Identifying environmental hotspots in cooling systems through LCA: a policy-relevant framework

This study adapts and advances the Hotspot Analysis framework to address the multidimensional environmental challenges of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems. It provides a policy-oriented synthesis of published life cycle assessment (LCA) evidence for the cooling sector, integrating quantitative analysis with stakeholder validation, to identify the most critical intervention points in RAC systems, with particular focus on climate change and ozone depletion impacts. We extend standard Hotspot Analysis by integrating quantitative synthesis with qualitative validation. To build the evidence base, we conducted a systematic review of LCA studies across two major RAC value chains: room air-conditioning and food cold chains. This review enabled the identification of key analytical dimensions—impact source, system type, life cycle stage, and regional economic development—used to structure hotspot detection. Climate change and ozone depletion hotspots are identified through the synthesis of reported results from the reviewed LCA literature, complemented by expert consultations with policymakers, industry representatives, and researchers to ensure policy and industry relevance. This approach enhances applicability beyond RAC, offering a robust framework for analyzing other complex systems with multiple environmental impacts. For air-conditioning systems, key hotspots include direct refrigerant emissions during operation (particularly in developing countries), inadequate recovery and disposal of refrigerants at end-of-life, and high indirect emissions from fossil-fuel-based electricity. For food cold chains, critical hotspots involve food loss and waste (FLW) of meat products due to incomplete cold chain infrastructure in developing regions, as well as air-freighted produce and FLW driven by cosmetic standards in developed markets. These findings highlight trade-offs between extending cold chain coverage (reducing FLW but increasing refrigeration-related emissions) and emphasize the need for integrated, system-wide interventions. The structured approach links each hotspot to actionable strategies, demonstrating how hotspot analysis can inform targeted decision-making in complex value chains. Recommended strategies include improving refrigerant management and end-of-life recovery, enhancing energy efficiency in RAC equipment, expanding sustainable cold chain logistics in developing countries, reducing FLW, and promoting a shift toward low-global-warming-potential refrigerants. Hotspot Analysis highlights where impacts concentrate and where cross-impact trade-offs can arise, supporting more integrated decision-making in multi-impact systems. By adapting Hotspot Analysis for refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems, this study identifies critical intervention points and provides a replicable framework for linking life cycle evidence with actionable interventions. Beyond the RAC sector, the approach can support the operationalization of life cycle thinking in international environmental governance.