Shell Foundation Report Highlights Cooling Benefits
A new study reveals that affordable cooling technologies significantly boost worker incomes in developing nations.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Should governments prioritize investment in affordable cooling technologies for low-income workers?
The Shell Foundation has released the Cooling Dividend report, showing that low-cost cooling solutions can substantially improve financial outcomes for outdoor and market-based workers. The findings follow the SPACES programme, which tested cooling innovations across India, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Why it matters
Extreme heat presents a major barrier to economic resilience for billions of workers who lack access to climate control. This report demonstrates that simple cooling technologies can protect productivity and help vendors mitigate the risks of handling perishable goods.
The study found that cooling canvas increased net income margins by 10 to 38 percentage points, while cooling film boosted vendor incomes by 13 to 25 percent. These improvements address a global crisis where more than one billion people currently lack adequate cooling.
The players
Shell Foundation
This is an independent charitable organization that focuses on sustainable energy and enterprise development for low-income communities.
Trane Technologies
This is a global climate innovation company that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and building solutions.
Intellecap
This is a consulting firm that works to build businesses and ecosystems that focus on social and environmental impact.
Ndarama Works
This is a specialized organization that provides operational support for development and social impact initiatives in emerging markets.
The details
The SPACES programme involved a partnership between the Shell Foundation, Trane Technologies, Intellecap, and Ndarama Works to test tools like cooling jackets, canvas, and film. These technologies effectively reduced produce spoilage and extended shelf life, allowing workers to retain more of their inventory for sale.
Timeline
The Cooling Dividend report was published on September 23, 2026.
Global productivity losses from heat stress are expected to hit US$2.4 trillion annually by 2030.
The cooling market in developing economies is projected to reach US$600 billion annually by 2050.
Market Landscape
The report builds upon the results of the SPACES programme to illustrate the untapped potential for cooling markets in developing economies. By validating these technologies, the initiative positions cooling solutions as a critical component of economic growth in regions facing extreme heat.
Workers and small-scale entrepreneurs operating in hot climates may see lower inventory loss and improved net income by adopting these cooling technologies. For consumers, these tools could lead to more stable prices and higher-quality produce in local marketplaces.
The takeaway
Affordable cooling is not just a luxury but a vital economic tool for the global workforce. Implementing these simple technologies can shield vulnerable workers from the multi-trillion dollar impact of extreme heat.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving nature of work and productivity in our Remote Work section.
Live Poll
Should governments prioritize investment in affordable cooling technologies for low-income workers?
