Demystifying GEMS

SKOPE is Leading the ChargeCommercial refrigeration inefficiency has an outsized impact on global warming. This also generates hugely unecessary power bills for businesses that rely on commercial refrigeration.Typically 55% of the electicity bill for the average convenience store is from the refrigeration products. This means that you have a huge opportunity if you are buying a new fridge to save dramatically on your energy costs.

SKOPE is Leading the Charge

Before improvements to the Greenhouse & Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) for commercial refrigeration were postponed on the eve of its implementation, SKOPE Refrigeration was almost alone in having registered so many of its products.In fact, SKOPE equipment accounted for more than 30% of all the refrigerated cabinets in the public GEMS database when the improvements were deferred on August 6 (a week before the manufacturer compliance deadline).This stood in stark contrast to the rest of the market, from which only a small portion of models from other local manufacturers and importers were registered before the original deadline.That's why Skope committed a long time ago to make as many of their products as possible using R290 Hydrocarbon, a natural refrigerant with a GWP of just 3. Skope leading models in display and food storage both use R290, while they are launching an expanded R290 range shortly for other types of refrigeration and will soon be welcoming a host of R290 ice machines from global partner ITV Ice Makers.

What are the benefits to you?

When you are buying a new commercial refrigeration product, the more stars the better the energy performance.The changes scheduled for May will also introduce a new 0-10 energy star rating on each product.This will provide businesses with an easyshorthand for understanding which fridges are themost efficient.

What is GEMS?

The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) sets the bar for energy efficiency and environmental performance in equipment like commercial refrigeration in Australia and New Zealand.More is betterInitially the rules were due to be updated in August 2020, but have been deferred to May 2021.In the meantime, manufacturers have to register their products with the GEMS authority on a new public database that shows how efficient (or inefficient) their commercial refrigeration products are.

What is Changing?

The GEMS determination of 2021: • Replaces previous MEPS ratings • Broadens the scope to most types of commercial refrigeration • Aligns the rules with international standards  

How to Use the GEMS Database

1. Click on the Registration database, then choose“Refrigerated Cabinets†from the dropdown list.2. Compare Climate Class and M PackageTemperature, not star rating, so you knowthe unit will fit your needs3. Next, look at Total Energy Consumption(TEC) to compare real-world efficiency4. If you’re running a fleet, don’t forget tocheck Net Volume and Total Display Area(latter only available after CSV download)

Make your business our next satisfied client

If you are looking to buy a commercial refrigeration product to save money on your electric bills and at the best price, then let us do the hard work and source the right product for your restaurant, cafe, takeaway or commercial kitchen.Our goal at SCK is to sell you products that add value to your business.We power your kitchen!