Determining the potential in energy and environmental effects reduction of air conditioning systems taking into account system conception and equipment and thermal loads curves. Main Results and Final Report, Period: January 2000 - November 2001

The project studies the energy saving potential in air conditioning for residential and commercial buildings in the European Union with moderate and Mediterranean climates, and analysed the environmental impacts and the legal barriers to energy efficiency improvement in those countries. Air conditioning, ambient cooling in particular, is becoming mor important than heating in Mediterranean areas in housing and service buildings, and in moderate climates in service buildings with good thermal envelope and high indoor use. Saving energy on air conditioning results in lower depletion of energy resources and reduction of environmental pollution and cost savings. The detailed study carried out determined the short and medium term effects on the reduction of energy consumptions and ambient pollution, through actions targeted to air conditioning usage. Technological charges that could improve electricity production have not been addressed in this study.