Adding GWP values and reporting on total refrigerant status helps retailers with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Green Chill program that was announced at the FMI Energy and Technical Conference in September. The program is focused for the food retail industry. Green Chill's goal is to "promote the adoption of technologies, strategies, and practices that lower emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases," said Timothy Juliani, from the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.

The program is targeted at both HCFC and HFC refrigerant emissions. In order to participate in the program, retailers need up-to-date and highly accurate measurements, which are available using Verisae ERM, according to the company.

"Our customers want the capability to collect accurate GWP values so they can manage their impact on the environment," said Ted Gartland, director of refrigerant and regulatory compliance. "Reducing carbon footprint is on the minds of many of our customers. The new, non-ozone-depleting, HFC refrigerants that replace R-22 can have two to three times the direct global warming effect. Studies have shown effective refrigerant tracking can reduce the grocer's environmental impact and significantly reduce maintenance costs."

Publication date: 11/06/2006