The DOE has finalized a new rule that will improve the energy efficiency of walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers (WICFs), which is projected to save around 80 billion kWh over 30 years as well as avoid 159 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. By 2030, the annual savings from the more efficient equipment, primarilu used in the food service and food sales industries, is expected to be equivalent to 0.5% of commercial energy use in 2014.
The new standard will affect six refrigeration classes of WICFs and was reached as part of a settlement between the DOE and the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), which included negotiations and amending existing standards on a consensus basis. Organizations and facilities using equipment covered by the standard are expected to save between $3.98 and $9.9 billion over 30 years. Learn more about the rule here.
