An advanced cooling system from Green & Cool played a crucial role when Walgreens built its first net-zero store – a building that produces energy equal to or greater than it consumes. The building, located in Evanston, Illinois, has now won a prestigious ASHRAE Technology Award.
Walgreens net-zero store was built in 2013. Among its innovative features are solar panels, wind turbines, a geothermal system, energy-efficient building materials and LED lighting, as well as an ultra-efficient cooling unit.
The heat pump and refrigeration designs are based around a triple-temperature range CO2 Sirocco system made by the Swedish company Green & Cool.
By combining heat pumps and air conditioning with commercial refrigeration, Walgreens saves 60 percent energy in the Evanston store compared to traditional technology.
“It’s fantastic that Walgreens’ efforts to use environmentally-friendly technologies are recognized in this way. At Green & Cool, we are obviously also honored and proud to have contributed to the cooling and heating system. With this project, we have shown that CO2 technology has a broader field of application than just retail refrigeration,” says Micael Antonsson, Green & Cool Technical & Business Director.
With its 8,000 stores, Walgreens is the largest drugstore chain in the United States. By testing various innovative solutions, the company wants the net-zero store to serve as a showcase for high-performance design and green technology. The best features will gradually be introduced in other Walgreens stores. With this, the company is hoping to reduce its environmental impact and lead the development of an ecologically sustainable society.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers) is an American professional organization. It was during the ASHRAE 2016 Winter Conference in Orlando in January this year that Walgreens was presented with the award in the Commercial Buildings category.