Carrier Commercial Refrigeration’s multi-year collaboration with METRO AG to deploy new natural refrigerant equipment to its stores across Europe has been named a Top Project of the Year in the Environment + Energy Leader Awards 2023. Supporting METRO’s F-Gas Exit Program, which aims to convert more than 760 stores to natural refrigerant systems and reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint by 60% by 2030, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is installing high-efficiency remote cabinets and cold-room equipment.
To ensure the greatest energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, METRO stores use Carrier’s CO2OLtec Evo system with ejector technology and CO2 pumps. The CO2OLtec system helps customers achieve average energy savings of up to 30% compared to traditional hydrofluorocarbon products. The units use climate-neutral CO2 refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just one, an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero, is not flammable and is not subject to EU F-Gas Regulation, to further reduce associated carbon emissions.
“Balancing operational and cost efficiency with increased levels of sustainability is no easy task,” said Olaf Schulze, Vice President, Energy Management, METRO PROPERTIES. “With Carrier Commercial Refrigeration’s help, however, we’ve created a solution that comfortably delivers on all three fronts. This award is a great achievement for the teams involved.”
To date, more than 40 stores have installed this refrigerant setup, with more than 70 additional locations due to be upgraded by 2025.
“We have always seen collaboration as a vital catalyst for innovation, hence why we’re delighted to join forces with METRO on reducing its carbon footprint,” said Marcus Eisenhuth, Vice President & General Manager, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration. “Being recognized for this award highlights how our collective hard work has delivered immediate results.”
In addition to supporting METRO’s aim to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60% by the end of this decade, the project also contributes to Carrier’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goal to help its customers avoid more than one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
