Air-con provides home comfort and boost works productivity, but it is a dangerously energy-intensive technology.
It is the largest and fastest growing use of building energy in Southeast Asia, and by 2040 is predicted to account for 40 per cent of Southeast Asia’s electricity demand.
Australian engineer Professor James Trevelyan invented an air-conditioner in 2007 that is smaller scale than regular AC units, more energy efficient, cheaper to run and less emissions intensive.
To discuss Southeast Asia's cooling predicament, and how the region can keep cool without cooking the planet, Trevelyan joins the Eco-Business podcast to talk about:
The impact of rising air-conditioning use on our climate
Why is innovation in air-conditioning so slow?
Air-con, luxury and progress
How air-conditioning affects build design
Air-conditioning and the spreading of disease
The future of cooling technology
