The recent China Refrigeration Symposium 2024 and the China Cooling Expo 2024 took place in Beijing. China also announced it will promote the use of CO₂ and other natural refrigerants to reduce the harmful environmental impact of cooling systems.

CLASP was there too, to present our global research on the interlinked climate and sustainable development opportunities affordable, efficient cooling appliances can bring, as well as the policy mechanisms that can expedite a country’s transition to efficiency. CLASP research indicates that improved appliance efficiency policies in China would reduce 500 million tons of CO₂ by 2040.

CLASP has supported data and analysis to support China’s policy upgrades for commercial refrigerators, room air conditioners among other appliances. The China Labeling Program covers more than 150 appliances and emphasizes high efficiency standards.

The China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS) and leading universities like Southeast University develop frameworks for improved efficiency policies.

“CLASP has provided international best practices to CNIS and immense support to our technical teams, helping us make significant progress in improving appliance energy efficiency in China. Our efforts will help the country meet its commitments of peaking carbon emission by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060,” said Liqiang Xing, Director of Resource & Environment, CNIS.

CLASP’s research highlights the opportunity and urgency needed for concerted global efforts to achieve high-efficiency cooling solutions. “The critical role of policymaking in implementation of high-efficiency technologies cannot be overstated. Chinese leaders who set strict standards for energy efficiency are a beacon for the global community”, said Steven Zeng, CLASP’s Program Lead in China.

As CLASP continues to collaborate with international policymakers, industry stakeholders and global partners, momentum for high-efficient cooling is picking up pace. By leveraging collective expertise and shared goals, the path to a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable future for cooling systems is increasingly attainable.