True sustainability is within our grasp

摘要

With its high dependence on refrigeration for the transportation, storage and display of perishable merchandise, the food retailing sector is a significant consumer of energy. A report prepared with the support of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs found that "retail food outlets are responsible for around 3% of [the UK's] total electrical energy consumption." Up to 60% of retailers' consumption may be attributed directly to refrigerated systems and displays. Clearly, there is a need and an obligation for manufacturers to address the performance of refrigerated display equipment, supplied to retailers, to increase efficiency and reduce the demand for electricity. The fact that we are dealing with such vast numbers means that the potential for energy savings is significant, with the possibility of making a substantial difference in the challenge to mitigate global warming and climate change.