Last updated on January 2nd, 2025
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Hussmann spent the last half of 2024 on the road bringing their traveling roadshow ‘The Evolve Experience’ directly to retailers’ doorstep to share education and training on refrigeration regulations impacting how retailers manage their refrigeration and plan new stores and remodels.
The approach has been designed to provide retailers and technicians across North America with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize the latest refrigerant solutions on the market.
As Hussmann’s roadshow prepares to hit the road again this coming spring, The Shelby Report wanted to sit down with the experts from the Hussmann team, including Emily Fletcher (Senior Director, Marketing Communications) and Clay Rohrer (Portfolio Leader, Connected Solutions), to better understand how retailers should be preparing for these changes to stay in compliance and manage their shift to the future.
Q: Hussmann has been on the road with ‘The Evolve Experience’ for the last 13 weeks. How did the roadshow first get started?
Fletcher: During the pandemic the entire industry was thrown into uncertainty, with major trade shows and events being canceled. It was clear that we needed to find a way to reach retailers and our customers directly in a safe manner.
That’s why we took our products, knowledge, and training to them with the roadshow, bringing our products and solutions right to their doorsteps. It allowed us to connect with customers during a difficult time and provide them with the support they needed. The roadshow was a response to the industry’s needs, and we’ve continued to refine it each year based on feedback.
Q: How has the focus of the roadshow shifted over the years?
Rohrer: Over the past few years, the refrigeration industry has been undergoing a major transformation driven by new regulations, particularly the AIM Act, which mandates a shift toward refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP).
We realized there was a lot of uncertainty in how retailers could prepare for this change, so we pivoted our roadshow to focus on education around these regulations. Now, the roadshow is an interactive, mobile classroom where retailers and technicians learn about new refrigerant solutions and regulatory compliance. It’s not just about the products but making sure our customers have a clear understanding of where the industry is heading.
Fletcher: Our goal is to help our customers and the technicians in the field feel more comfortable, empowering them to make confident decisions no matter the equipment provider they work with. The more prepared retailers are for these coming changes, the stronger the entire industry will become.
Q: What should retailers know about the AIM Act and how it impacts their operations?
Rohrer: The AIM Act is a significant regulation aimed at reducing the use of high-GWP refrigerants like HFCs. This shift is essential to help mitigate climate change, but it also presents challenges for retailers.
One area that retailers should focus on immediately is refrigerant leak management. Leaks are inevitable but catching them early can prevent costly repairs and ensure compliance. By using technology for Automatic Leak Detection, retailers can more proactively monitor refrigerant levels and receive alerts to leaks sooner, they can save money and avoid environmental impacts.
In California and Washington, retailers are already required to address leak management, and in the coming years it will apply nationwide.
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Q: What other regulatory changes should retailers be aware of?
Fletcher: Beyond leak management, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability in refrigeration systems, with regulations encouraging the transition away from HFCs. The industry is moving toward refrigerants like CO2 and R-290 (Propane), which have lower GWPs. This shift aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, and we expect more legislation and rising prices of HFCs to push for even more eco-friendly solutions in the future.
Retailers need to evaluate these refrigerant options carefully, weighing the pros and cons to ensure they remain compliant and competitive, while also utilizing the right option for their specific needs and environment. That’s why The Evolve Experience places a strong focus on helping retailers understand these refrigerants and plan their strategies accordingly.
Q: How can retailers address these changes to ensure compliance and manage their refrigeration systems effectively?
Rohrer: Preparation is key.
Retailers need to educate themselves about the upcoming regulatory changes and evaluate their refrigeration systems and how they are managing and maintaining them. The truth is that the regulations don’t only apply to new store builds. How they are managing their existing equipment is critical. And the expectation is that the cost of the higher-gwp refrigerants will continue to rise as they are phased out.
A major part of our roadshow is to help retailers understand the technology and solutions available to them. It’s also important for us to invest in training the industry, especially technicians, to work with these new systems safely and effectively.
The more prepared they are and the more information they have available, the better positioned they will be to efficiently manage the equipment and reduce operational costs. By staying informed, retailers can strengthen their businesses and contribute to a stronger future of the industry.
Q: How has Hussmann’s role evolved in helping retailers navigate these transitions?
Rohrer: Hussmann has been at the forefront of developing solutions that comply with the evolving regulatory landscape. Our commitment to innovation and building a better world has led us to offer a variety of equipment that utilizes these sustainable refrigerant options, including CO2 and R-290, and solutions the better manage existing equipment.
Fletcher: We also provide ongoing education and training through initiatives like ‘The Evolve Experience’ to ensure that our customers can transition smoothly. Whether it’s helping with leak management or offering insights into low-GWP refrigerants, our goal is to equip retailers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in this changing environment.
Q: What’s next for ‘The Evolve Experience’ and how will it continue to support retailers in 2025 and beyond?
Fletcher: As we prepare for the 2025 roadshow, our focus remains on empowering retailers and technicians with the knowledge to confidently navigate the future of refrigeration. We’re continuously evolving the experience to address new challenges and innovations in the industry.
The upcoming roadshow will offer even more insights into the latest refrigerant solutions and compliance strategies. Our aim is to keep building relationships with retailers across North America and provide the expertise they need to succeed.
Conclusion
Retailers face significant challenges due to evolving refrigeration regulations, but they also have opportunities to improve efficiency and sustainability. With tools like The Evolve Experience, Hussmann is helping retailers stay ahead of regulatory changes, improve their refrigeration practices, and plan for a sustainable future.
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