A $1 million regional Knowledge and Support Technical Assistance project was approved on 12 September to help ADB DMCs improve energy efficiency, mitigate the risks of virus transmission, and ensure safe working conditions in public buildings through the deployment of efficient, clean, and smart centralized air-conditioning (CAC) systems. The project is in line with ADB’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic response and clean energy program that are essential for DMCs efforts to improve their resilience against diseases as well as help them address the adverse impacts of climate change. The TA will strive to come up with the proper design and operation of CAC systems to prevent virus transmission through advanced solutions and technologies such as high-efficiency particulate filtration, proper humidification, and ultraviolet air purification to reduce airborne contaminants while achieving optimum room temperature and humidity. These technologies will be integrated with smart digital control systems to reduce energy consumption and disease transmission risks associated with operating CAC systems. Activities under the TA include knowledge dissemination and capacity building activities on energy efficiency and virus transmission control and technology demonstration in selected public buildings. This project, which also aims to help make cities more livable, will involve public and private stakeholders. The project is being led by Jinmiao Xu of the Energy Sector Group, SDCC.