Extract: Energy consumption for space cooling has more than tripled since 1990, with significant implications for electricity grids. 2021 was one of the seven warmest years on record. In addition, the past seven years have been the hottest ever recorded. Space cooling demand experienced the highest annual growth among all buildings end uses in 2021 and accounted for nearly 16% of buildings sector final electricity consumption (about 2 000 TWh).
As the planet warms, ensuring that cooling needs are met equitably is of primary importance. Efficiency standards are a key measure to avoid the lock-in of inefficient air-conditioning units in coming decades, together with passive, nature-based and alternative solutions to air conditioners (which need to be prioritised where possible to mitigate the growth in demand for active technologies), and improved design of buildings and districts.
While highly efficient air-conditioning units are available on the market, most efficiency standards – and consequently the units purchased by consumers – have two-to-three times lower efficiencies than the ones of best available technologies. To be in line with the NZE Scenario, the average efficiency rating of new AC units would need to increase at least 50% by 2030 in all markets.
A Government decision to move ahead with a regulated product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants marks a major step in tackling some of New Zealand’s most potent greenhouse gases.
Kawerau, 20 March 2026 – A high-tech plasma torch was lit up today as Minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka, officially opened the $10 million National Refrigerant Destruction Facility.
