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According to its latest sustainability report, UK supermarket chain Waitrose has to date reduced direct refrigeration emissions by 16% compared to 2008/2009, through initiatives such as fitting stores with a water- and propane-based refrigeration system. More hydrocarbon stores are planned, while the company is also looking into HFC-free options for transport refrigeration.

The retailer has reduced average emissions related to refrigerant gases used in its refrigeration systems from 453 tonnes per shop to 336 tonnes. This is a 26% reduction in relative terms, and an absolute reduction of 16%. It is hence on good track to meeting its commitment to halve its refrigeration and cooling direct emissions by 2012/13, compared to 2008/09 levels.

More stores planned with hydrocarbons

To achieve its emission reduction target, Waitrose is fitting all new and refitted stores with a water- and propane-based refrigeration system. Not only does the system avoid direct refrigerant emissions, but also it is more reliable and uses 20% less energy compared to a traditional system used in an equivalent shop.

A further 25 shops will use hydrocarbon refrigeration by the end of 2010, while the company will be rolling the technology out to all its shops by 2020.

Regarding its cold store/distribution operations, the company already uses 100% ammonia.

Other measures

• Trials of HFC-free options for transport refrigeration, including hydrocarbon systems

• Linking the refrigeration with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, which allows reusing their by-products.

• An extensive leaks prevention programme

• The implementation of sub-metering for refrigeration, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in all new Waitrose shops