NatRefs to Help Lineage Logistics Reach Net-Zero Goal by 2040
U.S.-based Lineage Logistics, one of the largest cold-storage operators in the world, has committed to becoming carbon net zero by 2040 in part by optimizing its refrigeration systems and use of refrigerants.
In September 2021, Lineage joined The Climate Pledge with the aim of becoming carbon net zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Climate Accord’s 2050 target. To achieve this goal, the company is working to establish science-based targets for its Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect – energy) and Scope 3 (indirect – value chain) emissions ahead of releasing its first carbon report later this year.
Tackling fugitive emissions
For its scope 1 emissions, Lineage is focusing heavily on reducing the fugitive emission of refrigerants. From its U.S. facilities alone, these emissions represent 10,000–71,000 metric tons of CO2e, and with an estimated 356,000lbs (161,525kg) of f-gas refrigerants at its 400 sites globally, including R404A, R22, and R134, Teale recognizes Lineage’s “duty to use [refrigerants] responsibly.”
Having already expressed a commitment to natural refrigerants, such as ammonia/NH3 (R717) and CO2 (R744), Teale explained how Lineage is embracing the responsible use principles established by Emerson Climate Technologies’ E360 initiative. Through higher equipment efficiencies, better containment and refrigerant recovery, reclaim and recycling, Lineage aims to reduce its scope 1 emissions.
Optimizing refrigeration systems
According to Lineage’s energy carbon reduction strategy, around 25% of its energy-related emissions reductions will come from energy efficiency and conservation efforts. A large part of this work will relate to optimizing the company’s refrigeration systems.
Before embarking on energy-efficiency projects, Lineage strives to ensure that existing systems are safe and reliable and that the people, processes and infrastructure are in place to support future changes.
As with the refrigerant transition, Lineage faces major challenges around modernizing existing facilities to adopt new technologies. Having grown through acquisitions, the vast majority of the company’s facilities are different so there’s no one-size-fits-all system that can be implemented.