Aldi converts UK stores to CO2 refrigerants
Gas World, August 16, 2017
By the end of 2018, up to 100 of Aldi’s stores are set to be converted at a cost of around £20m. The move will see a reduction in Aldi’s potential refrigerant gas carbon emissions by 99%, with an annual average decrease of over 15,000,000 global warming potential (GWP).
All stores will convert to CO2 refrigeration units, a much more efficient option than many other refrigerant solutions. It is also significantly better than the level stipulated by the incoming EU Fgas regulations which come into effect in 2030. The units are already in use across some of Aldi’s portfolio, including the recently opened Nuneaton store.
Mary Dunn, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said, “By choosing natural refrigerants, we are reducing our impact on the environment while also assuring our stores are future-proofed for years to come.”
Dunn continued, “We are continually looking for ways to improve our environmentally friendly credentials, and upgrading our entire stores to energy-efficient refrigeration is a key part of our commitment to being a responsible retailer.”
The announcement comes soon after Aldi revealed its plans to install 96,000 solar panels across its stores by the end of the year. In 2015, it also announced a three-year plan to replace all its chest freezers with more environmentally-friendly models.