According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy demand for air conditioning will grow significantly over the next several years, particularly in developing countries. At the same time, it is an area of energy consumption with considerable potential for energy savings.

While monthly and annual temperature records have become increasingly common in recent years, a new phenomenon is emerging in the energy sector: air conditioning. According to the IEA, global energy consumption for air conditioning will continue to rise significantly.

Currently, around 40 % of energy used in buildings goes towards heating and cooling. According to the IEA, the largest increase in energy consumption for air conditioning, as much as 80 %, is expected in developing countries. Much of this growth in consumption will take place in urban areas, which also offer the greatest potential for energy savings.

Hundreds of millions of new households in the coming decades represent an opportunity to develop new measures that will help reduce overall energy consumption and thus contribute to keeping global warming below 2 °C. Such measures include, for example, mandatory energy codes that reduce the need for air conditioning through building thermal insulation.

For new buildings, the focus should primarily be on preventing the need for air conditioning. This can be achieved, for example, in buildings in warmer areas through the use of reflective surfaces.