Cooling demand is increasing rapidly across Europe due to rising global temperatures, urbanisation and the growing need for thermal comfort in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Today, most cooling systems rely on electricity generated from fossil fuels and often use high-global-warming-potential refrigerants, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and increasing pressure on electricity networks during peak demand periods. Accelerating the deployment of renewable cooling technologies is therefore essential to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, improve energy security and build climate-resilient communities.
The COOLING DOWN project aims to promote the widespread adoption of renewable cooling solutions by addressing the non-technological barriers that currently limit their market uptake. Rather than developing new cooling technologies, the project focuses on increasing awareness, improving knowledge among key stakeholders, strengthening policy frameworks, and facilitating investment in sustainable cooling systems. By bringing together experts from across Europe, COOLING DOWN supports the transition to efficient, low-carbon cooling solutions that meet future climate challenges.
A key objective of the project is to build capacity among policymakers, urban planners, building professionals, designers, installers and end users through targeted training activities, technical guidance and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The project also develops recommendations to improve regulatory frameworks and market conditions while promoting best practices for integrating renewable cooling technologies into buildings and urban energy systems. Particular attention is given to technologies such as geothermal cooling, free cooling, district cooling and other renewable-based solutions that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity demand.
Through collaboration among research organisations, industry associations, public authorities, and market actors, COOLING DOWN helps increase the visibility and market acceptance of renewable cooling across Europe. The project supports the development of sustainable cooling strategies that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen Europe’s resilience to climate change, while contributing to the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector. sources installed in the building.
 | The COOLING DOWN project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement 101077140 — LIFE21-CET-COOLING-COOLING DOWN. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. |
