Background Domestic cooling appliances (refrigerators and freezers) have increased in energy efficiency by more than 40% in the last decade, thanks also to the introduction of the EU Energy Label. No such energy optimisation has occurred for commercially used appliances, however, which are also characterised by a significant environmental impact due to the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as refrigerants. This specific product category greatly contributes to global warming – HFC emissions are up to 3,800 times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2) – and consume large amounts of energy. For the food trade, the associated effects are obvious: cooling systems account for almost half the total power consumed, and a growing share is used for plug-in refrigeration and freezer appliances. The appliances currently used in Europe are responsible for around 75,000 GWh of energy exhausted – more than 2.5% of the total electricity consumption of the EU – and generate more than 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. In addition to the environmental impact, high energy consumption means high running costs. However, the potential for energy savings for commercially used appliances on the European market is estimated to be up to 19,000 GWh. Objectives The project aimed to stimulate and support the development and market penetration of eco-efficient plug-in cold appliances for commercial use. These cold appliances were to be more energy efficient and free of HFC-refrigerants and HFC-foaming agents. Additionally, the project hoped to stimulate the demand side market for eco-efficient cold appliances by informing and motivating buyers and product users and directly involving them in the development process. Furthermore, the project intended to apply, evaluate and improve methods for integrated and eco-efficient product development in industry. Lastly, the project was to disseminate the methods, experiences and results of the project aiming for an EU-wide application. Results The German-Austrian project consortium successfully organised a European-wide manufacturers’ competition to develop HFC-free, energy-efficient commercial cooling appliances. It showed that environmental friendliness, cost efficiency and optimum functionality can be combined. Eight leading European manufacturers – representing around 30% of the market – applied to participate in the PROCOOL competition. A total of 20 products were registered for the competition, with four companies able to contribute seven products across five product categories. To enter, appliances had to fulfil strict criteria such as extremely low energy consumption, the use of HFC-free refrigerants, superior functionality and product presentation as well as a recycling and repair-oriented product design. Furthermore, all competition participants agreed on the new European standard prEN ISO 23953, and decided that all products should comply with the Eco-Design Directive and recycling feasibility VDI2243. Based on assessments by TÜV in Munich, five PROCOOL award winners were selected. All designs proved that considerable energy savings (in some cases, more than 50% on standard appliances) are possible and the use of harmful refrigerants and insulation materials can be completely avoided, while ensuring no safety risk. Liebherr was able to undershoot even some of the mandatory criteria by 40%, and received three awards, two of which were for its chest freezers with glass lids, GTE 2492 and GTE 5092, which are used in supermarkets or petrol stations. Both products use isobutan as refrigerant. The GTE 2492, with a net volume of 412 litres, consumes 0.468 kWh/100 l, when tested over a 24-hour period. The GTE 5092, with a net volume of 189 l, consumes 0.545 kWh/100 l. Liebherr received a third award for its multipurpose refrigerator FKv 3692, which also uses isobutan and consumes 0.251kWh/100 l. All products comfortably met the noise emission criteria. Other winners included the 210 VS Paris freezer unit by AHT Cooling Systems, which is mainly used in freezer aisles. It has a variable speed compressor which operates on the HFC-free refrigerant propane. TÜV measured an energy consumption of 0,718 kWh/100 l and a noise emission of 42.4 dbA. Frigoglass received for its cooling shelf EASYREACH- CO2 the PROCOOL Special Prize for Innovative Cooling Technology. The unit achieves a near 20% increase in energy efficiency compared to display cabinets currently on the market – an impressive accomplishment for a CO2–based refrigerator (though nevertheless slightly below PROCOOL’s strict criteria). The submission by Frigoglass was considered especially innovative, as the technical implementation of CO2 as a refrigerant is generally still at an early stage. The project also effectively managed to raise awareness both on the supply and the demand side. Coca Cola (Germany), Globus SB (Germany) and REWE-Teneral (Germany) signed a statement of intention for the procurement of eco-efficient cold appliances. The German retail company ALDI also ordered 20,000 of AHT’s Paris freezers. The clear environmental and economic advantages have surely helped to raise the interest: The beneficiary estimates that due to the new technology about 400 GWh of electricity and 9.5 million t CO2 can be saved annually in the Austrian market alone. Therefore, (according to a prize winning participant) a store with 20 PROCOOL freezers can save €3,000 a year at current electricity prices, and larger chains as much as €30 million. This project has been selected as one of the 21 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2007-2008