Studies show that transmission of viruses, such as the coronavirus causing COVID-19, can be prompted by air-conditioned ventilation. In developing member countries (DMC), the risks of virus transmission are higher because of poor hygiene including the use of old air-conditioning equipment, lack of regular maintenance, and overcrowding in closed spaces. Additionally, inefficient centralized air-conditioning (CAC) systems in many DMCs account for up to 50% of energy consumption in public buildings. Advanced air-conditioning systems with energy-saving technologies used in combination with demand-side management techniques could bring up to 45% energy savings. CACs also rely heavily on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a greenhouse gas potentially thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. Proper management of HFCs is critical to addressing greenhouse gas emissions from CAC systems.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is implementing knowledge and support technical assistance (TA), Regional Support to Build Disease Resilient and Energy Efficient Centralized Air-conditioning Systems, to promote disease-resilient clean energy development in developing member countries of ADB. The TA supports DMCs of ADB to improve energy efficiency, mitigate the risks of virus transmission, and ensure safe working conditions in public buildings by deploying efficient, clean, and smart CAC systems. This webinar series on Disease Resilient and Energy-Efficient Centralized Air-Conditioning Systems is one of the activities supported by this TA.

OBJECTIVES

First, among the webinars in this series, this aimed to increase awareness towards strengthening disease resilience and indoor air quality in buildings with centralized air-conditioning systems in ADB developing member countries.

Speakers talked about health and indoor air quality in buildings, technologies, regulations, and other approaches to ensure safety in indoor spaces in ADB developing member countries especially during a pandemic.