SUPERMARKET REFRIGERATION


Driving sustainability in supermarket environments


Stefan Lay, Product Manager for Cooling and Heating at Swegon UK&I, looks at refrigeration, ventilation and the Path to Net Zero.


S Stefan Lay


"Long-term viability ensures


readiness for FGAS phase- downs, carbon targets and possible


restrictions on high-energy equipment."


upermarkets are among the most energy-intensive retail spaces in the UK. From refrigeration coils to air handling units, these systems keep food fresh, customers comfortable, and operations running, but they also consume vast amounts of energy. The British Retail Consortium’s Climate Action Roadmap notes that retail accounts for around 30% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, much of it from building energy use. For supermarkets, the challenge is maintaining strict environmental control for food safety and comfort while cutting carbon emissions and operating costs. The drive towards net zero by 2040 is not only about regulatory compliance, it’s also a strategic opportunity to reduce expenses, enhance brand reputation and meet growing consumer demand for sustainability. Refrigeration is central to supermarket operations and a


signifi cant energy draw. Historically, systems have used high- GWP synthetic refrigerants such as R410A and R134a, which are eff ective but environmentally damaging and subject to FGAS phase-downs. The industry is shifting towards natural refrigerants like propane (R290) and CO₂ (R744), both low in Global Warming Potential and aligned with future compliance. R290 off ers an ultra-low GWP of just 0.02, excellent


energy effi ciency and versatility across temperatures. In a recent UK retail project by Swegon at Port Talbot, R290 heat pumps achieved an average Coeffi cient of Performance of 4.54, delivering substantial savings. They are future-proof but require strict safety measures due to fl ammability. CO₂ systems are non-fl ammable and excel in colder climates, off ering heating and cooling in one system, though their high operating pressures increase complexity and cost, and effi ciency can be lower in milder regions. Effi ciency depends on more than refrigerant choice. Advances in coil design, corrosion-resistant coatings and variable-speed fans allow systems to match load demand more precisely. In chilled display cases, electronically commutated motors reduce electricity use without compromising control. Condensers equipped with aerodynamic blades and variable drives cut energy during partial loads.


Regular cleaning is vital, as dirt on components hinders heat transfer, forcing compressors to run longer. Remote


16 October 2025 • www.acr-news.com


monitoring is increasingly used to track performance, prevent ineffi ciencies and avoid product loss.


One of the biggest decarbonisation opportunities lies in integrating refrigeration with HVAC. Waste heat from condensers is often vented outside, yet can be recovered for space heating or hot water. Many supermarkets already use waterborne chiller systems, which can be adapted to combine heating and cooling in a single, automated system, reducing reliance on gas boilers. This can cut heating-related carbon emissions by up to 65% compared with modern gas systems, off ering both environmental and fi nancial benefi ts in a market of rising carbon and energy costs. Ventilation is another energy consideration. Supermarkets


require high-quality air to maintain comfort, control humidity, and ensure food safety. Ductwork and grilles are critical for air distribution, but poorly sealed ducts can lose 20–30% of airfl ow, wasting energy. Low-leakage duct designs and well- placed diff users optimise airfl ow, minimise draughts and maintain even temperatures. Demand-controlled ventilation, which adjusts airfl ow based on occupancy and air quality, is becoming standard, cutting unnecessary fan use. Grille and diff user design directly aff ects how air is


delivered, infl uencing comfort and effi ciency. Diff erent store zones, from chilled produce aisles to checkouts, have varying thermal needs, and targeted airfl ow prevents overcooling or overheating.


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