Convenience stores rely on refrigeration systems for many of their products—from grab-and-go items, to prepared ingredients for made-to-order foods, to beverages and more. Glass door coolers, open air coolers and other refrigeration equipment is key to convenience stores’ bottom lines, as it keeps items for sale at the right temperature and displays them effectively with product facings and attractive lighting to maximize sales.
But the future of refrigeration is changing quickly. New regulations will restrict the use of certain refrigerants in new products and systems. It is imperative that convenience store retailers have knowledge of these new regulations and what they mean for their businesses. They should also know the latest refrigerant solutions and how to make informed decisions in the shifting market landscape.
What to know about upcoming changes to refrigeration regulations
Every six years, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) reviews energy conservation standards. For its latest update on regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act Technology Transitions subsection that restricts the use of certain high Global Warming Potential (GWP) Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in new products and systems manufactured, imported or installed after the compliance date for each subsector listed in the rule.
The first restrictions under new refrigeration regulations will begin January 1, 2025.
In addition to the federal HFC refrigerant regulations from the EPA, three states—California, Washington and New York—have also instituted or proposed rules to regulate HFCs and equipment that uses them.
Both the AIM Act and the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) have certain guidelines. The AIM Act provides restrictions on certain refrigerants, while the SNAP provides alternatives to those restricted refrigerants.
Support for convenience store businesses
Hussmann provides convenience stores with refrigeration systems, case and complete solutions that can help retailers attract and retain more customers, while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
ConvenienceWorks by Hussmann aligns business processes and provides white-glove solutions—from store planning and equipment selection, to turnkey project management and after sale support.
Hussmann also continues to develop solutions and advanced technologies to meet c-store retailers’ challenges and changing needs, including innovation and engineering.
The Evolve Experience—and how it helps retailers
Hussmann has launched a training and education program—The Evolve Experience—that hit the road in September. The roadshow is traveling across North America to help c-store retailers navigate regulation changes and stay compliant going forward.
The Evolve Experience is a comprehensive and hands-on training program that is designed to equip retailers with knowledge and skills about the latest refrigerant solutions coming to the market. In addition, the program helps c-store retailers make informed decisions about systems, display cases and sustainable refrigerant options that meet regulatory standards, as well as provide education to technicians and contractors to steward the industry into this new generation of refrigeration solutions.
To schedule a future stop of The Evolve Experience, or for additional education and training opportunities for your team, contact Hussmann at roadshow@hussmann.com.
This post is sponsored by Hussmann