Formula One Technology To Be Installed in West Ealing Co-op

New refrigeration technique aims to increase energy efficiency


The EcoBlade is being introduced at the Uxbridge Road store

Technology developed by motor racing engineers working on Formula One cars is being installed in the Co-op supermarket on Uxbridge Road in West Ealing.

The new equipment is being used to improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce cold air being lost into the aisles.

The EcoBlade technology, developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research, is expected to lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions as it uses the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars. It is hoped it will reduce refrigeration energy consumption by up to 25 per cent by acting as an invisible air curtain, keeping warm air out and cool air in.

The twin-bladed shelf-edge strips were initially trialled in 2020 and used in fridges without chiller doors.

Gemma Lacey, Director of Sustainability and Communications, said, "The future of our planet relies on us all urgently cutting greenhouse gas and this is one way we are doing that, as part of our Climate Action Pathway to net zero.

"We have set ambitious targets aligned with the latest science showing what is required globally to limit global warming to 1.5°C but we need to work collaboratively with others to achieve our goals and limit the severity of the impacts of climate change."

Southern Co-op has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year and to reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from managed trading businesses 17% over the same target period.

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September 1, 2021