Low Carbon Refrigeration

Tackling Emissions from Cold Storage in Wholesale

Cold storage in wholesale operations uses significant amounts of energy. When these energy demands are met by fossil fuel, they are a considerable source of carbon emissions. In order for the sector to achieve Net Zero, these emissions need to be reduced.

Wholesalers can take action by reducing refrigerant leaks, installing efficiency measures, and by being part of the switch to more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

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Switch to lower emission refrigerants

The use of F-gases is subject to regulatory requirements, which means that progress is being made in this area, as long as the policy to phase out F-gases is adhered to.

Click here for Fluorinated gas (F-gas): guidance for users, producers and traders

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Install efficiency measures

Improving refrigeration efficiency can lead to significant cost savings, as well as environmental benefits.
This can include simple measures such as routine inspections to ensure that units are operating efficiently, and maintenance to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of equipment. Use of temperature sensors or Energy Management Systems to monitor and control energy usage can help optimise efficiency.
High-quality insulation and door seals, and minimising door openings, also help prevent heat gain and reduce the workload of refrigeration units.

Reduce refrigerant leaks

In Scotland’s food and drink wholesale sector, refrigerant leaks make up 6.5% of overall operational carbon emissions. Leakages from refrigeration can be hard to detect, as fluorinated gases (F-gases) used in refrigeration units are colourless and odourless. Having a solution in place to help prevent refrigerant leaks is important to tackle emissions.

Case Study

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Mark Murphy Dole use technical solutions to prevent emissions from refrigerant leaks

The ability to refrigerate products is critical for wholesalers. However, fluorinated gases (or F-gases) leakages from refrigeration units are a considerable source of emissions. These gases are colourless and odourless, meaning leaks are hard to detect.

At Edinburgh-based wholesale company Mark Murphy Dole, part of Dole Foodservice, technological solutions to help prevent refrigerant leaks have been implemented.

By investing in a calibrated leak detection system, their equipment now has sniffers located in key places where leaks are most likely to occur. Any gas picked up sends a signal to a 24-hour temperature monitoring system, which will sound an audible alarm and send an email alert to the responsible manager.

Chillers are also tested for leaks and pressure testing of the refrigerant at least twice a year, with any gases lost reported. Refrigerated vehicles are subject to a minimum annual leak detection and pressure checks, with any vehicle found with gas leaked notified to the company transport department.

The Scottish Wholesale Association is championing action to reduce carbon emissions from refrigeration.