regions that have endorsed the Global Cooling Pledge can receive technical support under EPIC Solutions via Beat the Heat

What support can be accessed?

Support can be accessed via the EPIC Solutions Catalogue, a curated menu of priority thematic areas. Each area offers a range of technical assistance options that national and sub-national signatories can select based on their specific needs and readiness. The thematic support areas for national and sub-national entities are shown below.

For National Entities

1. National Cooling Action Plan

Support to design or implement comprehensive strategies that integrate sustainable cooling into national development priorities.

2. NDC Integration

Technical assistance to embed cooling measures in climate commitments and enhance ambition through mitigation and adaptation actions.

3. Building Efficiency and Building Energy Codes

Guidance to develop, update, or enforce building codes that improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings.

4. Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Equipment Efficiency​

Support to establish or strengthen MEPS for cooling appliances to reduce energy demand and emissions.

5. Public Procurement for Sustainable Cooling​

Assistance in designing procurement policies that prioritize efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions in public and private sectors.

6. Lifecycle Refrigerant Management

Technical input to strengthen policies and systems for refrigerant recovery, recycling, and safe disposal.

7. Renewable Energy

Support to unlock investment and integrate renewable energy solutions, including district cooling, to reduce emissions and operational costs.

8. Sustainable Cold Chain

Support to design and implement energy-efficient, low-emission cold storage and transport systems.

For Subnational Entities

1. Heat Action Plans

Assistance to develop and implement city- and state-level heat action plans that combine passive, active, and behavioral measures to protect vulnerable populations.

2. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and Passive Cooling Projects

Guidance to integrate NbS, blue-green spaces and passive cooling strategies such as urban greening water bodies and building energy codes, for heat resilience and co-benefits.

3. Public Procurement for Sustainable Cooling​

Assistance in designing procurement policies that prioritize efficient, climate-friendly cooling solutions in public and private sectors.

EPIC Solutions operates on an annual request cycle. The submission window is open for two months, during which each national or sub-national entity can submit one request per cycle for a single thematic support area. Once submitted, requests will be reviewed by the Secretariat and matched with appropriate partners for implementation within the annual cycle.

To request support for EPIC Solutions, please fill in this form.

For more information on EPIC Deploy, please reach out to: Chloé Rosset, UNEP Cool Coalition Partnerships Engagement Lead, [email protected]

For more information on EPIC Solutions, please reach out to: Niroopa Niroopa Kowlesser, UNEP Cool Coalition Cooling Policy Specialist, [email protected]