28 March 2024
|
Star Refrigeration collected two major awards at the Cold Chain Federation Climate Summit 2024 held at Warwick University.
In partnership with customer Tesco, Star received the Technological Breakthrough - Innovation of the Year award, while Dr Rob Lamb was named a Cold Chain Climate Champion for driving sector-wide energy efficiency.
Star’s collaboration with Tesco saw the company deploy its data-led AI Ethos software across eight Tesco distribution centres in combination with Star Data Analytics (SDA) and the retailer’s maintenance team, StarCare. This resulted in the supermarket giant reporting a 10% reduction in energy consumption from January 2023-September 2023, which led to a saving of 484 tonnes of CO2 emissions and a return on its initial investment in under three months.
The award recognised the implementation of the data monitoring and optimisation technology for driving sustainability and leading to a widespread reduction in climate impact across the cold chain from lowering energy demand in temperature-controlled storage facilities.
Ethos uses real-time data collection and AI technology to identify improvements via the intuitive use of data, advanced predictive analytics and strategic asset management. For Tesco’s refrigeration equipment, Ethos's deployment included installing advanced sensors with data loggers to monitor the equipment's performance. This data was then modelled against a dynamic, digital twin – a computer generated replica of the system’s theoretical performance. By measuring the difference between real and ideal conditions, Ethos accurately identified inefficiencies and provided maintenance teams with actionable insights for energy optimisation.
Data gathered from the systems, including recommendations, financial and energy forecasts, carbon projections, insights, maintenance measures, and performance outcomes were all documented and recorded within the Ethos system.
Currently, Ethos technology is monitoring 57 cold chain facilities across the UK with a combined power usage of 158,000 MWh. The system has delivered energy savings of 9,461 MWh for cold chain operators and it has prevented the emission of 1,976 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2023 alone.
Dr Lamb was named Cold Chain Climate Champion 2024 for going above and beyond in leading cold chain businesses to analyse and lower the carbon footprint of their operations.
Dr Lamb has spent over 25 years helping industrial refrigeration operators and owners reduce their carbon footprint and shift closer to achieving carbon neutrality. He is a proactive supporter and pioneer of the sector’s transition to net zero emissions and has authored influential papers for industry organisations such as the Institute of Refrigeration, Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration and the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
The award recognised his efforts to embed a culture of sustainability across both Star Refrigeration and its customers, by advising cold chain operators on how to adopt more energy efficient heating and cooling technologies and practises.
He said: “This recognition goes beyond a personal achievement – it highlights the essential role of collective action in the cold chain industry towards driving sustainability. At Star, our core mission is to support our customers on their journey to a more sustainable future, guiding them with best practices and providing them with innovative technologies and services. As we move closer to the Net Zero deadline, it’s vital that we continue to work together to achieve greater operational energy efficiency.”
This year’s Cold Chain Climate Summit saw nearly 200 delegates gather to assess the impact of climate change on the global cold chain.
