Commercial refrigeration uses roughly 1.3 quads per year of source energy, representing about 7% of total commercial building use in the U.S. In supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores, refrigeration can account for up to half of a building's total energy use. The Refrigeration Technology Research Team is pleased to provide resources, information, and guidance on improving the efficiency of new and existing refrigeration systems and components.
Better Buildings partners participate in webinars, peer-exchange calls, meetings, and industry workshops and conferences. Browse upcoming events and opportunities to participate by month.
Watch all previously recorded webinars in the On-Demand Webinars library sorted by popular topics such as resilience, zero energy buildings, and more.
The Refrigeration Technology Research Team is not currently active. For questions about the resources on this page, please contact the Better Buildings Alliance.
Featured Solutions
As Whole Foods Market expands their retail footprint, they are committed to growing responsibly by making their stores, facilities, and operations even more energy efficient. Part of this strategy includes investing in alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potentials and installing more energy efficient HVAC systems. In pursuit of this responsible growth, Whole Foods Market undertook several projects in its brick-and-mortar locations to reduce refrigeration-related emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
This report breaks down best practices and guidelines for conducting case retrofits by project stage, from initial planning through project completion and system monitoring.
This case study documents one year of operating experience with a transcritical carbon dioxide (TC CO2) booster refrigeration system at Delhaize America’s Hannaford supermarket location in Turner, Maine.
Other Resources
Case Study
This case study discusses the motivation and implementation of Fresh & Easy’s case retrofit program which, since completion, has resulted in significant gas and electricity savings at multiple locations across the country.
This report shared the findings of the pilot project which characterizes and estimates the potential for supermarkets to participate in utility demand-response programs, with a focus on the refrigeration system.
To advance its commitment to cutting energy waste, CKE Restaurants, Inc. collaborated with Southern California Edison’s New Products Development and Launch organization to field test an advanced demand defrost control system for walk-in coolers and freezers in their Carl’s Jr. restaurants. The testing showed that the retrofit was technologically feasible and can provide encouraging financial paybacks.
Guidance
Easy-to-use guidance for achieving 50% energy savings in new grocery stores ranging in size from 25,000 to 65,000 ft2 with medium- and low-temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins.
Presentation
In this session, panelists described how display-case controllers can help lower costs for installation, start up, energy, and maintenance, all while improving food quality and safety. Learn whether display-case controllers are right for your food retail business.
Refrigeration often accounts for over half of the energy consumption in supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Learn how the Better Buildings Alliance is helping members reduce refrigeration energy consumption.
Learn about the Refrigeration team's current initiatives, future activities, and resource development and deployment from day 1 of the Summit.
Learn about the Refrigeration team's current initiatives, future activities, and resource development and deployment from day 2 of the 2014 Summit.
Report
Experimental and analytical evaluation using thermal mass in supermarket refrigerated display cases to lower peak electric demand.
Showcase Project
Agropur reduced energy use by 40%, saving $286,000, by replacing two existing plate and frame heat exchangers with two new exchangers that have approximately 50% more capacity and run at a higher suction pressure.
Walmart achieved a 37% reduction in source energy use intensity by implementing a series of lighting and space conditioning energy efficiency measures including 100% LED lighting, refrigerated case door testing, reclaimed heat, and efficiency chillers.
Whole Foods Market installed a gray/storm water recycling system, a 157-kW combined heat and power (CHP) plant, a 324-kW solar canopy array, and 19 self-generating wind/solar powered parking lot lights to save 60% energy annually at this Brooklyn, NY store.
Technology Info Suite
This collection of resources provides information on the applicability, technical considerations, and benefits of using natural refrigerants in place of traditional hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants.
Webinar
Watch to learn about resources to manage refrigerant emissions by exploring the benefits of leak detection and refrigerant alternatives with lower global warming potentials.
This webinar was an introduction to case door retrofit technology and the potential that it offers food retail store operators.
-
GreenChill Partnership
An EPA partnership with food retailers to reduce refrigerant emissions, global warming and ozone layer impacts.ENERGY STAR Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers
A directory of qualified self-contained commercial refrigeration equipment.Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Rulemaking
DOE energy conservation standards and test procedure rulemaking documents. Includes discussions on energy-efficient technologies and full analytical results.Food Marketing Institute
Among many other things, FMI provides information and resources related to food retail, and hosts the annual Energy & Store Development Conference.