Sustainable Cooling and Climate Change

This Research Topic, “Sustainable Cooling and Climate Change,” addresses the pressing issue of how cooling systems can be designed, implemented and managed in a manner that mitigates their adverse environmental impact and contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Cooling technologies, such as air conditioning and refrigeration, play a crucial role in maintaining human comfort and preserving perishable goods. However, these systems are associated with a significant carbon footprint, energy consumption and refrigerant emissions, making them a critical component of the climate change challenge. This Research Topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary insights and innovative solutions to advance sustainable cooling practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the consequences of climate change in the built environment.
The scope of this collection encompasses a wide range of subtopics related to sustainable cooling and its impact on climate change. The research areas may include, but are not limited to:
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Cooling Technologies: Investigating state-of-the-art cooling technologies that emphasize energy efficiency and rely on renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, to reduce the carbon footprint of cooling systems;
• Sustainable Refrigerants: Assessing the environmental impact of refrigerants, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and exploring alternative, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants that can minimize direct and indirect emissions;
• Cooling System Design and Integration: Evaluating innovative designs and integration strategies that enhance the energy efficiency and overall performance of cooling systems while considering the specific needs of different regions and building types;
• Climate Adaptation through Cooling: Examining the role of cooling systems in enhancing resilience to extreme heat events and addressing the cooling needs of vulnerable populations in a changing climate;
• Sustainable Building Design: Analyzing the impact of building design and orientation on cooling energy consumption and exploring strategies for passive cooling and natural ventilation;
• Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Investigating how cooling technologies can contribute to mitigating urban heat islands, reducing local temperatures and enhancing urban microclimates;
• Smart Building Technologies: Exploring the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and smart building technologies to optimize cooling system performance, improve user comfort and reduce energy consumption;
• Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Analyzing the role of government policies and regulations in promoting sustainable cooling practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cooling systems;
• Economic Viability: Assessing the cost-effectiveness of sustainable cooling technologies and their potential to provide long-term financial benefits to building owners and operators;
• Environmental and Societal Impacts: Studying the broader environmental and societal implications of sustainable cooling, including public health, air quality and social equity.

By focusing on these critical research areas, this collection seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of sustainable cooling practices and drive innovation in the field. The aim is to contribute to the development of strategies and technologies that not only reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems but also promote climate resilience in the built environment, with the ultimate goal of combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable and habitable future for all.