Asda trials ecoFridge
Asda is set to cut carbon emissions by around 860 tonnes by utilising the innovative new ecoFridge that runs on liquid nitrogen rather than the traditional diesel
Asda has announced plans to replace its traditional diesel-fuelled fridges in its transport fleet with an emission-free, silent running alternative that reduces carbon and eliminates noise pollution from deliveries made to stores.
The aptly titled ecoFridge, which is being rialled in seven articulated vehicles at Asda’s Skelmersdale depot, will reduce the verall amount of carbon emitted by its fleet transport by around 860 tonnes, putting the supermarket on course to hit their commitment in reducing the amount of carbon produced by 80,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2008.
If the trial study is successful, the ecoFridge, which runs off liquid nitrogen rather than diesel, may be rolled out to its entire fleet of temperature controlled distribution trailers.
By switching all of its fleet transport to nitrogen powered refrigeration, Asda estimates it could reduce overall carbon missions by 70,000 metric tonnes in the next five years.
The ecoFridge, designed by Ukram industries, works by using emission free, liquid nitrogen as the accelerant in the cooling process.
In comparison, traditional diesel-fuelled fridges emit high levels of carbon dioxide and hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), both renowned for their contribution to global warming and depletion of the ozone layer.
Carbon and cost-cutting
Not only will ecoFridge eliminate carbon mission – calculated by the Department of Transport to be 2.6304 kgs per litre of diesel burned – but, owing to its engineering simplicity, maintenance costs are reduced by at least 65%.
Chris Hall, Asda’s network transport manager, said: “This is a major step towards ensuring that our fleet transport reduces costs, cuts carbon emissions and lowers the overall environmental impact of food distribution. It also solves the problem of delivering chilled goods to our stores in residential areas – especially at night, due to the silent running nature of the technology.”
The ecoFridge scheme is the latest in a long line of on-going initiatives introduced by Asda to minimise carbon emissions.
Last year all 1000 lorries used in Asda’s fleet distribution were converted to run on a bio-diesel mix reducing carbon tail pipe emissions by 3%.
Furthermore, the supermarket has sought planning permission to install five two mega watt wind turbines and aim to have all fully operational by the end of next year.
ecoFridge Initiative
Asda is also working with Yorkshire Forward and the UK Carbon Trust. A ‘Carbon Club’ has also been established with 11 major suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency in its supply chain.
All Asda’s vehicles are under 48 months old and are amongst the most fuel efficient on UK roads.
ecoFridge Facts
- Harmless to the environment
Fundamentally different from mechanical refrigeration systems, ecoFridge is Nitrogen powered making it completely harmless to the environment. It enables transporters of temperature sensitive cargoes to play their part in tackling climate change by eliminating emissions and greatly reducing energy use.
In March 2006, ecoFridge received EU certification as an acceptable alternative refrigeration system meeting all the EU requirements for the refrigeration of frozen and refrigerated products. The EU is limiting the use of HFCs in refrigeration systems and will enforce a complete ban from 2015 in line with the Kyoto Protocol, forcing companies to look for new solutions. Currently, there are no alternative transport cooling systems other than ecoFridge that meet these regulations. - Silent running
ecoFridge has already been recognised for its silent operation by the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) which encourages companies to help protect the environment from noise pollution. Last year they presented Ukram with the John Connell Technology Award 2006.
The secret behind the silent running is the absence of any moving parts within the cooling system, combined with the fact that, unlike traditional systems, it does not require a mechanical engine.
NAS trustee Gloria Elliot says: “It solves the problem of delivering refrigerated goods to supermarkets at night, which is currently banned due to the high noise pollution of traditional refrigerated trailers,” - ecoFridge refrigeration system
The ecoFridge refrigeration system from Ukram Industries addresses both of these concerns and is set to revolutionise how temperature-sensitive goods are transported around the world.