ASHRAE and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) OzonAction initiative have released a new series of checklists to promote sustainable, energy-efficient operations of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) plants. The downloadable documents are meant to guide technicians, engineers, suppliers and plant managers through practical steps for assessing how RAC plants perform and comply with key operational requirements and objectives.

The guidance covers energy efficiency, emissions reduction, considerations for life-cycle investment, and recommends key performance indicators to help plant operators determine when equipment upgrades may be warranted. The checklists can also be used to help train or reinforce plant operators in preventative maintenance and to help translate system design elements into real-world operations.

“By helping RAC professionals assess and improve sustainability across key performance areas, we’re empowering the industry to make data-informed decisions that benefit the environment, their workforce and their bottom line,” says Bill McQuade, 2025-26 ASHRAE president. “These tools provide practical guidance that connects design intent with operational outcomes.”

The checklists are integrated into a suite of tools to promote sustainable cooling practices and support the Montreal Protocol, which are available through the ASHRAE-UNEP portal.