Kigali Cooling Efficiency Receives $52 Million in Grants

Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program Formally Kicks Off with $52 Million in Philanthropic Commitments

A $52 million philanthropic collaboration among 18 foundations formally kicked off today with the aim of helping developing countries transition to energy-efficient, climate-friendly, and affordable cooling solutions.

The Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP), which the Wyss Foundation is supporting through a commitment of $3 million, will help accelerate the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—powerful greenhouse gases that are contributing to climate change. Studies show that phasing down HFCs, used for cooling and refrigeration, could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century. Combined with energy efficiency gains and related carbon pollution savings, the overall effort can avoid 1°C of global warming.

K-CEP, whose concept was announced prior to the signing of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in October 2016, is the largest single philanthropic commitment that has ever been made to advance energy efficiency in the developing world.

The money committed by foundations will support energy-efficient cooling in developing countries, including air-conditioning, refrigeration, building design, shading, cool roofs, and super-efficient fans. These investments will help accelerate the phase-out of HFCs while expanding access to affordable cooling solutions in developing countries.

To read more about the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program, visit http://www.k-cep.org/.