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M&S and Wal-Mart towards green refrigeration |
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Global retailers, such as Marks & Spencer, Wal-Mart and Woolworths are walking the talk by introducing environmentally friendly refrigeration and HVAC systems. The refrigerant CO2 (R744) features as a preferred option.
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2007-10-02
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Experiencing increasing pressure from consumers and legislators to lower their carbon footprint, global retailers are seeking ways to reduce both energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their stores. More and more are discovering natural refrigerants, such as CO2, as a key tool to reduce environmental burden from cooling, heating, and refrigeration.
M&S opens first "eco stores" with CO2 refrigeration & air conditioning
One of Britain's largest retailers, Marks & Spencers, has announced to open its first HFC-free "Simply Food" store in Galashiels, Scotland. The store will use up to 25% less energy and emit up to 95% less GHG emissions than conventional supermarkets. Its refrigeration system is based on the natural refrigerants hydrocarbon and CO2 (R744). As one of the first of its kind, the store will also completely eliminate HFC refrigerants from the air conditioning system, as the air will be cooled via the CO2 refrigeration plant.
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The Galashiels store is one of three trial eco stores to open in October 2007. They put into practice the company’s announcement earlier this year to phase-out high global warming refrigerants as soon as possible. R744 refrigeration is a key part of the M&S £200 million plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2012. M&S is now positive that the eco-concept "could easily and realistically be rolled out" in all small UK stores and even in bigger food halls.
Wal-Mart sharpens its "green" profile
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The U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart is currently retrofitting 350 stores with energy-saving HVAC, and 400 with more energy-efficient refrigeration systems. As part of its plan to save up to 30% of energy for all new stores by 2009, Wal-Mart opened its first in a series of "High-Efficiency stores" in January 2007. The new concept is based on fully integrated cooling and refrigeration systems that allow 100% of the heat rejected by the refrigeration system be reclaimed into the HVAC system. Wal-Mart now hopes that innovative systems can help save money for consumers and energy costs for the retailer.
Woolworths uses greenhouse-friendly refrigerants
The Australian retail group has opened "Australia's first green supermarket" at Rouse Hill, Sydney. The first of five stores is part of the company's "ongoing commitment to incorporate sustainability principles into all aspects of its business". To reduce energy use significantly, Woolworth's store features "state-of-the-art greenhouse-friendly refrigerants." Although no exact reference was given to the refrigerant used, it can be assumed that Woolworth is using natural alternatives, such as CO2, ammonia or hydrocarbon.
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More information:
› M & S Press Release, 10 September
› Read the article "Retailers opt for natural refrigerants", 6 March 2007
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