East Auckland supermarket integrates energy-efficient transcritical refrigeration.
Everett Consulting has completed the mechanical and refrigeration design for the new Pak’nSave supermarket in Highland Park, East Auckland, delivering a CO2-based HVAC&R system focused on sustainability and performance. The project, which began in 2022, was led by David Everett, Director of Everett Consulting, and involved coordination with multiple contractors and suppliers.
The store features a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system equipped with a Full Transcritical Efficiency (FTE) module to enhance evaporator efficiency and reduce overall energy use. “It’s energy-efficient and uses the latest technology,” said Everett. “Packed with control systems, it keeps power use low while ensuring the cold chain stays strong.”
Everett Consulting managed the refrigeration side through to installation and oversaw commissioning of the mechanical systems. The mechanical and refrigeration scopes were handled under separate contracts but delivered in parallel to meet the store’s operational timeline. “We designed them separately but oversaw both – project managing the refrigeration side and the mechanical commissioning right through to the store opening,” Everett added.
The CO2-based system provides efficient cooling for food preservation, with additional energy savings achieved through the FTE system, which reduces the load on evaporators. This configuration is becoming more common across large-format supermarkets in New Zealand. While typical for the Pak’nSave brand, this was Everett Consulting’s first time delivering the system for this retailer.
FONKO NZ carried out the refrigeration installation, while ACSL Group installed the mechanical air conditioning systems. Temperzone also contributed equipment to the project and is expected to share further technical insights at the HVAC&R Technical Stage during the HVAC&R Hub event in July.
The East Auckland Pak’nSave is now the third-largest in the North Island and is expected to draw customers from surrounding suburbs. According to Everett, successful delivery depended on strong coordination between consultants and early-stage engagement. “There’s a lot of coordination involved with other consultants to optimise the system and reduce clashes,” he said.
Everett advised that bringing professionals in early helped avoid common issues, keeping the project on track from design to commissioning. “Most of it’s just an average day. There’s always hurdles with every job,” he noted.
The store stands as a model for integrating practical design with long-term operational efficiency, balancing environmental responsibility with commercial performance.