Effective Carbon Footprint of Cooling Technologies

Globally, cooling thermal loads are continuously increasing. The demand for air conditioning systems is one of the most critical blind spots in the ongoing energy transition. Space cooling demand accounts for nearly 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world today. Rising space cooling energy demand is also straining the electric grid systems globally, leading to higher emissions. The global energy demand associated with space conditioning is anticipated to increase significantly for decades to come, driven by increased affordability and global population growth. This presents a significant opportunity to quickly influence the growth of cooling-related energy demand through policies to improve equipment efficiency. Unlike the wide range of heating system options, cooling systems options are limited and can be broadly categorized into ones with and without onsite power generation. Here we explore the environmental impact of cooling technologies with the concept of effective carbon footprint as a metric for evaluating their carbon emissions. It examines the factors influencing the carbon footprint of cooling technologies, including energy efficiency, and thermal load. By comparing the effective carbon footprints of different cooling technologies, the chapter aims to provide insights into their relative environmental impact and inform decision-making for sustainable cooling solutions.