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MD is fi rst supermarket in Italy to use R-455A
When MD, one of the fastest-growing Italian supermarket chains decided to accelerate the conversion of its in-store refrigeration systems to a long-term and eco-effi cient solution it turned to Honeywell. Following an analysis based on Honeywell’s eco-effi ciency simulation model, the retailer is implementing low GWP Solstice L40X (R-455A) refrigerant at its San Giovanni in Persiceto supermarket near Bologna as this report from Climalife explains.
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onsumers across Italy know that when they see the distinctive yellow, red and blue MD supermarket logo, they’ll be able to get whatever type of food
they’re looking for, from everyday supplies such as pasta, milk, cheese, meats, fruit and vegetables, to celebratory treats such as prosecco and cakes – all at aff ordable prices. So compelling is the brand’s value proposition that MD is now the second-fastest growing supermarket chain in Italy, with 15% year-on-year growth and €3.4 billion in annual turnover.
Part of Lillo Group S.p.A., a privately-owned holding company encompassing homeware, electronics, food and beauty, MD S.p.A. operates more than 800 supermarkets across Italy. Of these, 45% are classed as small (less than 1,000 sqm); 32% are medium-sized (between 1,000 and 1,500 sq m); and 23% are large (more than 1,500 sqm). The stores are served by 8,000 employees and eight logistics centres. To keep pace with market demand, MD plans to open 30 greenfi eld new stores and remodel a further 25 every year. In line with regulatory requirements and the
expectations of its customers, MD has introduced effi ciency and sustainability guidelines for all of its stores, mandating the use of LED lighting, remotely controlled refrigeration systems, electricity monitoring, and photovoltaic systems – powering the company’s logistics centres are three 2.3 MWp, 1 MWp and 0.8 MWp photovoltaic plants. Meanwhile, the company’s refrigerated truck fl eet is now propelled by 100% clean energy. One of the key questions MD considered when
developing its sustainability plan, was what type of refrigerant should it use at its new and renovated sites?
The challenge MD sought a low global-warming-potential (GWP)
refrigerant that would allow it to move to a long-term, sustainable technology for new stores and refurbishments. Criteria for the new refrigerant included:
18 February 2024 •
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■ Comply with long-term regulatory requirements at na- tional and European level
■ Contain lifecycle costs including investment, electricity and maintenance
■Lower overall emissions of both Scope 1 and Scope 2 ■Reduce carbon footprint. Solstice L40X provided the lowest total cost of ownership
and lowest overall environmental impact among the alternatives considered.
The solution MD was already familiar with Honeywell Solstice refrigerant
brand. Several years ago, the retailer decided to retrofi t its existing stores with Solstice N40 (R-448A), extending the lifetime of its refrigeration assets while reducing their carbon footprint. For new stores and refurbishments, it continued to use R-744 and glycol chilling systems. Given the short timescale however in which to
Solstice L40X provided the lowest total cost of ownership and lowest overall environmental impact
among the alternatives considered.
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