Project at a Glance

Title: Greenhouse gas performance analysis for commercial buildings with large refrigeration and air conditioning systems

Principal Investigator / Author(s): Wagner, Mark and Pamela Mathis

Contractor: ICF Consulting Services, LLC

Contract Number: 09-306


Research Program Area: Climate Change

Topic Areas: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Stationary Sources


Abstract:

Large refrigeration and air-conditioning systems used in commercial buildings were evaluated to determine if greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced from both the indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy usage, and from direct greenhouse gas emissions from high-global warming potential refrigerant leaks. Supermarkets were the primary business type to use both large amounts of energy and emit significant amounts of refrigerant. Energy conservation measures and refrigerant leak reduction measures were assessed for technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Measures that were both commercially available and cost-effective were recommended for inclusion into the California Building Code Title 24. Greenhouse gas reductions of 1.2 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents can be achieved annually by applying the assessed measures, at a cost savings of between $15,000 and $75,000 annually for each facility, depending upon the size of the supermarket, with larger supermarkets saving more money.


For questions regarding this research project, including available data and progress status, contact: Research Division staff at (916) 445-0753

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