Landscape Mapping of Space Cooling Solutions in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Mapping passive and active cooling solutions for rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are facing increasing risks from heat stress from rising temperatures. This is often exacerbated by the lack of access to reliable electricity or adequate infrastructure. There is an urgent need for inclusive, sustainable space cooling solutions tailored to these settings.
Authored in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, Geres, Global SDG7 Hubs, SELCO Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Solar Cooling Engineering, Northumbria University and the National University of Science and Technology, our report Landscape Mapping of Space Cooling Solutions in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia maps a range of active and passive space cooling solutions that can be used in rural areas.
It aims to assess the key factors that impact their use and implementation in different geographies and use contexts. The report also proposes a value-based design framework to ensure solutions are not only technically viable, but also socially just and environmentally responsible.
This publication will include:
- A short summary published in November, covering the applicability assessment, design framework, and key recommendations and calls to action
- A report published at the start of 2026, mapping and assessing applicability of 13 space cooling solutions, including implementation case studies
This is key reading for policymakers, donors, and development partners seeking to integrate cooling into climate resilience and energy access strategies.