Are Walk-In Freezers Eco-Friendly?

The question of whether or not walk-in freezers are eco-friendly is one we get often, and for good reason – like ourselves, businesses don’t want to increase their impact on the environment if they can help it.

Let’s take a look at just some of the reasons walk-in freezers are a net positive for the planet.

Are Walk-In Freezers Eco-Friendly?

When it comes to freezer room eco-friendliness, the 2 most important things to consider are:

• The amount of power the freezer requires to operate, and;
• What type of refrigerant the freezer uses.

Power consumption

The amount of energy a walk-in freezer uses is measured in watts and kilowatts (1 kilowatt = 1000 watts). The annual power consumption of a walk-in freezer, if it were to be plugged in 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, would be around 700 kWh. One kWh is referred to as 1 unit of electricity, so a walk-in freezer can be expected to use 700 units of electricity annually.

To put that into perspective - and if we do a traditional and freezer trailer comparison - your average fridge freezer with an A++ energy rating uses somewhere in the region of 206 kWh every year. When you take that into account, walk-in freezers are actually relatively energy efficient given their size.

Additionally, a walk-in freezer by Icecool Trailers is built to the highest quality. Quite simply, they are designed to be as efficient as possible, trapping cool air so that it cannot escape. All freezers are designed this way but ours are built up panel by panel to ensure maximum efficiency – this also carries the benefit of our walk-in freezers being able to fit practically anywhere.

Refrigerants

Older freezers used a horrible, ozone-depleting refrigerant called Freon R-12. Many appliances using this chlorofluorocarbon are now banned from sale. Modern freezers, including our own walk-in freezers, use either a gas called R-600a, or isobutene, or a gas called HFC-134a, or 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane to cool the air. These two refrigerants have been scientifically proven to not deplete or adversely affect the ozone layer.

This is, in our opinion, the most important fact about our walk-in freezers. The refrigerants used in our freezers simply do not affect the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) do, so you can rest assured that any freezer unit you hire from us is environmentally-friendly.

Other considerations

Transport of the freezer

When questioning the eco-friendliness of walk-in freezers, it’s also important to consider that such a system will be delivered by trailer. However, it’s also important for us to point out that the initial transport of the walk-in freezer contributes wholly to the emissions generated by our walk-in freezer hire solutions. And because we are ideally located to serve businesses in London, Berkshire and most of England and Wales, journey times are short and our drivers will, whenever possible, avoid congestion to minimise emissions generated.

We would also point out that whilst walk-in freezers are becoming a more popular choice for long-term internal cold storage, freezer trailers and fridge trailers are actually a more sensible choice for short duration, external requirements. So if you are currently considering a freezer trailer or a walk-in freezer, you can rest assured that our mobile and portable refrigeration units are as eco-friendly as possible.

Advanced Technology Integration

The integration of smart technologies into cold room operations also significantly enhances their eco-friendliness. Technologies such as IoT-enabled sensors and energy management systems allow for real-time monitoring and control over the temperatures and operational status of cold rooms. This leads to more precise temperature control, reduced risk of overcooling or overheating, and optimised energy use. Smart technology can also detect inefficiencies or malfunctions early, ensuring that the systems operate at peak efficiency and reduce waste.

Supporting Renewable Energy

Many cold room operators are increasingly incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power into their energy mix. By using renewable energy to power cooling systems, the overall carbon footprint of these facilities is dramatically reduced. Renewable energy integration not only makes cold rooms more sustainable but also aligns with broader environmental goals and regulations pushing for reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Contribution to Food Sustainability

Cold rooms also play a crucial role in the food supply chain by prolonging the shelf life of perishable goods. This reduction in food spoilage directly contributes to decreased food waste, a major issue with significant environmental implications. By efficiently storing and preserving food, cold rooms ensure that less food is discarded and more is available to meet the needs of the population, all while conserving the resources that would have been used to produce, transport, and dispose of wasted food. This aspect of cold rooms not only supports ecological sustainability but also economic and social sustainability by improving food security.

The Bottom Line

So, are you ready to enhance your business's sustainability efforts while ensuring optimal efficiency in cold storage solutions? Icecool Trailers offers state-of-the-art refrigerated and freezer trailers that are not only eco-friendly but are designed to meet the unique needs of your operations. With advanced insulation, energy-efficient systems, and the use of eco-friendly refrigerants, our trailers provide a reliable and sustainable option for your cold storage requirements. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment. Visit icecooltrailers.co.uk today to learn more about our products and how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals. Together, we can create a cooler, greener future.