Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  NEWSONAIR

Context

The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, addresses the growing cooling demand in India while promoting sustainable and climate-friendly technologies.  

What is the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)?

India is the first Country in the World to develop a comprehensive cooling action plan.

It was released in 2019, to provide a 20-year roadmap (2017–2038) to address cooling requirements across sectors like buildings, cold chains, transport, and industries.

It aims to reduce cooling-related energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring thermal comfort for all.

It integrates energy efficiency, refrigerant transition, and sustainable technologies with ongoing government programs like Skill India and Make in India.

Key Objectives

Reduce Cooling Demand: Promote passive cooling through energy-efficient building designs, cool roofs, and better insulation to cut energy use by 20–25% by 2037–38.

Promote Sustainable Technologies: Encourage low-Global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, natural cooling methods, and energy-efficient air conditioners.

Strengthen Policy Framework: Develop standards and labels for appliances and phase out high-GWP refrigerants.

Skill Development: Train 100,000 technicians under the Skill India Mission for sustainable cooling practices.

Research and Development: Promote innovation in climate-friendly refrigerants and cooling technologies.

Public Awareness: Educate citizens on energy-efficient cooling practices.

Stakeholder Engagement: Involve industry, policymakers, and consumers in promoting sustainable cooling.

International Collaboration: Align with global efforts like the Montreal Protocol to share and adopt best practices.

What are the Key Features of ICAP?

Passive Cooling in Buildings

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) introduced the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings and Eco-Niwas Samhita (ECBC-R) for residential buildings to promote passive cooling through better design and insulation.

Refrigerant Transition

Studies focus on non-Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) and low-GWP technologies for cold chains, buildings, and public procurement.

India achieved a 67.5% reduction in Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and use, aligning with the Kigali Amendment.

Skill Development

Over 43, 000 refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development, is equipping Industrial Training Institutes with modern training tools.

What are the Sustainable Cooling Solutions?

Evaporative Cooling

Utilizes water evaporation to cool air, as seen in desert coolers, effective in hot and dry climates. Lowers energy consumption while increasing humidity for thermal comfort.

Geothermal Cooling

Uses earth air tunnels to leverage the constant subsurface temperature for cooling indoor spaces, reducing the need for mechanical air conditioners.

Passive Architectural Design

Incorporates natural ventilation, shading, and microclimate enhancements (e.g., vertical gardens, tree cover) to lower temperatures. Reduces reliance on active cooling systems.

District Cooling Systems

Centralized chilled water systems serve multiple buildings, improving energy efficiency compared to traditional Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Enables low-carbon cooling through vapor absorption machines (VAM) using excess heat.

Dehumidification Technologies

Desiccant-based evaporative coolers (DEVAP) use renewable heat to dehumidify and cool air, offering energy-efficient alternatives to traditional systems.

Radiant Cooling

Circulates chilled water through pipes in ceilings, walls, or floors to absorb heat via radiation, providing consistent cooling with lower energy use.

How is ICAP Aligned with Global Environmental Commitments?

Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol: ICAP aligns with the phase-down of high-GWP HFCs, with India achieving a 67.5% reduction in HFC use.

Paris Agreement: Contributes to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by reducing cooling-related emissions.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Supports mitigation and adaptation strategies.

What are the Challenges in Implementing ICAP?

High Initial Costs: Sustainable cooling technologies like district cooling or radiant cooling require significant upfront investment.

Low Awareness: Limited public and industry awareness of passive cooling and low-GWP technologies.

Technological Gaps: Scaling up innovations like geothermal or radiant cooling is constrained by infrastructure and expertise.

Urbanization Pressure: Rapid urbanization increases cooling demand, challenging ICAP’s reduction targets.

Coordination Issues: Cross-sectoral implementation requires seamless coordination among ministries, states, and industries.

Way Forward to Strengthen ICAP Implementation

Incentivize Adoption: Provide subsidies and tax benefits for energy-efficient appliances and passive cooling designs.

Expand Skill Training: Scale up technician training beyond 100,000 to meet growing demand.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Use media and community programs to promote sustainable cooling practices.

International Partnerships: Collaborate with global bodies like UNEP to access funding and technology for low-GWP solutions.

Strengthen R&D: Increase funding for indigenous development of climate-friendly refrigerants and cooling systems.

Urban Planning Integration: Mandate ECBC and ECBC-R compliance in new urban projects to reduce cooling demand.

Conclusion

The India Cooling Action Plan promotes sustainable cooling, aligning with global climate goals while addressing costs, awareness, and stakeholder engagement, positioning India as a global leader in environmentally responsible development.

Source: NEWSONAIR