10 Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions
As global temperatures continue to rise, so do the number of air conditioning units around the world, with the tally expected to hit 1 billion by 2030, and double by 2040.
The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2050, two-thirds of the world’s households will be fitted with an air conditioner, with half of them installed in China, India and Indonesia.
But the race to survive extreme temperatures may be fuelling the global warming flame. Fans and air conditioners account for 20 percent of global electricity use in buildings, making them significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Added to that is the environmental footprint from manufacturing, transporting and disposing/recycling units at the end of their lifecycle.
This has created a new and growing market for cooling systems that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable. The International Energy Agency states that implementing greener air conditioners and cooling systems, like the ones outlined below, can lower electricity bills for individuals and businesses, potentially saving up to $2.9 trillion globally by 2050.
Passive Cooling Techniques
Currently, just eight percent of the 2.8 billion people living in the areas of the world with the most extreme heat have access to air conditioners, and leveraging natural elements like shading, insulation, natural ventilation and reflective surfaces to cool buildings and spaces without relying on active cooling systems could be the answer to solving temperature rise in developing countries such as Ethiopia, South Sudan and The Congo. Examples include designing buildings with ample shade, utilizing natural ventilation through windows and vents, and reflective roof materials to reduce heat absorption.
Green Roofs and Living Walls
Incorporating vegetation into building structures with greenery is an easy and cost-effective way to create natural insulation and cooling effects. From green roofs to living walls, these natural alternatives help absorb heat, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality while also supporting stormwater management and biodiversity preservation. One impressive example is the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, which features a living roof of over 1.7 million native plants and acts as a natural AC for the building.
Solar-Powered Cooling
Ironically, the sun can be leveraged for cooling purposes. Solar-powered air conditioners use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which then powers absorption chillers. While the brand SolCool draws on solar thermal collectors to drive their products’ cooling process, SolarCool Technologies offers solar-powered absorption chillers for commercial cooling applications.
Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning
When shopping for a lower-emitting air conditioner, you’ll likely encounter features like high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER), inverter technology, variable speed compressors, smart controls, and heat recovery systems that work to optimize energy consumption while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll also come across products displaying the Energy Star-Certified symbol, meaning the unit uses about 15 percent less energy compared to traditional ACs, and meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for energy efficiency.
Heat Pumps
Powered by either natural gas, solar power or electricity, heat pumps draw heat from the air or earth and move it to another area with the goal of maintaining ideal temperatures. Using about half the amount of electricity compared to air conditioners, they’re best suited for regions with moderate climates and no extreme temperature fluctuations.
Advanced Refrigerants
Traditional air conditioners are known for relying on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants—which are actually greenhouse gases—to cool spaces quickly and effectively. Sustainable cooling units, on the other hand, use more environmentally friendly hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Brands to look for include Opteon, HFO refrigerants developed by Chemours, and Greenfreeze, a line of refrigerators using hydrocarbon refrigerants like isobutane instead of HFCs.
Evaporative Cooling
Drawing on the natural process of water evaporation to cool the air, these evaporative cooling systems, also called Swamp Coolers, require less energy compared to refrigeration-based cooling systems. They’re especially effective in dry climates where the cooling effect of evaporation is more pronounced. Brands include AeroCool Pro-Series, a line of evaporative coolers known for their high performance and energy efficiency, and Symphony Diet 22i, a portable evaporative cooler suitable for small spaces and personal use.
Thermal Energy Storage
As the name suggests, this technology stores excess cooling capacity during off-peak periods for later use, and draws on either chilled water, ice or phase-change materials. CALMAC's ice-based thermal energy storage system, for instance, stores cooling capacity during off-peak building hours, while Rubitherm's Phase Change Materials store and release cooling energy based on temperature changes.
Smart Cooling Systems
Many newer homes and commercial spaces today are fitted with digital thermostats featuring advanced sensors to help optimize cooling efficiency, and automatically adjusting cooling settings based on real-time data, occupancy patterns, and weather conditions. A popular choice is the Nest Learning Thermostat, which has Smart Controls that learn the user's schedule as well as preferences to optimize cooling settings.
District Cooling Systems
For larger networks of buildings including commercial and multi-family structures, district cooling systems provide an eco-friendly centralized solution that uses efficient chillers and thermal energy storage to provide cooling through a series of underground pipes. By consolidating cooling resources, district cooling systems can achieve higher energy efficiency, reduce the environmental impact of individual cooling units, and enable the integration of renewable energy sources.
Along with the above solutions, educating populations, including individuals and businesses, about the importance of energy-efficient cooling practices, temperature settings, and proper maintenance can go a long way in reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Simple actions like using ceiling fans, closing curtains during the day, and practicing responsible thermostat use can make a significant difference in energy savings.
If you’re interested in connecting with companies specializing in sustainable cooling systems, visit Intengine.com. Featuring an array of smart search tools and filters, the world’s largest directory of eco-minded businesses makes it easy to find companies in your area in just a few clicks.
Tags: cooling solutions, cooling systems, air conditioning, air conditioner, passive cooling, cooling techniques, smart cooling