Shops switching to HFC-free cooling

More retailers are switching to refrigeration systems that do not use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), according to new research by the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA)

The charity’s latest study reveals that 344 stores in the UK installed climate-friendly refrigeration systems in 2011, compared with just 14 in 2008. It also claims retailers are reporting significant reductions in energy use when compared to conventional HFC systems.

The EIA notes that a significant number of retailers have signed up to the Consumer Goods Forum’s resolution to begin phasing out HFC refrigerants from 2015, with some of the pioneers like Waitrose, the Co-operative and Marks & Spencer committing to phase out HFCs altogether.

Although Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are singled out as doing well, the EIA expresses concern over Tesco’s apparent progress. In 2009, it announced plans for 150 HFC-free stores by 2012, yet the EIA reports that the UK’s largest retailer is only just over one-third of the way towards its target.

Discount retailers Aldi and Lidl are also doing well in rolling out energy efficient HFC-free freezers, says the EIA, but they are making less progress in switching to HFC-free chilled-food systems. Iceland, meanwhile, is trailing, although it has started to trial HFC-free equipment.