Cambodia Highlights Passive Cooling Strategy at Global Ministerial Roundtable

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.21, 2015) — Cambodia’s environment minister said the country has adopted a National Cooling Action Plan to manage rising demand for cooling in buildings, food supply chains and healthcare facilities.

Eang Sophalleth told the High-Level Cooling Ministerial Roundtable on Delivering on the Global Cooling Pledge, held during the U.N. climate conference, that the plan places “passive cooling” at its center. The approach emphasizes design and architectural measures to reduce heat before mechanical cooling is needed.

Sophalleth said passive cooling is already helping communities cope with more frequent heatwaves while easing pressure on Cambodia’s energy system. He added that Cambodia is prepared to share its standards and lessons with other countries and welcomed technical and financial cooperation to expand passive cooling across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The annual roundtable reviews countries’ progress on cooling-related commitments under the Global Cooling Pledge, which supports international efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2050.