News

NAMA Seeks Time To Meet New Refrigerated Vender Specifications

CHICAGO, IL The National Automatic Merchandising Association has filed comments to Energy Star seeking assistance by requesting a postponement of the application of the newly-amended levels for refrigerated vending machine specifications until 2022. At that time, the association expects to have a clearer picture of the energy requirements needed to make a safe transition away from the refrigerant gas R134a to a low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, such as R290 (propane). "However, if Energy ...

March 2, 2019

CHICAGO, IL - The National Automatic Merchandising Association has filed comments to Energy Star seeking assistance by requesting a postponement of the application of the newly-amended levels for refrigerated vending machine specifications until 2022. At that time, the association expects to have a clearer picture of the energy requirements needed to make a safe transition away from the refrigerant gas R134a to a low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, such as R290 (propane).

"However, if Energy Star determines that a postponement cannot be granted, we have implored the EPA to work with stakeholders to determine appropriate, attainable minimum energy conservation levels in the current business climate, that could be implemented in a 'stair-step' approach," NAMA continued.

That approach would impose less stringent requirements at the beginning that would become progressively more stringent. This process would start at the date when the specification is finalized and continue to a 2022 implementation date – or an earlier  complete reassessment when the industry resolves related issues such as machine placement and mitigation technology associated with use of alternative refrigerants.

"The industry has been and is moving in the right direction related to sustainability and energy conservation," NAMA emphasized, "but the challenges we face with restrictions around certain refrigerants demand that we resolve that issue first, or set an Energy Star specification that has a stair-step approach with energy savings levels that we can meet."

Those restrictions must be observed for compliance with UL and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards, which do not permit the placement of refrigerated equipment using flammable refrigerants in  places of ingress or egress, including lobbies and hallways. These are very common sites for vending equipment.

"Our industry has a positive track record of working with Energy Star to protect the value of its mark and program, which is important to our industry, energy conservation, consumers and the environment," the association concluded. "Further, most of our machine manufacturers value their partnership with Energy Star's voluntary program. Our intent is to continue that positive working relationship, but also to work within the factors that impact us in the marketplace. Quite simply, we need more time."