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To cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis, we need to rapidly change how we produce and consume energy. Using energy more efficiently and generating energy through renewables (rather than fossil fuels) will play a massive role in reducing global emissions.
As the world warms, more energy-intensive cooling services (particularly air conditioners) will be needed, exacerbating the impact on the climate. At the same time, rooftop solar energy can provide much of the world’s electricity.
The combination of both solutions can ensure we can keep our people cool without contributing to global warming. WWF is working to drive this change through our ‘Cool & Solar’ initiative.
The initiative is active in several countries, including Cambodia, Philippines, Bhutan, Singapore and Indonesia. It builds on WWF’s Upfront programme, which helped install solar energy in more than 50 WWF buildings around the world and supplied energy management devices in over 30.
WWF has been working on energy efficiency for several decades – examples of our work in action can be found in our collection of case studies.
Contact
WWF Upfront: Jean-Philippe Denruyter, jpdenruyter@wwf.panda.org
There is a huge potential for rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), but we aren’t taking nearly enough advantage of this clean power source. Solar PV on existing buildings has the potential to provide a high share of the world’s total electricity consumption. Indeed, the potential electricity available for rooftop solar (26.8 PWh) can cover 95%+ of global electricity demand (28 PWh).
Solar PV can also be deployed very quickly (a few days to a few weeks for a new installation, compared to fossil or nuclear solutions which take years), and can be integrated in existing structures, without the need for new land. In recent years, solar PV prices have become much more competitive, and will often be cheaper than any other electricity producing technology.
While cooling is essential to meet sustainable development goals, it also presents a very significant threat for the climate. Nearly 20% of the total electricity used in buildings across the globe is spent on cooling technology like air conditioners and electric fans. Over the next three decades, the demand for cooling is expected to become one of the top drivers of increased energy demand.
It doesn’t need to be like this – cooling can be much more efficient and demand less energy. This can be done by reducing our need for cooling through improved ‘passive’ cooling solutions (such as better building insulation, optimised shading solutions and cool roofs) and implementing robust standards for cooling appliances.
Both solutions create the perfect pair. The hotter the sun, the higher the solar production and the greater the need for cooling. Solar energy can directly provide energy to cooling systems, thereby reducing the need for electricity from large power stations far away, and alleviating pressure on the power lines.
Our world has been too slow in recognizing the potential that sustainable cooling and solar energy offer as a solution to the climate crisis, and implementing this at scale.
The Cool and Solar initiative is active in several countries:
- In Cambodia, WWF works with the tourism sector, from hotels to community-based ecotourism sites, to increase adoption of efficient cooling and rooftop solar solutions.
- In Bhutan, WWF works with the government and local businesses to spur the adoption of rooftop solar, particularly with a focus on technician training.
- In the Philippines, WWF works with cities on efficient cooling, as part of the One Planet City Challenge.
- Across the South West Indian Ocean, WWF works with fishing communities to install climate-friendly, solar-powered cooling equipment.
- Globally, WWF is active in the Cool Coalition and Mission Efficiency. WWF has supported TopTen for 20+ years to drive adoption of efficient appliances.
WWF has been active in energy efficiency for several decades – examples of our work in action can be found in our collection of case studies.
Case Studies: Energy Efficiency in Action
WWF is working to identify iconic buildings in the world’s major cities that are ready for energy transition projects. Currently, beautiful buildings in Bhutan, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Viet Nam are monitoring their electricity consumption and getting efficiency upgrades, showing their users how to transition toward smart and efficient energy usage. These include:
- The Municipal Palace of Lima, Peru
- The Stock Exchange in Santiago, Chile
- The headquarters of the Government of Cundinamarca in Bogotá, Colombia
- The Huong Giang Hotel in Hue, Viet Nam
- The Bank of Bhutan Headquarters in Thimphu, Bhutan.
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