The gap between global climate commitments and real-world deployment has long been a challenge for sustainable cooling. Now, a new initiative is bridging that divide with concrete funding and technical support.
The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) , in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) , has officially launched EPIC Deploy (Enabling Pledge Implementation for Cooling). This joint initiative translates the ambitions of the Global Cooling Pledge—which commits signatory countries to a 68% reduction in cooling emissions by 2050—into tangible, on-the-ground projects.
Why Sustainable Cooling Matters Now
The need for sustainable cooling has never been more urgent. With over 1.1 billion people globally lacking access to adequate cooling services and demand expected to rise dramatically by 2050, the stakes are high. Without intervention, cooling emissions could almost double by 2050, reaching an estimated 7.2 billion tons of CO₂e.
The Global Cooling Watch 2025 report, released during COP30 in Belém, highlights that a “Sustainable Cooling Pathway” combining passive cooling, high-efficiency equipment, low-energy solutions, and low-GWP refrigerants could cut cooling emissions by up to 97% compared to business-as-usual levels.
The Financial Grid: What EPIC Deploy Offers
EPIC Deploy provides a structured financial framework designed to support scalable, technically sound, and climate-resilient cooling projects:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Funding | Minimum grant starts at USD $200,000, with total project budgets capped at USD $1.2 million |
| Co-Funding Requirement | Applicants/partners must commit to covering at least 20% in co-funding |
| Consortium Model | Open to international consortia combining public, private, and research entities |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2026 (review and due diligence take approximately 6 months before deployment) |
Eligible Countries and Target Sectors
To qualify for project implementation, activities must take place in one of five designated partner countries: Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, or Brazil. These countries represent strategic hubs where sustainable cooling solutions can deliver significant impact.
Target Focus Sectors:
- Tertiary Sector: Public buildings, hospitals, and universities—focusing on energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and operational resilience
- Industrial & Cold Chain: Port infrastructure and food-chain logistics—aimed at cutting post-harvest food losses, improving efficiency, and reducing direct refrigerant emissions
EPIC Deploy is part of a broader Italian engagement on sustainable cooling, connecting to the Mattei Plan for Africa and building on the Torino Communiqué from the G7 2024. The initiative is supported by scientific partners including AiCARR and the Politecnico di Milano.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should access the full technical guidelines and consortium application forms via the official MASE website.
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/depC6EKs
Applications close on October 31, 2026.
🌍 Earth Focus Network: Your Partner in Climate Innovation
At Earth Focus Network, we believe that climate action is a collective movement. We connect innovators, researchers, and organizations with the funding, partnerships, and resources they need to turn ambitious ideas into scalable solutions.
What We Offer Our Members:
- Exclusive Funding Alerts – Be the first to know about opportunities like EPIC Deploy, and gain early access to calls for sustainable cooling, clean energy, and climate resilience projects
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Don’t miss out on funding opportunities like EPIC Deploy. Members who join today receive immediate access to our curated opportunities board, smart matching, and global network of changemakers.
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