Industrial refrigeration is key to the healthcare industry, but it contributes massively to its emissions. Several companies are starting to implement strategies to reduce these emissions, from energy management systems to alternative refrigerants.

The importance of refrigeration in the healthcare industry

Many pharmaceutical products – especially biologics and certain vaccines – are highly sensitive to changes in temperature. These products must be stored under specific temperature conditions to maintain their efficacy and safety. For instance, refrigerated pharmaceuticals require storage in specialised refrigerated containers at low temperatures until just before use.

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Efficient cold chain management is imperative in the pharmaceutical industry. The fragmented nature of the supply chain can undermine optimal storage conditions, which is vital for temperature-sensitive products. The need for reliable cold chain solutions has increased due to the growing use of biologics, cell and gene therapies, and temperature-sensitive vaccines. These all require specialised cold chain storage and packaging that can withstand cryogenic temperatures. With the growth of clinical trials, particularly for cell and gene therapies, there has been an accelerated demand for ultra-cold storage solutions. Facilities such as those operated by Thermo Fisher are expanding to meet these needs, allowing for the effective storage of products that require temperatures as low as -80°C. This capability is essential for supporting both large biopharma companies and smaller biotech companies that may lack the necessary infrastructure.

Industrial refrigeration and healthcare emissions

Industrial refrigeration contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare, primarily with refrigerants, particularly those classified as hydrofluorocarbons and other fluorinated gases. These substances are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential and are commonly found in healthcare facilities’ refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Refrigeration units in healthcare settings often use refrigerants such as freons, which can leak into the atmosphere during operation. The emissions associated with these leaks are classified as scope 1 emissions, which are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.

The electricity used to power refrigeration and air-conditioning systems also contributes to emissions. Refrigerated vehicles require additional energy to power cooling systems, known as transport refrigeration units (TRUs), that keep products at a controlled temperature. According to low-emission transport and energy research technology organisation Cenex, the average diesel trailer TRU produces around eight tonnes of tailpipe carbon dioxide a year – equal to the average annual output of four UK cars.

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Strategies to adopt to reduce industrial refrigeration emissions in healthcare

Leading data and analytics company GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report on the ESG Framework (2024 Edition) describes how CEOs who do not take a forward-thinking approach to mitigate environmental, social, and governance risks will face the wrath not only of regulators, but also investors, lenders, customers, suppliers, and employees. To mitigate these risks many companies are phasing out traditional refrigerants with high global warming potential in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives. Companies such as Sequent Scientific reduced refrigerant consumption in 2024 by improving leak prevention, increasing preventive maintenance, and optimising the operation of compressors.

Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices is a common strategy to reduce emissions caused by industrial refrigeration. For example, Mankind Pharma has adopted variable frequency drives on compressors in chilled water production to improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, companies are using energy management systems to systematically approach energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Some companies are also focusing on resource recycling to support their refrigeration efforts. Natco Pharma has implemented systems to collect and reuse condensate water from air handling units for cooling tower makeup, contributing to overall resource efficiency.