Cooling and air conditioning systems are of great importance to ensure the quality, safety and preservation of food products, and play a decisive role also in fighting food waste. To reduce carbon emissions associated with the use of refrigerants in these systems, we have installed leak control technologies and, where possible, we voluntarily opt for natural refrigerant gases (in industrial refrigeration installations) or with low global warming potential (in heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations)1.
Establishments using natural refrigerant gases
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Number |
|
Progress1 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of establishment |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
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Stores – centralised refrigeration system |
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2,953 |
|
1,948 |
|
52% |
|
37% |
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Stores – stand-alone equipment |
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4,875 |
|
2,723 |
|
85% |
|
51% |
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Distribution centres and industrial units – centralised refrigeration system |
|
24 |
|
23 |
|
67% |
|
61% |
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|
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The inventorying and systematisation of establishments with refrigeration equipment running on natural or low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant gases saw their quantification improve in 2023, while ensuring the standardisation of progress reporting practices. By 2023, 67% of our distribution centres and industrial units and 52% of stores had their refrigeration systems running on natural or low-GWP refrigerant gases. It is worth highlighting the investment in stand-alone refrigeration units, such as freezers cabinets, which are already used in 85% of our stores (3,201 Biedronka stores, 1,212 Ara stores, 422 Pingo Doce stores and 40 Recheio stores and platforms).
1 These actions are in line with the commitments to reduce GHG emissions that we have made voluntarily, including The Consumer Goods Forum’s resolution to promote the use of natural refrigerant gases.