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Super-efficient Sustainable Cooling Solution for All Applications (S2Cool)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Context In June 2023, Pakistan experienced extreme temperatures exceeding 52.2°C, a level at which human cells begin to cook, blood thickens, muscles constrict around the lungs, and the brain is deprived of oxygen. This severe heatwave resulted in the death of 120,000 people, the loss of 26 billion potential labour hours (equivalent to $16 billion in lost income), and up to 9% of the country's GDP. The extreme heat, coupled with frequent power outages, worsened the vulnerabilities of socially deprived communities and women, leading to increased hospitalizations and miscarriages, as reported by the UNDP and the National Commission for the Status of Women (NCSW). Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director in South Asia, called for urgent global action as these heatwaves severely impacted human rights in Pakistan. Co-creation & Co-designing In response to the crisis, the Pakistan Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Society organized the 28th International Exhibition and Conference in June 2023. A working group led by Dr. Shahzad, consisting of researchers, stakeholders, and end users, was established to identify the issue and develop potential solutions. The group held its third meeting in December 2023 at the ASHRAE UK Chapter conference at Loughborough, where UK researchers and solution providers were invited to join this international effort. Currently, the working group includes over 50 representatives from Pakistani and UK institutions and industries. Aims and Objectives The S2Cool project represents a pioneering collaboration between the UK and partners in Pakistan. The primary aim is to develop a novel, low-cost, and energy-efficient cooling solution and capacity building platform. The primary objectives of the S2Cool project are: Design and Development: Develop and test the 20kW Novel Indirect Evaporative Cooler (NIEC) and its integration with Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) systems. AI Framework Development: Develop and implement an AI framework for process optimization and system integration. GESI and EDI Evaluations: Conduct GESI and EDI assessments to ensure equitable benefits for all community members. Performance and Impact Assessment: Assess performance through life cycle costing, and evaluate social, economic, and sustainability impacts. Technology Scale-up and Commercialization: Establish a framework for technology scaling and commercialization. Capacity Building Platform and Knowledge Dissemination: Develop online platform, conduct training and community engagement sessions, and share knowledge and findings. Potential Applications and Benefits The proposed system is versatile, applicable in residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicular settings, including buses. Its benefits include improved comfort, health, productivity, energy efficiency, and equipment preservation. This project will primarily advance UNSDGs 7 and 13, while also supporting goals 3, 5, 9, and 11 by reducing energy use in air conditioning and lowering emissions to combat climate change and address energy inequity in Pakistan. Ayrton Challenge and Theme The S2Cool project addresses the Ayrton Challenge area of "super-efficient demand." The project aims to develop a cooling solution that is highly energy-efficient, making it suitable for a country with limited energy resources and high electricity costs. ODA Compliance The S2Cool project is compliant with Official Development Assistance (ODA) guidelines, targeting a critical development issue in Pakistan, a low-income country. The project aims to improve living conditions, enhance productivity, and contribute to economic development by providing an affordable and energy-efficient cooling solution. By addressing the impacts of extreme heatwaves and supporting sustainable development goals, the project aligns with ODA objectives of poverty reduction and sustainable development in developing countries.
Empowering Palestinian Institutions and Civil Society in Palestine - EPICS
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
EPICS aims to improve the viability, legitimacy and inclusion of governance and service delivery, to protect and support civic space, and to empower women, in the OPTs. It will provide technical assistance to PA institutions across governance sectors, with a particular focus on financial viability and provision of essential services, in order to protect the fiscal viability and legitimacy of the PA in a declining context. EPICS will protect and support Palestinian civic space by supporting CSOs to hold the PA and other local duty bearers to account for governance and service delivery. EPICS will strengthen women’s empowerment, primarily through supporting coalition building among local and grassroots organisations. Through improving PA viability and legitimacy, it will help reduce the drivers of instability and extremism.
Public Financial Management Multi Donor Trust Fund – Phase II
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme provides support to strengthen Nepal’s Public Finance Management (PFM) systems in the context of the implementation of federalism.
Protecting Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Protecting Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders programme will provide £19.73 million in ODA and £250,000 in non-ODA over five years to enable the FCDO to better support and protect civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) who are under threat because of their work.
Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
CFTC is the Commonwealth’s primary development fund, it is delivered by the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec). The CFTC is valued by member states, providing technical support that aims to strengthen national capabilities, through institutional development and capacity building.
«Suxxali sunu democratie» - «Enhance our democracy
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme aims to strengthen democratic and parliamentary governance in Senegal by enhancing civil society’s role in public policy processes. It has two main objectives: (1) to improve the institutional and organizational governance of COSCE and build the capacity of its members through targeted training activities, enabling them to play a more informed and proactive role in democratic processes; and (2) to foster structured and meaningful dialogue between civil society actors and Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly around public policy oversight, budget transparency, and public debt. Through the creation of engagement platforms and mechanisms for collaboration, the programme will promote citizen participation, accountability, and more responsive governance. These activities are aligned with ODA objectives, contributing to the economic development and welfare of Senegal by supporting inclusive governance and strengthening institutions that underpin sustainable development.
UK Embassy Fund - Philippines (ODA Small Projects FY 25-26)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
ODA fund to support Post's small projects and work on Governance, Peace and Human Rights in the Philippines.
Mandatory core contributions to the Commonwealth Secretariat
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Commonwealth Secretariat, the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth of Nations, runs programmes that help to contribute to more stable, democratic frameworks in which sustainable development and climate-resilience can be supported in small and vulnerable Commonwealth states. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s programme funds contribute across a range of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They have an impact on the lives of Commonwealth citizens by promoting the shared goals and values embodied in the Commonwealth Charter on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, building resilience and taking action on climate change and protection of the natural environment, promoting economic development and boosting trade and investment.
Strengthening Inclusive Democratic Governance and Electoral Process in Nepal
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Strengthening Inclusive Democratic Governance and Electoral Process in Nepal” through the pooled fund mechanism Nepal Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Fund for support to Nepal 2026 elections (Jan–Dec 2026) seeks to restore public trust and foster an enabling environment for Nepal’s general election while safeguarding integrity and inclusion.
BHC Honiara - FY25-26 ODA
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme is for the ODA Allocation for the Solomon Islands post for the financial year 2025-2026.
Eastern Neighbourhood Partnership for Resilience Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme will strengthen political, societal and economic resilience across the Eastern Neighbourhood by supporting democratic institutions, inclusive governance, civic space, and effective public services. It will counter hybrid threats, disinformation and external interference by investing in civil society, independent media, and local leadership. Targeted technical assistance will help reform minded governments deliver sustainable, citizen focused change, while economic support will improve regulatory quality and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The PACE is designed to support more accountable and inclusive institutions to respond to Nigeria’s governance and climate change challenges. This is a governance programme, seeking to address the governance challenges that undermine development and perpetuate social exclusion in Nigeria.
Bangladesh-Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics (B-CAPP) Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To protect civic space, foster political collaboration, reduce corruption, and mitigate conflict and violence in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh- Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme will mobilise civil society and media coalitions, provide citizens groups with tools to monitor public services, improve decision making within political parties and promote women and youth leadership.
Zambia Democratic Governance Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To support the deepening and consolidation of democracy in Zambia in order to build resilience and stabiltiy, and enable development and reform
LGBT+ Rights Programme – supporting LGBT+ rights organisations
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will transform the lives of millions of LGBT+ people around the world by reducing violence and discrimination against the LGBT+ community and by improving access to services and legislative reform. This will be achieved through the provision of technical and legal support , learning, evidence and advice and support for grassroots LGBT+ organisations
Partnerships for Development
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Partnerships for Development (formerly known as GREAT for Partnership) will multiply the UK’s development impact by boosting partnerships between UK’s institutions and their counterparts in the developing world. It will leverage the skills and expertise from a range of UK institutions and supply them initially to DFID partner countries, based on tailored demand. It will initially prioritise the Extractives, Financial Accountability and Anti-Corruption sectors.
UK Aid Match II Fund
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To support the achievement of the Global Goals through funding UK-based civil society organisations to deliver projects that assist in ending extreme poverty and building a better world by 2030. The programme will also provide opportunities for the UK public to engage in international development issues and have a say in how a portion of the aid budget is spent.
Ethiopia – Human Rights and Peacebuilding Programme (HARP)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Human Rights and Peacebuilding (HARP) programme will support the UK’s strategic response to conflict in Ethiopia. The programme will support peacebuilding initiatives in areas where the UK has a comparative advantage. This will build the capacity of local peace actors (particularly women and youth), provide safe spaces for dialogue and engage with government to respond to community needs. The UK has proven success in investing in these areas in Ethiopia – particularly through the CSSF Funded work of Conciliation Resources in Somali Regional State. HARP will look to continue this activity, as well as supporting further peacebuilding activity in other conflict areas.
Transformative Economic Policy Programme - Bangladesh (TEPP)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To improve economic policymaking in Bangladesh through technical assistance to government, strengthening expertise of local think tanks and publishing economic data.
Disability Capacity Building Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To promote the rights of people with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by supporting the delivery of small grants, training and partnership building between UN agencies, governments, private sector and disabled persons organisations.
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