Our story 
Our team
Collaborating for climate action
The Cool Up programme brings together ten international, regional and national expert organisations. With in-depth expertise on topics like ozone depleting substances, natural refrigerants, f-gas regulation, energy efficiency, buildings, and climate, our team is well-equipped to support governments, industry, and financial institutions facilitate the transition to sustainable cooling.
Select a partner
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- Guidehouse
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- ILK Dresden
- Öko-Recherche
- United Nations Development Programme
- Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- İstanbul Aydın Üniversity
- Integrated Development Group Company
- Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
- Royal Scientific Society
Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public and commercial markets with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. With over 700 consultants, Guidehouse’s global Energy, Sustainability, and Infrastructure segment is the largest in the industry helping decision makers in governments, utilities, grid operators and industries navigate the energy transition. Guidehouse has a strong track record in supporting multilateral and national development banks, technical assistance agencies, and governments in developing countries on climate and energy issues. In the Cool Up programme, Guidehouse is responsible for project and stakeholder management and provides policy and technical expertise.
Frankfurt School’s UNEP Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance is a “think-and-do” tank combining research, education and project implementation. The vision is to support the transformational changes needed to transition towards a clean and sustainable world – a world driven by low-carbon economic development and led by environmentally conscious, empowered, and enabled communities and businesses. Frankfurt School supports this change via strategy and advisory services to financial sector stakeholders for the delivery of innovative, smart, and sustainable solutions. In the Cool Up programme, Frankfurt School is working towards unlocking the public and private capital needed to scale up sustainable RAC solutions.
ILK Dresden is an independent research and non-profit organization with 35 years of experience in numerous national and international projects on chillers, heat pumps, and PVbased off-grid cooling and storage solutions. With 120 scientists and engineers, ILK’s areas of expertise include cryogenics and low temperature physics, refrigeration and heat pumps, air handling technology, applied materials engineering, and applied energy engineering. Within the Cool Up programme, ILK Dresden provides technical expertise in refrigeration and air handling technologies, and trainings for technicians.
Öko-Recherche is a highly specialised environmental consultancy and research institution in the field of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gases). Since 1995 Öko-Recherche is working on issues related to environmental protection, chemical safety and climate protection at the national, European and international level. Öko-Recherche’s possesses in-depth expertise in the use and emissions of ODS, F-Gases and alternatives to fluorinated gases in various applications. In the Cool Up project Öko-Recherche provides scientific, technical and practical expertise to all stakeholders on ODS phaseout, HFC phase-down and alternatives, the international context (Montreal Protocol/Kigali Agreement), and implementation.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories as a knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 1991, UNDP’s Montreal Protocol programme has proudly partnered with around 120 countries supporting theimplementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. In the Cool Up programme, UNDP through its Montreal Protocol and Chemicals Unit (MPU/Chemicals), supported by UNDP Country Offices in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, provides technical and operational support.
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to enable and increase the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency practices in the Arab region. RCREEE teams up with regional governments and global organisations to initiate and lead clean energy policy dialogues, strategies, technologies, and capacity development to increase Arab states’ share of tomorrow’s energy. In the Cool Up programme, RCREEE supports regional coordination and dissemination and provides technical expertise.
İstanbul Aydın Üniversity (IAU) was established in 2007 and is one of the youngest universities inTurkey. IAU offers contemporary scientific studies with 11 faculties, three vocational schools, three institutes, 28 research centres, 1,500 academic staff, and 39,000 students. The Istanbul Aydin University’s Technology Transfer and Project Management Office was established in 2013 and aims to increase knowledge exchange by bringing together academia and industry. IAU is well connected to different relevant associations in Turkey and is experienced in organizing cooperation between industry, academics and non-governmental organisations. IAU is a national partner organisation for the Cool Up programme in Turkey.
With over 25 years of experience, Integrated Development Group Company (IDG) has become a leading consultancy firm specialised in master planning, architecture, engineering, strategic planning, project management, research & development, and site supervision. Adopting and developing innovative, efficient, and effective approaches has allowed IDG to lead several mega-projects with local and international partners in the public and private sectors. IDG Co. is an Egyptian Joint Stock Company (JSC) that was established to capture and capitalise on the experiences and assignments of IDG’s General Consultancies. As a JSC, IDG can take on larger challenges and is well-positioned in the international market. IDG is a national partner for the Cool Up programme in Egypt.
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) is the national energy agency of Lebanon. LCEC supports the Lebanese Government in all issues related to energy efficiency and renewable energy and addresses end-use energy conservation and renewable energy at the national level. The main role of LCEC is to setup national action plans and strategies to develop the sustainable energy sector in Lebanon. LCEC also implements national projects and initiatives undertaken by the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water and other national and international stakeholders. LCEC is a national partner of the Cool Up programme in Lebanon.
Royal Scientific Society (RSS) is an independent nongovernmental, not-for-profit multidisciplinary science institution established by Royal Charter in 1970. The National Energy Research Centre (NERC) is one of the RSS’s specialised technical centers, which was established in Jordan for research, development, and training in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency and raising the standards of energy use in different sectors. RSS is a national partner of the Cool Up programme in Jordan.
"It’s inspiring to see so many key players in the sustainable cooling space bring such enthusiasm for Kigali implementation and natural refrigerants."
Katja Eisbrenner
Programme Director, Cool Up
Guidehouse
"Our quest to conserve the Earth's resources today will impact our grandchildren tomorrow."
Ahmed AbdelRasoul
Environmental Expert
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
"The science is clear. Climate change is happening. The impact is real. The time to act is now."
Fatma Elkhodragy
Project Coordinator
Integrated Development Group Company
"Sustainable cooling should be a holistic approach including natural refrigerants, renewable energies, efficiency and load reduction."
Mathias Safarik
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
“Adopting sustainable cooling solutions in Lebanon is critical for preserving our environment and ensuring a comfortable greener future.”
Mohammad Hijazi
Energy Engineer
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"Sustainable environmental and climate protection requires excellent research and development as well as an economically viable technology transfer to industry and society. Cool Up is a part of this."
Andreas Prax
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
“The world will soon need substantially more cooling energy. I am happy to contribute to Cool Up's efforts in coping with this higher demand by innovating reasonable analysis and solutions.”
Bernhard von Manteuffel
Managing Consultant
Guidehouse
"The past years have proven that all of humanity is vulnerable to climate change. It is imperative that we cooperate to fix what was damaged."
Ahmed Khalil
Environmental Expert
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
“Nowadays, there is no excuse for not having Sustainable Cooling! We should prioritize investing in more technology and research for natural refrigerants.”
Georgina González Virgen
Junior Technical and Policy Expert
Öko-Recherche
"Energy is the invisible architect of civilization and the keeper of our daily existence."
Dr. Mohamed Anwar
Energy Technical Expert
Integrated Development Group Company
"The demand for cooling will continue to rise. We need appropriate strategies and measures to counteract this and reduce GHG emissions."
Katja Dinges
Director
Guidehouse
"With commitment towards success!"
Michał Deuszkiewicz
Green Finance Expert
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
Etienne Gonin
Regional Technical Advisor
United Nations Development Programme
"Using high-performance, energy efficient cooling systems can reduce energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs. This will help the mitigate climate change and achieve the sustainable development goals."
Walid Shahin
Director of National Energy Research Centre
Royal Scientific Society
"I am proud to work with a wide variety of stakeholders in Cool Up. They are key to accelerating the uptake of natural cooling solutions."
Dr. Andreas Hermelink
Director
Guidehouse
"We need to develop sustainable cooling concepts today to leave a livable planet for future generations."
Undine Fleischmann
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
"Sustainable cooling is essential to achieving sustainable development, plays a pivotal role in climate change mitigation, and helps us cope with the rising temperatures."
Mustafa Abunofal
Senior Consultant
Guidehouse
"Refrigerants transition is a global priority; it's a journey that requires collective action, innovation, and commitment."
Ayham Al Rabee
Sustainable Energy Specialist
Royal Scientific Society
"Fair and efficient cooling means not only supporting SDGs 7 and 13, but also working across SDGs 8, 9, 11, 12 and 17."
Selimcan Azizoglu
Regional Technical Advisor
United Nations Development Programme
"Being at the intersection of climate and ozone topics is really exciting—there is a bridge to be made and Cool Up is here to build it!"
Jessica Weir
Senior Consultant
Guidehouse
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Alokananda Nath
Project Manager for Frankfurt School
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
"Driving sustainable cooling in the MENA region is crucial to respond to multiple challenges (heat stress, higher energy prices, electricity blackouts and more) and will help ensure a green and prosperous future."
Riadh Bhar
Associate Director
Guidehouse
"Raising cooling demand is inevitable; however, decreasing emissions is not."
Gokcen Asan
National Coordinator
United Nations Development Programme
Hasan Heperkan
İstanbul Aydın Üniversity
“Implementing sustainable cooling practices is vital to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure a resilient future in the face of climate change.”
Ecem Ersoy
Project Associate
United Nations Development Programme
"Climate change is borderless. Committing to multi-level cooperation is crucial to upscaling sustainable cooling and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals."
Sawsan Bawaresh
Manager of Energy Efficiency and Solar Thermal Energy Division
Royal Scientific Society
"It's exciting to work in the Cool Up programme, as it uses an integrated approach to achieve its objectives, including many activities that build on EU experiences."
Maria Pushkareva
Junior Technical and Policy Expert
Öko-Recherche
"Climate action and the sustainable use of natural resources are the keys to reducing human-induced harm to our planet."
Khuzama Wardeh
Renewable Energy and Environment Specialist
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
“Cool Up is showing how HVAC-R systems can be operated sustainably. It’s a pleasure to be part of this work!”
Asmaa Ramadan
Technical Expert
Integrated Development Group Company
"Options for sustainable cooling are available and efficient. Let’s join our efforts to mitigate climate change."
Felix Heydel
Senior Technical and Policy Expert
Öko-Recherche
"Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability."
Norhan El Dallal
Expert
Integrated Development Group Company
"Cooling heats up our planet! We are the last generation that can break this vicious cycle. So let's get going!"
Alexander Pohl
Managing Consultant
Guidehouse
"To limit global warming to 1.5°C, we need to switch from a linear economic to a circular economic model with sound environmental management."
Meral Mungan Arda
Project Coordinator
United Nations Development Programme
"Cool Up combines all relevant aspects to accelerate the implementation of sustainable cooling solutions – technology, policy, financing, and capacity building."
Jan Groezinger
Managing Consultant
Guidehouse
"We need to team up to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Cool Up promotes the shift to sustainable cooling with natural refrigerants."
Maha AbuMowais
Senior climate Change Specialist
Royal Scientific Society
"Besides reducing global warming, sustainable cooling has substantial potential to provide affordable and clean indoor comfort, which is key for human health and productivity."
Eslam Mahdy
Senior Consultant
Guidehouse
"Energy conservation and energy efficiency are key elements of sustainable development. More awareness of their environmental and economic benefits is needed."
Dr. Sorina Mortada
Senior Technical Expert
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"Don't forget. Don't waste. Don't wait. Act now and preserve our planet while keeping yourself cool."
Muhieddin Tawalbeh
Manager of Energy Efficiency & Solar Thermal Division
Royal Scientific Society
"Transitioning to sustainable cooling is a major opportunity to benefit people’s health and the environment."
Jakob Hoffmann
Consultant
Guidehouse
"Policy and regulation are powerful stimuli to further innovation and encourage the uptake of new technologies – both are needed for the implementation of the Kigali Amendment."
Barbara Gschrey
Director, Öko-Recherche
Öko-Recherche
"We should be passionate about taking care of this planet."
Zühal Ürgüplü Şanal
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Expert
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
"Sustainable cooling = reduced demand + renewable supply – F-gases"
Markus Offermann
Associate Director
Guidehouse
"Embracing natural cooling is about comfort and sustainability. By leveraging technology and conducting demonstration projects, we can showcase its benefits and reduce our carbon footprint."
Ronnay Mai
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
"Integrated planning and management of resources is key to overcome the climate challenge. We must address the linkages as a whole and act beyond the boundaries of each sector."
Dr. Mohamed Salheen
Director
Integrated Development Group Company
"Cool Up’s mission is to address the impact of conventional cooling on climate change and put cooling issues at the top of decision makers’ agendas."
Ashraf Kraidy
Energy Expert
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
"Its amazing to see the industry developments regarding the use of natural refrigerants in their appliances."
Sinisa Prodanovic
Junior Technical and Policy Expert
Öko-Recherche
Nidal Abdalla
Manager of Bio-Energy Division
Royal Scientific Society
"When it comes to cooling, we cannot afford to settle for only energy efficiency. Cool Up brings a holistic approach to achieving sustainability in cooling."
Dr. Nesen Surmeli-Anac
Programme Manager, Cool Up
Guidehouse
"If we care about our planet, we need to reduce GHG emissions by investing in new solutions in cooling on both the supply and demand sides of the industry."
Jauad El Kharraz
Executive Director
Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
"Sharing our technical experiences will bring our countries closer together. That’s the way to save our only Earth."
Ralph Krause
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden