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Three studies investigated the extent of environmental dumping of new but low-efficiency room air conditioners with obsolete refrigerants into Global South markets. Low-efficiency cooling appliances not only waste energy but often rely on high-global warming potential refrigerants which are targeted for phase-down and phase-out under the Montreal Protocol. As a result, climate change worsens, cooling gaps may widen, and gender inequalities may increase. The studies found that environmental dumping of obsolete appliances is widespread across all three focus regions—Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean—with 40% of new room ACs for sale falling into this category. These low-efficiency technologies are both imported and locally manufactured by multinational and domestic companies. Such appliances raise consumer costs, undermine the affordability of essential cooling, and widen access gaps. Together, the three studies provide a strong evidence base to inform solutions and drive action at national, regional, and global levels to curb environmental dumping and accelerate the transition to next-generation, climate-friendly cooling technologies.

The Practical Guidelines for Shipping Off-Grid Appliances provide step-by-step guidance on preparing off-grid products for shipment, including a cost analysis, an overview of import and export regulations, and practical instructions. Covering small household appliances (e.g., TVs and fans), refrigerators, and solar water pumps, the guide helps manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers reduce costs, avoid regulatory delays, and improve supply-chain efficiency. By outlining best practices, it supports greater market access for high-quality appliances and strengthens the off-grid energy sector.

This specification document provides detailed guidance on how to set up an effective Product Registration System (PRS) to support energy efficiency policies. It defines what information regulators should capture from manufacturers or importers; product test results, model identifiers, refrigeration / cooling equipment details etc., in an online registry to help monitor market compliance with performance standards and labeling programmes. It outlines functional requirements for the software, data fields, verification steps, and processes for granting or rejecting registration. For anyone building regulatory or compliance frameworks, the PRS becomes an entry checkpoint ensuring only compliant products enter the market, helps customs, supports market surveillance and enables transparency in the supply chain.

The Refrigerants Procurement Climate Collaborative (PCC) provides guidance and practical tools to help organizations reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with refrigerants used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump equipment. Developed by the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, the resource supports institutional and public procurement professionals in identifying, specifying, and managing low-GWP refrigerant alternatives across the equipment life cycle. The PCC offers model procurement language, technical resources, and policy templates that can be integrated into organizational purchasing and facility management processes.

The Regional Energy Efficiency Policy Recommendations document provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing energy efficiency across various regions. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a combination of regulatory measures, information dissemination, and incentives to drive energy efficiency improvements. The recommendations are designed to assist policymakers in developing and implementing effective energy efficiency policies tailored to their specific regional contexts.

The Regional Savings Assessment provides an overview of the potential benefits of adopting energy-efficient and climate-friendly appliances and equipment across Central Africa. It evaluates lighting, cooling appliances (residential refrigerators, commercial refrigeration, room air conditioners), and other products, presenting scenarios from business-as-usual to higher ambition Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) aligned with U4E’s Model Regulation Guidelines. The report quantifies potential electricity, cost, and emissions savings by 2040 and shows how more ambitious policies could avoid power plant investments, lower consumer bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a practical resource for policymakers and stakeholders seeking evidence to guide sustainable energy efficiency strategies in the region.

The Regional Savings Assessment for the East African Region evaluates the economic and environmental benefits of adopting energy-efficient and climate-friendly lighting, cooling, and equipment across 12 countries. It compares Business as Usual, Minimum Ambition (aligned with U4E Model Regulation Guidelines), and High Ambition scenarios, showing that by 2040 the region could save up to 22 TWh of electricity annually, cut billions in electricity costs, avoid 5–9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, and defer investment in multiple power plants. The assessment highlights how ambitious policies on minimum energy performance standards, product labelling, monitoring, and incentives can deliver significant gains in energy access, economic resilience, and climate goals.