The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) and Southern California Edison (SCE) recently co-hosted the first-ever Low-GWP & Energy Efficiency Expo, which brought together stakeholders from the supermarket industry, utilities and energy, and regulatory agencies to accelerate progress towards a low-GWP and energy efficient future for supermarkets.
Here are some of the key takeaways & next steps that NASRC will drive forward with our member network and partners:
Key Takeaway: Technologies that are compatible with low-GWP refrigerants and have energy efficiency potential are key to reducing overall carbon footprints. See the products featured at the Expo.
Next Step: NASRC to launch expanded product library to facilitate information sharing about low-GWP & energy efficient technologies.
Key Takeaway: Existing facilities represent the greatest opportunity for emissions reduction, but also present the greatest challenge for retailers. See the ideas from the Existing Facilities session, which explored technology solutions to incorporate <150 GWP refrigerants.
Next Step: NASRC to co-host Existing Stores Workshop with H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas this spring to explore modular low-GWP solutions. More information to come!
Key Takeaway: Performance validation of new low-GWP refrigerant technologies is needed. See examples from our Emerging Technologies "Shark Tank" session.
Next Step: NASRC to coordinate performance validation & data sharing through various programs, such as SCE's Emerging Technologies program.
Key Takeaway: There is a need for funding assistance to support the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, especially for existing facilities. In many cases, one source of funding may not be enough. See successful examples from SMUD's Natural Refrigerant Incentive Program.
Next Step: NASRC to launch Aggregated Incentives Program and facilitate increased funding opportunities for retailers.
Key Takeaway: Collaboration between industry stakeholders & regulators throughout the rulemaking process can result in less burdensome, more effective regulations. See CARB's update based on end-user feedback facilitated by NASRC.
Next Step: NASRC to facilitate coordination between government agencies & the supermarket industry throughout rulemaking processes.