Climate Change and Refrigeration Technology: From Theory to Practical Decisions

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Within the refrigeration industry as well, it is becoming increasingly clear that the choices made today have a direct impact on energy consumption, emissions, and the use of raw materials. While discussions about sustainability often focus on new technology and renewable energy, an important part of the solution lies in how we deal with existing refrigeration systems and equipment. For installers, end users, and equipment owners, this means taking a more conscious approach to refrigerants, machine lifetime, and reuse. At HOS BV, we approach sustainability primarily from a practical perspective, with the focus on what is technically feasible, economically sound, and future-proof. 

Where does the real environmental impact come from?
Refrigeration systems have their greatest environmental impact at two key points:
The refrigerant used, along with the potential emissions associated with it and the lifespan of the machine itself. Taking sustainability seriously means looking beyond energy efficiency or new-build installations. Existing systems and used equipment play a crucial role in reducing overall impact.

Refrigerants: choices with long-term consequences
Refrigerants are essential to refrigeration technology, but not without environmental impact. The contribution of a refrigerant to climate change is expressed through its Global Warming Potential (GWP). Many traditional synthetic refrigerants (F-gases) have a high GWP and are increasingly subject to stricter regulation.
Although lower-GWP F-gases are available, the market is clearly moving toward natural refrigerants. Not because they are always simpler to apply, but because they align better with long-term regulatory and sustainability requirements.

Common natural refrigerants include:

• Ammonia (NH₃) – Highly efficient and widely used in industrial refrigeration for decades, but poisonous and requires specialist knowledge and strict safety measures.
• CO₂ – Works well, but technically demanding due to high operating pressures.
• Propane (R290) – Very low environmental impact, but flammable and therefore requires strict safety measures.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice depends on the application, location, and existing infrastructure.

New or existing equipment: a realistic assessment
New refrigeration systems are often seen as the default solution. However, the environmental impact of manufacturing new equipment, including raw materials, energy use, and transport, is frequently underestimated. In many cases, existing equipment that has been properly refurbished can remain technically reliable for years to come.

A professionally refurbished machine:

• significantly extends its service life
• prevents unnecessary waste of materials
• often offers a favorable cost–benefit ratio

In this context, sustainability does not mean outdated technology, but making thoughtful use of what is already available.

Reuse as a practical form of circularity
The Netherlands has set the ambition to become fully circular by 2050. Within refrigeration technology, this mainly means making conscious choices and optimizing the use of existing resources.
Reuse within the refrigeration industry is not a theoretical concept, but an everyday practice. When carried out correctly, it can be a fully viable alternative to new equipment.

At HOS BV, we offer a wide range of used refrigeration systems that have been carefully tested and reconditioned, ensuring they are fully operational again. This makes us a reliable partner for companies seeking sustainable, cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.

From sustainability goals to technical decisions
Reducing emissions in refrigeration technology is not achieved through statements or targets alone, but through concrete technical decisions. The choice of refrigerant, the assessment of existing equipment, and the decision to refurbish or replace a system all have a measurable impact on environmental performance.
By focusing on realistic system evaluations and proven technology, companies can reduce emissions without increasing technical risk or operational complexity. In many cases, extending the service life of existing equipment delivers immediate environmental benefits compared to replacement by newly manufactured systems.

Sustainability across the entire lifecycle
True sustainability in refrigeration technology must be assessed across the full lifecycle of an installation. This includes not only operational efficiency, but also the environmental impact of manufacturing, transport, and eventual dismantling.

Refurbished refrigeration equipment often performs reliably for many years, while avoiding the emissions associated with new production. For system owners and installers, this lifecycle perspective supports better-informed decisions that balance performance, cost, and environmental impact.

HOS BV: supporting informed technical choices
At HOS BV, our role is to support customers with practical, experience-based insight into refrigeration equipment and systems. Whether the goal is to extend the life of an existing installation or to select an alternative system that better fits future requirements, we help customers make decisions that are technically sound, economically realistic, and aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.