by Kathleen Dunan 

Introduction 

Summers become significantly hotter each year, and the temperature rise boosts the demand for cooling, driving an increase in energy consumption. On a national scale, separate projections suggest that cooling may be responsible for around 75% of current annual electricity demand by the 2050s for countries such as India and Indonesia. Another analysis reports that air conditioning ownership increases household electricity use by an average of 37% (Sherman et al., 2022). A modeling study on office buildings in Bangalore, Delhi, Bangkok, and Makati concludes that space cooling accounts for 30 to 40% of total energy consumption. In general, the quantitative studies for urban office settings support the view that air conditioning alone can account for up to 40% of electricity demands in these cities, contributing to the rise of the global surface temperature each year (Alnuaimi et al., 2020). This article highlights certain innovations and initiatives taken by some ASEAN countries to mitigate the environmental impacts of cooling in urban areas. 

ASEAN Innovations in Action 

As cooling from traditional air conditioning poses risks to global temperature rise, several countries, especially in Southeast Asia, have taken actions to mitigate the rising demand for cooling and energy. However, few actions have been taken to cushion the environmental impact. Singapore has made significant investments in Green Mark certification and HFC phase-down strategies, effectively promoting energy efficiency and climate mitigation, aligning these innovations with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) (Pratama et al., 2023). Aside from government projects, there are also community-driven innovations that demonstrate circular approaches. The local government in Palawan and the DOST in the Philippines established a hybrid solar-powered mini-ice plant as a solution to the fishermen’s need for ice blocks to preserve the captured fish. The initiative has helped improve the economic resilience of a community in a remote area, while observing the clean energy and climate change (Department of Science and Technology, 2023). These examples demonstrate that sustainable cooling is not only a technological issue but also a matter of policy, planning, and conscience for social innovation. These solutions not only support SDG 7 and 13, but also SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), as creating sustainable building materials and circular cooling solutions, such as reusing waste heat and developing biodegradable insulation, reduces resource intensity while extending product lifecycles. 

Scalability and Feasibility 

Scaling sustainable cooling solutions in ASEAN is reasonably achievable, as the region offers abundant opportunities for integrating passive design into urban planning, particularly with the construction of new cities and housing projects. The construction sector can start adopting cool roofs, better insulation, and shading techniques at a relatively low cost. These solutions are considered affordable, as they rely on simple materials and design changes. For example, cool roofs can be created using reflective paint, and shading can be added with awnings, blinds, or vegetation, which are relatively cheaper than installing and running air conditioning (UN Environment Programme, 2021). 

Challenges and Ways Forward 

Despite progress, several barriers remain. Energy-efficient cooling technologies are often too expensive for average consumers, while cheaper but inefficient models dominate the market. Informal housing in many ASEAN cities lacks proper design, which creates difficulties for the implementation of passive cooling. Furthermore, financing sustainable cooling projects is more challenging, especially when competing with fossil-fuel-based infrastructure investments. There is also a strong equity dimension. Access to affordable cooling is not evenly distributed, with poorer households and informal urban communities most at risk from heat stress but least able to afford efficient technologies. The connection between energy access, cooling, and economic development makes this issue a pressing challenge because, without affordable cooling, productivity, health, and livelihoods will suffer. Thus, to move forward, policy, technology, and social strategies must be implemented. Policymakers must enforce stricter efficiency standards and phase out inefficient appliances. At the same time, investments targeting decentralized solutions, such as solar-powered cooling for off-grid areas, should be implemented to make sure that sustainable cooling is accessible to everyone. Urban planners must prioritize nature-based solutions like urban greening and water-sensitive designs, which reduce heat islands while improving the quality of life. Regional cooperation is also equally important. Facilitating knowledge exchange, establishing appropriate efficiency benchmarks, and synchronizing finance within ASEAN can speed up adoption and save expenses. This collaborative approach aligns with the ASEAN Centre for Energy’s mission to foster regional solutions to shared challenges. Most importantly, sustainable cooling should be framed not only as a technical fix but also as a public good that supports health, equity, and long-term resilience. 

The Role of Individual and Collective Action 

While policies and large-scale technologies are vital to finding solutions for the increasing demand for energy and cooling in the nation, individual-based action can also play a significant role in reducing cooling-related energy demand. Choosing energy-efficient appliances may come with a higher initial cost sometimes, although they can lower the electricity use and extend the product lifespan in the long run, which serves as a key principle in the circular economy (Olatunde et al., 2024). Small behavioral changes, such as raising air conditioning settings, using fans, and switching off devices when unused, also reduce energy waste. Additionally, citizens can start to invest in low-cost passive cooling practices by installing curtains, ventilation, reflective surfaces, and planting trees, all of which use natural processes instead of energy-intensive systems like air conditioning units (UN Environment Programme, 2021). By implementing passive cooling practices in residential areas, energy demand can be reduced by about 35 to 70%, lowering heat islands and improving living conditions (Institut International Du Froid, 2025). Finally, by demanding more sustainable products and advocating for stronger efficiency standards, consumers can push businesses and policymakers to adopt circular cooling solutions on a wider scale. Combined, these everyday actions will complement the previously mentioned policies and help achieve SDGs 7, 12, and 13.

Conclusion 

Cooling is one of ASEAN’s defining energy and climate challenges. To prevent higher fossil fuel use and greater emissions, this issue must be addressed one step at a time. From efficient technologies, passive design, community innovations, and individual action, ASEAN can reduce energy demand, cut emissions, and protect its most vulnerable populations. Cooling is not merely about comfort, but also about survival in this warming world. To ensure a sustainable future, ASEAN must emphasize sustainable cooling in its energy and climate policies, thereby achieving the SDGs.