Daikin to Exhibit at the COP31 Japan Pavilion

Brussels, 10 September 2026 - Daikin will showcase practical approaches to building decarbonisation at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November. Under the theme “The Solutions for Building Decarbonisation with Inverter AC, Heat Pump and Collecting Refrigerant,” Daikin will present practical approaches to building decarbonisation through an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to see the potential CO₂ reduction benefits. COP31 will mark Daikin’s fourth consecutive participation in COP through exhibitions and seminar presentations since COP28 in 2023.

Japan Pavilion

Daikin continues to take part in international discussions on decarbonisation in the buildings and construction sector. The company will participate in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) at the Japan Pavilion, organised by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.

Reducing buildings’ lifecycle CO₂ emissions

The buildings and construction sector currently accounts for approximately 37%*1 of global energy- and process-related CO₂ emissions, with space cooling, space heating and water heating estimated to account for about half*2 of that total. In response, international agreements and frameworks are advancing efforts to reduce buildings’ lifecycle CO₂ emissions. These include the Buildings Breakthrough*3, launched at COP28, and the Declaration de Chaillot*4, adopted the following year. Space cooling, space heating and water heating represent key areas for reducing CO₂ emissions from buildings. As a company whose principal business is air conditioning and heating, Daikin aims to contribute to decarbonisation in the buildings and construction sector through its technologies and solutions.

Introducing two technologies and one solution

At COP31, host country Türkiye has set goals to reduce energy intensity in the building sector by 25% by 2035 and to increase electricity’s share of final energy demand to 35%. Daikin will introduce two technologies and one solution: energy efficiency, electrification and refrigerant collection. These directly address the host country’s building decarbonisation agenda. High-efficiency inverter air conditioners can help reduce energy intensity by improving energy efficiency. Electrifying space and water heating with heat pumps can increase electricity’s share of energy demand by reducing fossil fuel use. Refrigerant collection, including proper refrigerant management, is an area in which Japan has developed advanced institutional and operational practices, and is aligned with international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Daikin will propose practical approaches that combine energy efficiency and electrification with Japan’s experience and expertise in refrigerant management.

Interactive exhibit comparing scenarios

The exhibit will feature interactive content comparing scenarios in which the two technologies and one solution are adopted with scenarios in which they are not. Graphs showing comparative CO₂ emissions will change according to the conditions selected by each visitor, providing an intuitive understanding of the potential reduction benefits. All three are commercially available, can be scaled rapidly and are expected to deliver substantial CO₂ reductions. The exhibit will emphasise the importance of selecting equipment, technologies and solutions with a view to reducing buildings’ lifecycle CO₂ emissions.

Decarbonisation in the buildings and construction sector

Through its participation at COP31, Daikin aims to contribute to building decarbonisation globally while accelerating initiatives to realise the “Creation of Environmental Value” outlined in its strategic management plan, FUSION30. As a global leader in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) solutions, operating in more than 170 countries and regions worldwide, Daikin will work to address social challenges while achieving business growth through the widespread adoption of environmental technologies and solutions, thereby contributing to a sustainable society.

“Through our exhibition and seminar presentations at the Japan Pavilion, which showcases Japan’s advanced technologies and initiatives, Daikin will present technologies and solutions for achieving carbon neutrality to representatives of governments and international organisations,” said Katsuyuki Sawai, Senior Executive Officer of Daikin Industries, Ltd., responsible for sustainability. “In addition to developing advanced technologies, we will lead the decarbonisation of the building sector by promoting their implementation and wider adoption, while working with the international community to contribute to a sustainable society.”

1. Source: UNEP and GlobalABC (2024), Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2023/2024.
2. Compiled by Daikin based on IEA, CO₂ Emissions from Buildings Space and Water Heating by Fuel in the NZE Scenario (2023), UNEP Global Cooling Watch 2023, and IPCC AR6 WGIII Chapter 9.
3. An international initiative launched at COP28 that promotes international collaboration towards decarbonisation in the buildings and construction sector, with the goal of making near-zero-emission and climate-resilient buildings the new global standard by 2030.
4. An international declaration on decarbonisation and climate resilience in the buildings and construction sector, adopted by approximately 70 countries at the Buildings and Climate Global Forum held in Paris in March 2024. The declaration calls on countries to develop roadmaps for the transition to carbon-neutral buildings, strengthen regulatory frameworks and building codes, mobilise finance, promote the use of low-carbon construction materials, advance sustainable public procurement, accelerate technology development, and enhance international cooperation.