In industrial refrigeration applications, efficiency, design, and sustainability are important considerations for system improvements, facility remodels, and new construction.
Innovative new designs and transitioning to low-impact, natural refrigerant materials is proving to be beneficial to businesses and the environment. This is seen as refrigerants are becoming more cost-effective to manufacture and more efficient than traditional methods–translating to cost savings that also support improved environmental impacts. Continued technological improvements will result in more energy efficient methods, by using these more natural and sustainable sources of refrigerant.
Synthetic refrigerants including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) served industrial refrigeration applications for many years. Today, natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and even air and water mixtures are growing in popularity as industries seek to minimize environmental impacts. While natural refrigerants bring their own unique characteristics, the environmental impact of these refrigerants makes them preferable in comparison to synthetic alternatives.
Most natural compounds have also been proven to have higher efficiency, helping to decrease the overall carbon footprint in production. Furthermore, their production is far simpler than synthetic refrigerants. This translates to a lower cost of refrigerant and reduced operating costs. Paired with operational improvements, in comparison to synthetic refrigerants, switching to natural options may lead to a reduction in overhead costs.
Operational improvements can result in lower energy use to run refrigeration systems, drive compressors, pumps, and fans, and also lowers overall energy demand for communities. Proper operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems can lower energy costs by as much as 25%. Automatic doors, timing defrost cycles, cleaning coils, maintaining seals, and optimizing production and worker flow are all targeted approaches to reduce the energy required to maintain temperatures in refrigerated spaces.
ISG seeks to provide efficient and sustainable solutions for our partners. As an in-house, multi-disciplinary firm, our mission is to simplify facility designs through a holistic approach that fosters short-term return on investments with long-term growth in-mind. In large-scale refrigeration applications, this includes ensuring that all systems are safe, efficient, and reliable. Through researching and understanding innovative technological advances, we continually seek ways to develop and improve facilities that support the business goals of our partners.
ISG’s applied technology team invests in state-of-the-art tools for several reasons, the most important: added value. With devices and services like drones, visualization, geographic information systems, 3D scanning, and virtual reality, our trained operators gather data efficiently, with precision detail. We exceed expectations to deliver accurate data, allowing for better decisions, faster—critical to healthcare environments of all scales. As the needs of health systems continuously evolve, ISG has uncovered how these tools create strategic solutions and increase operational efficiency.
Nearly every architectural and engineering project intersects with environmental landscapes, often requiring wetland delineation as a first step toward sustainable development. ISG’s environmental team offers expertise and guidance in this critical phase of project due diligence, supporting a range of diverse sectors.
ISG is leading the way in sustainable water management across the Midwest. Our experience in developing One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P)strategies and Multi-Purpose Drainage Management (MDM) Plans provides comprehensive solutions, including advanced flood control, water resource management, and environmental sustainability.