THE Carbon Trust has now published its draft code of conduct for retail refrigeration systems which aims to reduce the estimated 7.3MtCO₂e per year produced in this industry.
The Code has been produced in association with the Institute of Refrigeration and the British Refrigeration Association and aims to tackle both direct and indirect emissions by focusing good working practice in the design, installation, commissioning, operation, and service and maintenance, of retail refrigeration units.

Widespread adoption of the Code is projected to reduce CO₂e emissions from retail refrigeration by around 20 per cent over 5 years.

Retail refrigeration units across the UK are said to be producing around 4 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions, with their electrical demand making up, typically, around 40-70 per cent of a supermarket's total energy expenditure.

The Code identifies key steps to be taken now to address this, namely training and skills, refrigerant containment, building design, and testing and inspection.

Training and skills

The training and skills best practice recommendations outline the formal skills and assessment through qualification that the industry should work to and the practical experience required to perform key roles.

Containment

Best practice advice in this section is focused on reducing refrigerant leakage, with an overall mission statement of 'zero tolerance to leakage'.

Buildings

This section highlights the importance of designing each aspect of a building with clear reference to cause and effect on the overall building structure and services design. It covers a wide range of issues such as energy efficiency and life-cycle operation from initial construction.

Testing and inspection

This section includes best practice involved in achieving consistency and quality in testing and inspection activities, improving the quality of testing and inspection procedures, and improving engagement and communication between the many parties involved.

The Carbon Trust is now initiating a stakeholder consultation phase with the objective of seeking feedback on the Code. It is anticipated that finalised versions of the documents will be ready for release by IOR and BRA at the end of June 2011.