2. The environmental impact of refrigeration

2.1 Cold and energy

The share of electricity consumption used for refrigeration and air conditioning has increased in both developed and developing countries in recent years. Today, the refrigeration sector accounts for around 17% of total electricity consumption worldwide. This 17% ratio is all the more significant as the efficiency of refrigeration equipment continues to improve.

Air conditioning accounts for around 5% of total electricity consumption worldwide. This percentage varies from country to country, depending on climate and level of development. Almost non-existent in the least developed countries, it represents around 14% of total electricity consumption in the United States, and 40% in the Indian city of Mumbai, for example.

...