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.
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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
- Istanbul Nisantasi University
- 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.
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.
Etienne Gonin
Regional Technical Advisor
United Nations Development Programme
“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
"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
"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
"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
"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 is at the heart of climate action. Through energy-efficient solutions, we can reduce emissions, lower costs, and ensure a cooler, more resilient future for Lebanon"
Dr. Joseph Al Assad
President – General Director
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"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
"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
"In a warming world, sustainable cooling represents both a critical responsibility and strategic opportunity. It demands evidence-based approaches that prioritize natural refrigerants, optimize energy performance, and align with evolving policy frameworks - essential elements for reducing climate impact while creating resilient, low-carbon buildings and communities."
Jince John
Senior Consultant
Guidehouse
"Sustainable cooling starts with bold action; energy efficiency and renewables light the way forward."
Farah Mawla
Senior Specialist – PR & Communication Coordinator
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"We need to develop sustainable cooling concepts today to leave a livable planet for future generations."
Undine Fleischmann
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
"Robust policies and regional cooperation are key to accelerating sustainable cooling, phasing down high-GWP refrigerants, and supporting climate resilience."
Mohamad El Hajj
Senior Energy Engineer-Project Coordinator
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"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
"Raising cooling demand is inevitable; however, decreasing emissions is not."
Gokcen Asan
National Coordinator
United Nations Development Programme
"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
"Unlocking finance is essential to scaling sustainable cooling solutions."
Joelle Kachouh
Senior Specialist – Financial Coordinator
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
"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
"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
"Sustainable cooling should be a holistic approach including natural refrigerants, renewable energies, efficiency and load reduction."
Mathias Safarik
Technical Expert
ILK Dresden
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Energy is the invisible architect of civilization and the keeper of our daily existence."
Dr. Mohamed Anwar
Energy Technical 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
"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
Deputy Programme Manager, Cool Up
Guidehouse
"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
“Sustainable cooling combines climate change mitigation and adaptation and thus has to be designed in a way that maximizes impact and benefits the most exposed”
Marvin Lauenburg
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
"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
"Sustainable cooling requires a holistic approach that incorporates natural refrigerants and energy efficiency to lessen our environmental impact and enhance the quality of life globally."
Anna Runkel
Consultant
Guidehouse
"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
Nidal Abdalla
Manager of Bio-Energy Division
Royal Scientific Society
"The transition to sustainable cooling solutions that are inclusive and address the needs of those most affected is essential for ensuring our planet thrives for generations to come."
Tracy Awiti Shimoli
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
"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
"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
"Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability."
Norhan El Dallal
Expert
Integrated Development Group Company
"With commitment towards success!"
Michał Deuszkiewicz
Green Finance Expert
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management