It is estimated that commercial refrigeration in Brazil accounts for around 25% of the energy consumption in an average supermarket. In fact, international studies indicate that commercial refrigeration could consume almost as much as total domestic refrigeration. Nevertheless, while domestic refrigerators are usually one of the first appliances to implement MEPS and labels due to its high energy consumption share in residential buildings, commercial refrigeration usually lack energy regulations.  

Even with the expected energy efficiency savings in different sectors, it is estimated that Brazil will increase its electric energy consumption on around 44% in ten years (from 2019 to 2029). Therefore, in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and alleviate the energy grid in the growing electricity demand scenario, it is critical to establish a strong policy and regulatory framework and promote higher efficiency appliances. In this sense, implementing MEPS and labels for the first time in commercial refrigerators would contribute to these goals.  

The project aims to help the country leapfrog to energy-efficient and climate friendly commercial refrigerators by enhancing stakeholder capacity for pursuing strategic priorities, pursuing an implementation framework for MEPS and labels, and creating greater knowledge sharing and learning for consumers on purchasing efficient cooling products.