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Scope 1  ·  2.3.4

Refrigeration

Reducing Scope 1 emissions from refrigerant leaks (HFCs and HCFCs with high global warming potential) and from fossil-fuel-powered refrigeration systems. Refrigeration-related emissions can be material — particularly for food and beverage, grocery, pharmaceutical, and logistics companies. The pathway involves both refrigerant management and equipment transition to lower-GWP alternatives.

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Self-Assessment

Select where your organization currently operates and where you want to get to. There is no obligation to reach "Leading Org." — choose the target that is right for your business context and investment capacity.

📍 Current Level
🎯 Target Level
Select your current and target levels above to map your assessment on this initiative.
Fundamental
Market Standard
Above Average
Leading Org.

Technology

  • Existing HFC refrigerant systems (R-404A, R-134a, R-410A) with standard leak detection
  • Manual refrigerant log tracking for EPA Section 608 compliance
  • Basic preventive maintenance program to reduce leak frequency

Process

  • Completing EPA 608-compliant refrigerant tracking and leak repair records
  • Conducting a refrigerant emissions inventory using EPA Subpart F GHG reporting methodology
  • Identifying highest-GWP refrigerants and highest-leak-rate equipment for priority action

Financing

  • Internal maintenance budget for leak detection and repair
  • EPA regulatory compliance budget for refrigerant tracking and reporting

Technology

  • Fundamental Technologies +
  • Electronic refrigerant leak detection systems with automated alerts
  • Transition to lower-GWP drop-in refrigerants (R-32, R-454B) in existing equipment
  • End-of-life refrigerant reclaim and responsible destruction program

Process

  • Developing a refrigerant phase-down roadmap aligned with AIM Act HFC reduction schedule
  • Implementing annual refrigerant emissions audits and third-party verification
  • Evaluating natural refrigerant retrofits (CO₂, ammonia, propane) during major equipment overhauls

Financing

  • Equipment upgrade costs incorporated into capital planning with refrigerant cost avoidance as benefit
  • State and utility rebates for refrigerant transition and high-efficiency cooling equipment

Technology

  • Market Standard Technologies +
  • Natural refrigerant systems (CO₂ transcritical, ammonia, hydrocarbons) for new and replacement equipment
  • Refrigeration heat recovery for space heating or domestic hot water preheating
  • Integrated refrigeration and HVAC system controls for combined energy and emissions optimization

Process

  • Achieving near-zero refrigerant emissions via closed-loop management and natural refrigerant transition
  • Reporting refrigerant emissions as part of Scope 1 GHG inventory with third-party verification
  • Integrating refrigeration load into demand response and building energy management programs

Financing

  • Capital investment in natural refrigerant systems justified by combined refrigerant cost savings, energy efficiency, and regulatory risk reduction
  • Green bond or sustainability-linked loan financing for refrigeration fleet transition

Technology

  • Above Average Technologies +
  • 100% natural refrigerant fleet across all owned and leased facilities
  • Refrigeration system integrated with onsite solar, storage, and building microgrid
  • AI-driven refrigeration optimization minimizing both energy use and leak risk

Process

  • Publishing zero refrigerant emission target with verified annual progress reporting
  • Engaging landlords, tenants, and suppliers on refrigerant management standards in leased and third-party facilities
  • Advocating for stronger HFC regulations and natural refrigerant incentives in industry forums

Financing

  • Full lifecycle cost accounting of natural refrigerant systems demonstrating superior TCO vs. HFC alternatives
  • Monetizing refrigerant destruction credits under voluntary carbon standards (e.g., ACR, Verra)

Related Pathways

← All Pathways 1.3.1 HVAC 1.3.2 Smart Building Management