Supermarkets like Gristedes would be wise to future-proof their stores from increasing climate regulations by adopting HFC-free alternatives and shoring up their refrigeration management.
HFCs were invented to replace ozone-depleting substances previously used in cooling systems. While HFCs do not damage the ozone layer, they can be thousands of times worse for the climate when compared to CO2. As short-lived climate pollutants with atmospheric lifetimes around 15 years, reducing HFC emissions can deliver fast reductions in global warming, preventing up to 0.5°C this century.
The United States has joined more than 140 other countries in phasing down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment, with ratifying the agreement with broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.14 The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) of 2020 authorizes new federal regulations to implement the phasedown.15 The EPA has issued a proposed rule to ban the use of HFCs above a GWP of 150 for most new supermarket refrigeration systems,16 and is expected to issue another proposed rule in 2023 to regulate HFC leaks from equipment including supermarkets.
Accelerating the global phasedown of HFCs is necessary to meet our climate goals under the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to under 1.5°C.17 And federal HFC regulations are unlikely to be enough to meet targets under more ambitious climate laws on the books in many states, including New York. Some states such as California18 and Washington have already adopted more ambitious HFC reduction targets and regulations. Recently passed California legislation bans the sale of many HFCs entirely, including those commonly found in supermarkets such as R404A. Washington state is in the process of implementing a Refrigerant Management Program to control leaks in large cooling systems such as supermarkets, which will require leak detection and repair.
New York’s Climate Roadmap and HFCs
New York state recently finalized a new climate roadmap to achieve the state’s mandate to reduce emissions 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050.19 According to NY’s climate roadmap, HFCs make up 14% of all building sector emissions and supermarkets are the largest source of HFC emissions in the state. All pathways to meet the state’s climate targets require steep reduction in HFC emissions and adoption of ultra-low GWP (<10) technologies. The roadmap recommends a number of policy actions to implement a just transition from reliance on HFCs.20 This includes promulgating regulations requiring leak detection for commercial refrigeration equipment. The plan also calls for providing incentives such as utility rebates and grant programs to support the adoption of natural refrigerants in food stores, particularly for businesses operating in disadvantaged communities. Other recommendations include providing education and workforce development programs, such as apprenticeship programs for low-GWP and natural refrigerants and regulations regarding proper reclamation or destruction of refrigerants at end-of-life.