The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has released the latest edition of their Chilling Facts report, revealing that whist the uptake of environmentally-friendly refrigeration by supermarkets is spreading, there is still a reluctance to fit doors to refrigerated display cases.

Although the report highlights an increase in the overall number of ‘EIA Green Cooling Leaders’ a title awarded to retailers which show real commitment to HFC-free refrigeration,both in domestic and international stores. A number of media publications seem to be focusing on Marks & Spencer having lost their 'green credentials' for moving too hybrid HFC/CO2 systems instead of going entirely HFC-free, and for failing to roll out a 2011 pilot scheme to fit doors on its fridges.

The Guardian subsequently reported that a spokesman for M&S has defended the hybrid approach, saying: “We’re making great progress on reducing carbon emissions from refrigeration. We hit our 2015 target two years early and last year reported emissions down 73% compared to 2007. We’re committed to extending this further and will trial doors on fridges next year as well as continuing our innovative work on alternatives to chill our delivery fleets.”

EIA Senior Climate Campaigner Fionnuala Walravens said, “In the relatively short time since The Chilling Facts reports began, we’ve been delighted to see so many leading retailers take some gigantic steps towards reducing their use of HFCs and turning to climate-friendly cooling technologies. Closing the doors on fridges is the obvious next step, as energy from refrigeration accounts for about 25% of their carbon footprint.

“Retailer feedback shows that adding doors can result in energy savings of about 33%. Those companies reluctant to make the move claim doors would significantly reduce impulse buying but the evidence from retailers who have introduced doors refutes this –in fact, there’s even testimony that having doors in place reduces shoplifting.

“Refrigeration units with doors mean customers don’t have to scurry uncomfortably along aisles innear-Arctic conditions and, as they require much smaller quantities of refrigerant, they are easier and safer to run on natural refrigerants.”

The report concludes that many of the challenges cited as hurdles to adopting HFC-free technology have now been addressed and leading retailers are rolling out climate-friendly refrigeration around the world, achieving a double win by slashing green house gas emissions while making significant energy savings. But goes on to say that this year’s report has highlighted the pressing need for doors onfridges.

EIA-Chilling-Facts-VI Closing the door on HFCs.pdf

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