Almost two-thirds of large supermarkets surveyed in northern and western European countries now use natural refrigerants in their stores, according to a new report issued by Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Europe. The research finds that this trend is being driven by industrywide sustainability policies that are outpacing legislation.
Hank Bonar, owner of Bonar Engineering and Construction of Jacksonville, Florida, provided the following as part of his response to a story on refrigeration trends in the Sept. 8, 2014 issue of The NEWS. A portion of this was used in that story; here, Bonar’s comments are presented in their entirety.
Contractors hoping for a final word on the newest refrigerants will have to wait — but maybe only a bit longer. Research continues and most of the studies are focusing on low-GWP HFCs and HFOs. But the good news is that what is currently being worked on could well represent the last generation of refrigerants.
Nowhere in refrigeration has change taken place faster in terms of system design and refrigerants than in the supermarket sector. But through it all, those who design, install, service, and maintain such changing technologies still need to understand how these systems’ components operate and how to do proper maintenance.
HVACR industry associations, manufacturers, end users, and fluorocarbon producers met with senior White House officials to show support and voluntary commitments to phase down HFCs. Industry coalition the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy and the White House hosted the event Sept. 16 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Connect event showcased some of the newest products that those who work in the food sector will more than likely see on a future install or service call.
For this focus on supermarkets and restaurants, The NEWS asked a number of contractors where they are in the mix and where they see the refrigeration sector heading. Here is what they had to say.