Case study on industry innovation following the introduction of the equivalent
carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases
Supermarket refrigeration goes natural
As part of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan, the equivalent carbon price for
synthetic greenhouse gases commenced on 1 July 2012. The introduction of the equivalent carbon
price encourages industry to change its practices in order to reduce emissions of synthetic
greenhouse gases, to use alternative gases and to improve the recycling rates of these gases.
This case study highlights one effective change that has been implemented by industry.
The Hopper Group is a family-owned and operated company specialising in the supermarket and
specialty retail business.
The company launched new sustainable IGA supermarkets in Greenslopes, Queensland in
September 2011, and Market Place, NSW in May 2012. The supermarkets feature state of the art
design and sustainable technologies and provide a modern environment for consumers.
The two new sites are considered IGA flagship supermarkets. They both use carbon dioxide (CO2)
as the refrigerant in freezers, with the Greenslopes store also using CO2 in its refrigerators.
CO2 is a naturally occurring gas with a global warming potential of one. This is significantly less
than R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane), the synthetic greenhouse gas that the Hopper Group previously
used with a global warming potential of 1300.
The benefits achieved by this change include:
 cost savings due to the relatively low cost of CO2 gas for charging the refrigeration
equipment
 ongoing savings in the operation of the plant, and future maintenance and repairs where
renewal of the refrigerant charge is required
 environmental benefits resulting from not using a synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerant.
Other sustainable features of the stores include the use of doors and air curtains on refrigerators to
minimise thermal transfer, the use of sustainable building materials and the implementation of
energy efficient lighting. IGA Greenslopes also utilises solar photovoltaic power, improved airconditioning controls and the reuse of building materials.
All works were performed by ArcTick accredited and licensed trade staff and performed in
accordance with Australian Standards for electrical and refrigeration works, including AS1677,
AS1731, AS3000, AS60335.2.89, the Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice and state-based OHS
Acts, Regulations and Codes.
Applying an equivalent carbon price to synthetic greenhouse gases has created an incentive to
implement changes to reduce emissions. As demonstrated by this case study, the changes
implemented can provide ongoing financial and environmental benefits.
For further information contact The Hopper Group on (07) 3320 1900.
For further information regarding the equivalent carbon price, go to
www.environment.gov.au/equivalentcarbonprice
There are Federal and state government-funded programs in place to support businesses with
innovation in this space. For further information go to www.eex.gov.au/business-support/programs
Photos courtesy of the Hopper Group.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this case study are those of the authors and does not
necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government of the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this case study are
factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or
completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be
occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this case
study.
Photo: CO2 refrigeration cabinets at IGA Greenslopes
Photo: CO2 cheese cabinet at Greenslopes
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