Bronx Grocers Use Grants to Replace HFC Refrigeration Systems

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) recently announced completed projects at two Key Food stores in the Bronx, New York. The projects replace older refrigeration equipment that used HFCs with cleaner, natural alternatives. The projects, implemented with assistance through $350,000 in state grants, advance efforts to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change.  

“HFCs are known harmful emissions that greatly contribute to climate change, and New York State is leading on advancing efforts to reduce pollution in all sectors of our economy,” said Amanda Lefton, acting commissioner at DEC. “I applaud Key Food and the NASRC for working with DEC to advance these Bronx-based projects that demonstrate successful installations of new, non-HFC equipment that increases efficiency, reduces costs, improves public health, and advances the transition from HFCs.” 

The Key Food stores located on White Plains Road and Tremont Avenue in the Bronx each received approximately $175,000 for the purchase of ultra-low GWP, R-290, self-contained, refrigeration systems. The projects were managed and administered by NASRC with DEC support through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. 

The projects are great examples of how small and independent stores can lower costs and phase in natural refrigerants by staging their equipment replacements over time. By transitioning to the new systems, both stores expect to see reduced energy costs. The systems meet New York State compliance requirements and provide an opportunity for the stores to update their merchandising and overall store design.  

“These projects are excellent examples of how turnkey remodels can provide practical and scalable solutions for retailers aiming to stay ahead of regulatory pressures while future-proofing their stores,” said Danielle Wright, executive director of NASRC. “By transitioning to natural refrigerants, these stores have positioned themselves for long-term operational and compliance benefits.” 

Salvatore Bonavita of Key Food’s store on White Plains Road said, “I would like to thank the NASRC, DEC, and Empire Refrigeration for their support of our store’s ongoing efforts to meet the amended regulations. And, although the regulations may not require the replacement of existing equipment, the practical realities of running a grocery store often require otherwise. Our new, low-temp, R-290 cases are sleek, quiet, and an efficient replacement of our HFC-dependent frozen food cases. A great option that would have not happened but for the confluence of circumstances only made possible through this program. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to every refrigeration challenge facing long-serving, inner-city-based stores, which typically have a patchwork of legacy systems. Even projects like ours had additional costs not covered under the generous grant. So, for many independent grocery stores serving income-sensitive communities, the best hope may lie with similar collaborative projects.”  

In December 2024, DEC announced amended regulations to support the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, including HFCs. Part 494 includes prohibitions, reporting, and other requirements for HFCs to help reduce emissions, improve the environment, and benefit New Yorkers’ health and safety. The amended regulation does not require the replacement of existing equipment prior to the end of its useful life. 

In March 2024, DEC announced the completion of the first two projects under this program that successfully demonstrated the use of natural refrigerants in grocery stores in Buffalo and Long Island. These four natural refrigerant projects, located in disadvantaged communities, are models for future commercial sustainable refrigeration transitions in retail food facilities.