USA: Trane chillers using the low GWP refrigerant R514A have been installed in the iconic Bergdorf Goodman’s Women’s Store on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

The installation of the two 500 ton water-cooled CenTraVac chillers and attendant controls is part of an environmentally-friendly makeover of the historic, 94-year-old building.

Developed by Chemours and marketed as Opteon XP30, R514A is designed as a replacement for R123 in centrifugal chiller applications. A blend of the HFO R1336mzz(Z) and R1130(E), it has a GWP of 2. Although non-flammable it has been designated B1 and is at the higher end of ASHRAE’s toxicity classification.

The Neiman Marcus Group, owner of the store, has committed to 100% renewable energy use by 2030. The company is working with Trane Technologies on its plans for decarbonisation through capital and operating investments in four key areas: renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency and refrigerant management.

The Trane chiller installation is expected to result in an annual reduction of 642 tonnes of carbon and nearly $61,000 in annual energy cost savings.

In addition to the Bergdorf Goodman Women’s Store, Neiman Marcus is also making improvements to its stores in Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, Troy, Michigan, Pinnacle Point, Texas, Sunrise, Florida and more. These improvements include upgrades to buildings’ automation systems, rooftop units, LED lighting and other energy conserving fixtures, and the introduction of improved air quality technology.