Energy Efficiency

The decisions our industry makes today can have far reaching effects on future generations. At Hussmann, we are working hard to create the change we want to see in the world. This includes developing innovations that reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment. 

Hussmann has been leading the way in energy efficient technology for decades. From the equipment we design and build, to the services we provide, to our internal processes, we continuously improve our state-of-the-art energy performance and reduce refrigerants in our display cases and refrigeration systems. And, we offer retail optimization services to help our partners lower energy use and costs throughout their operations. In all areas of our business, we seek ways to minimize our impact on the planet.

As more people enjoy modern grocery shopping globally, up to a quarter of greenhouse gases could come from refrigeration technology. For this reason, we’re investing in natural, eco-friendly solutions like our environmentally safe propane refrigerant. We’re also developing more efficient products such as our line of Insight merchandisers, which feature breakthroughs in product temperatures and energy savings. Recently, we introduced refrigerated cases with 99% less environmental impact.

As the food retail arm of Panasonic, we share the global technology leader’s mission of moving lives forward. We believe that technology should inspire and amaze us, and are always working to find new solutions that bring about a better world. That’s why we proudly support the U.S. EPA GreenChill Partnership in its efforts to recognize food retailers that reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change.

We are future-proofing food retail with the introduction of environmentally safe refrigerants. Our new microDS refrigeration system is charged with propane R290, a natural, non-toxic fuel, and uses 90-95% less refrigerant than other refrigeration systems that are charged by hydrofluorocarbons.

A major scientific and technological achievement, microDS is capable of providing excellent refrigeration in full-sized grocery merchandisers, even open multi-deck, with a small propane charge. This solution is available now for low- and medium-temperature merchandisers, meeting the needs of mass merchants, grocery, convenience and drug stores to sustainably refrigerate perishable foods, such as meat, produce and dairy products. 

Propane R290 is proven to be safe for the environment – in the event of any leakage, propane has a tiny global warming potential of 3 compared to commonly- used hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, which have global warming potential ratings greater than 1,300. The EPA lists propane R290 as an acceptable refrigerant substitute under its Significant New Alternatives Policy, and this fuel has an ozone depletion potential of zero.

Because propane R290 is non-toxic and environmentally safe, it has long term sustainability against ever-changing state and federal refrigerant regulations.

Our forward-thinking Insight Merchandisers have redefined energy efficiency in supermarket display cases, while also offering improved temperature performance to maximize food quality, freshness and shelf life.

Before designing Insight, we consulted with retailers and shoppers to find out what they needed most. We listened carefully to their “insights”, getting continuous feedback throughout the development process. Then we went to work, creating a leading-edge display case platform that sets new standards in case technology, from better food quality, case performance and structural integrity to improved energy savings, sustainability, cleaning and service.

Insight merchandisers provides approximately 17% case energy savings vs. other Hussmann models. 30% less refrigerant is used in these coils vs. previous coil designs. Insight reduces carbon footprint 17% on average by reducing indirect emissions. In a typical store, this has an environmental impact comparable to removing over 5 cars from the road each year.