International 
Switching Supermarkets from Halogenated to Natural Refrigerants in South Africa
As of: May 2021
The aim of the project was to pilot the conversion of the air-conditioning systems in two supermarkets owned by the Pick n Pay chain from fluorinated refrigerants to natural, environmentally compatible, energy-saving refrigerant technology. At the beginning, the project supported the supermarket chain in acquiring tradable carbon credits for future emissions reductions via the 'Clean Development Mechanism' (CDM) as this was supposed to gain significant co-financing opportunities for investment in new systems. In the end, this idea was abolished, due to low CER prices on one hand, but rather due to high and significant savings through energy efficiency measures. This savings were used to refinance the conversion of more supermarkets.
State of implementation/results
- Project completed
- A total of 25 combined CO2/NH3 cooling systems installed
- Workshops and training courses carried out for Pick n Pay technicians, including 'Train the Trainers' courses
- Technologies adopted by local service enterprises and put on the market
- Monitoring system set up to measure emissions and energy consumption
- Project results presented at international forums
- Technology approved by South Africa's industrial association and adopted by Woolworths, Spar and Metro
Project data
- Country:
- South Africa
- Implementing organisation:
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
- Political partner(s):
- Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) - South Africa*
- Implementing partner(s):
- Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) - South Africa*
- Pick n Pay (Supermarkets)
- BMU grant:
- 1.756.623,47 €
- Duration:
- 10/2008 till 06/2013
Related news
| 21.05.2012 | Panel discussion in Berlin: 'Cool and sustainable' |
| 09.05.2011 | South Africa's supermarkets are using climate-friendly refrigerants |
