GreenChill, a voluntary program launched by the EPA in 2007, works with supermarkets to help them transition to environmentally friendlier refrigerants, reduce the amount of refrigerant they use, eliminate leaks, adopt green technologies and environmental best practices. According to the EPA, refrigerants used by supermarkets, if not managed properly, can contribute to climate change and harm the ozone layer. More than 7,000 stores belong to the GreenChill Partnership, 20 percent of the supermarket industry. GreenChill presents annual awards to retailers participating in the program. McQuade's was awarded GreenChill's Best Emissions Rate Award for small retailers, for use of advanced refrigeration technology.
Michael McQuade, the company president, said the award recognized the cumulative performance of his three stores. A new freezer system was installed in the Westerly store about 18 months ago. If a leak develops, he said, the new system can lose no more than an eight-pound charge or one gallon of Freon. McQuade's had just a 6 percent Freon leak rate during the last year. Before the advent of new technology, just four years ago, the EPA questioned whether stores could get below a 12 percent leak rate. A conscientious staff that is focused on maintenance put the chain in contention for the award.
