Call to increase air conditioning MEPS
24th January 2026
UK: Ten leading companies, including Danfoss, Johnson Controls and ABB, are calling on policymakers around the world to increase the minimum energy performance standards for air conditioners.
Aware that air conditioning is now the fastest-growing source of energy demand for the building sector, The Climate Group’s Smart Energy Coalition is calling on policymakers to prioritise energy efficiency as part of the commitment made at COP28 to double the annual rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030.
The open letter backs five global principles to make significant energy savings. This includes better support for the manufacturing, distribution and use of high MEPS appliances, such as air conditioning, fridges, freezers and lighting; more efficient industrial cooling; and higher standards for buildings through enhanced building energy codes.
The coalition quotes IEA figures which state that, in order to stay on track for net zero by 2050, the average appliance in 2030 needs to consume 25% less energy compared to 2020, and new buildings need to use 50% less energy for heating and cooling by 2030.
Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce emissions, enhance energy security and boost resilience, the letter says.
“Cooling has become one of the fastest-growing sources of energy demand and emissions across the world. The technology to deliver highly efficient, low-emissions cooling already exists, but progress now depends on scale and implementation,” said Danfoss’ vice president, head of public affairs Sara Vad Sørensen.
“For industry, energy efficiency is not a nice-to-have. It is the first fuel, and fundamental to competitiveness and decarbonisation. Accelerating the uptake of efficient cooling solutions is essential if we are serious about managing energy demand while supporting economic growth.”
Katie McGinty, Johnson Controls’ vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer, commented: “Sustainability is no longer a side conversation; it’s the ultimate competitive edge. Across mission-critical industries we’re seeing the same story: when we pair efficiency, electrification, and digitisation, organisations cut carbon, cut costs, and boost uptime all at once.”
Founded in 2004, Climate Group operates internationally and works with teams on the ground in the UK, US, Mexico, India, Brazil, The Netherlands, Japan, and China.
