National Cooling Action Plan Methodology

United Nations 5 months ago

The National Cooling Action Plan Methodology for the MENA Region provides a practical framework to support governments in developing integrated cooling strategies aligned with climate, energy, and development priorities. Developed by the UN Environment Programme Cool Coalition in partnership with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), with financial support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the methodology adapts the global NCAP approach to the specific conditions of high-ambient-temperature countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The report outlines a structured process to assess cooling demand, strengthen coordination across sectors, and translate national commitments into implementable policies and investment pipelines covering buildings, appliances, refrigerants, cold chains, and energy systems. By linking cooling access, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction within a single planning framework, the methodology supports countries in developing National Cooling Action Plans that move from pledges to implementation while aligning with the Paris Agreement, the Kigali Amendment, and the Global Cooling Pledge.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 14 days ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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