Designing a commercial space in the Chicagoland area comes with no shortage of decisions. Somewhere in the middle of developing a layout, picking finishes, and applying for permits, you must plan for your refrigeration needs.
Whether you’re building a restaurant, grocery store, or industrial facility, refrigeration for new construction is a huge part of your operational success and energy footprint. Incorporating sustainable commercial refrigeration solutions doesn’t just help the environment—it’s also a smart move for your wallet. With skyrocketing energy prices, evolving regulations, and a growing push for green building practices, now’s the time to rethink how you refrigerate.
Refrigeration Regulations Are Getting Stricter
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) continues to tighten regulations around energy efficiency and refrigerant management. If you’re planning a new building, be prepared to follow ASHRAE standards that cover safe refrigerant use, environmental impact, and system performance.
These standards aren’t suggestions—they’re requirements. Falling short could delay your project or land you with costly fines. Compliance comes more easily if you address refrigeration in the early design phase. You don’t need to be an engineer to understand the basics. You just need a few practical strategies to guide your decisions.
1. Pick Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
Many older refrigerants are being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). To stay ahead of the curve, opt for systems that run on eco-friendly refrigerants, such as R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO2), R-513A, or R-1234yf. These choices align with your green refrigeration goals and set you up for long-term compliance.
Adopting low-GWP refrigerants may even qualify your business for tax credits, rebates, or energy efficiency incentives from government and utility programs. Check with local providers to see what incentives are available to you.
2. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
Energy-efficient systems might have a higher upfront price, but you’ll save money in the long run by lowering your operating costs. Look for equipment with high Energy Star ratings and these advanced features to save energy and reduce wear and tear:
- Variable speed compressors adjust power based on actual refrigeration needs.
- Electronically commutated motors (ECMs) reduce energy consumption significantly.
- Smart defrost controls reduce unnecessary energy use.
- Heat reclaim systems capture exhausted heat to warm water or indoor spaces.
3. Design the System Properly from the Start
Sustainable commercial refrigeration starts with good design. A little extra planning now promotes better performance in the long run. Here are some design strategies to keep in mind:
- Keep condenser units in well-ventilated areas to improve efficiency.
- Group refrigeration loads to minimize pipe lengths and energy loss.
- Include zoning capabilities so different areas can run independently.
- Factor in future expansion to avoid ripping out walls later.
4. Install Smart Controls and Monitoring Systems
In the age of smart technology, automation makes managing your refrigeration system much easier. With advanced monitoring systems, you can check performance metrics in real time. They alert you to issues like energy spikes or equipment failures so you can intervene immediately. You’ll be able to monitor temperature zones, energy use trends, compressor performance, and system alerts for anything out of the ordinary.
5. Size Your System Correctly
When it comes to refrigeration, bigger isn’t always better. Oversized systems are a common source of inefficiency in new builds. They cycle on and off more frequently, driving up energy costs, shortening system life, and resulting in less consistent temperatures. Work with a professional to calculate cooling loads based on square footage, usage patterns, occupancy, product volume and type, and heat loads from lighting and equipment.
6. Factor in Humidity Control
Humidity is a key factor in sustainable refrigeration. Many perishable items—like produce, baked goods, meats, and cheeses—rely on a certain ambient humidity level to maintain their texture, appearance, and shelf life. When the air is too dry, moisture evaporates from the product’s surface, leading to shrinkage, cracking, and drying. On the other hand, too much humidity causes frost buildup and forces the compressor to work overtime. Smart humidity controls keep the environment stable, save energy, and protect your inventory.
7. Go for LEED or Green Building Certification
If you’re already thinking about LEED certification, sustainable commercial refrigeration plays a big part. Many green building programs award points for efficient refrigerants, smart controls, energy performance metrics, and integrated HVAC-refrigeration systems. Even if you’re not going for formal certification, these strategies still lower operating costs and improve long-term building performance.
8. Educate Your Team
A sustainable refrigeration system is only as good as the people operating it. When your team knows what to look for and how to respond, they can help keep everything running efficiently. Make sure your staff is up to speed on the following protocols:
- Managing walk-in freezer doors
- Following temperature monitoring routines
- Recognizing signs of system inefficiency
- Reporting issues promptly
9. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedules
Even the best refrigeration systems can underperform if neglected. Your new building’s equipment may be fresh out of the box, but it will need regular attention over the years to operate at its peak. Signs it may be time to schedule commercial refrigeration maintenance include:
- Ice buildup inside your freezer or on the outside of the unit
- Inconsistent temperatures
- Condensation on the unit’s exterior
- Damaged seals on refrigerator or freezer doors
- Leaks behind or at the base of your unit
- Higher energy bills despite consistent usage
10. Work With the Right Contractor
Choosing a reputable contractor to install your new construction refrigeration system is just as important as selecting the equipment itself. After all, even a great system can’t perform well if it’s installed poorly.
Look for a company with experience in commercial builds, a deep understanding of green refrigeration, and up-to-date knowledge of local codes and incentive programs. The right partner will guide you through your refrigerant choices, system design options, and long-term maintenance strategies so your investment keeps paying off for years to come.
Triangle Environmental: Your Partner in Green Refrigeration
Refrigeration might not be the flashiest part of your new construction project, but it greatly impacts your bottom line, sustainability goals, and code compliance. Triangle Environmental can help you navigate the requirements. We have provided new construction refrigeration services in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties since 1983. Our family-owned HVAC and refrigeration company offers professional service, same-day response times, and 24/7 emergency support. Contact us today to discuss future-proofing your new building with sustainable refrigeration solutions.