How to Become a GreenChill Certified Store
Certifying a Store: Step-by-step Process
Any food retail store in the United States, whether the store is in the design phase, newly constructed, fully operational, or being remodeled, can apply for GreenChill Store Certification. To apply for certification, a store must complete a short application about the type of refrigerants used in the store, refrigerant emissions, and refrigerant charge. There are separate forms for fully operational stores and newly constructed stores, as well as a bulk application form to submit multiple stores for certification simultaneously. In addition, all newly constructed stores using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blends must be leak tested at installation according to the standards in GreenChill Installation Leak Tightness Guidelines (pdf) . Once a store has submitted the appropriate form, EPA will review the information and confer certification, if warranted. GreenChill Certification is valid for one year. After one year, stores must reapply to retain GreenChill Certification. The process is quick and easy, and there is no fee to certify a store.
Below is a summary of the steps to submit a certification application.
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Application Form
There are several types of application forms depending on if the submission is for a single store or several, when the store(s) opened, and whether the store(s) previously certified.
Newly Constructed Stores: Stores that are not yet operational or have been operational for less than 12 months, are classified as “Newly Constructed.” These stores should complete the form for “Newly Constructed Stores” and complete and sign an Installation Leak Tightness Testing Verification Form.
Note: Stores that have been operational for 6 to 12 months should provide supporting documentation for emissions (as available) starting the date the store opened in addition to completing the “Newly Constructed” application form and Installation Leak Tightness Testing Verification Form.
- GreenChill Certification Form: Newly Constructed Stores (docx)
- Installation Leak Tightness Testing Verification Form (docx)
Operational Stores: Stores that have been in operation for at least 12 months are classified as “Operational.” These stores should complete the form for “Operational Stores.”
Recertifications: Stores that have previously been certified but require a renewal are classified as “Recertifications.” These stores should complete the “Recertification Form.” Supporting documentation for annual emissions is required for all stores looking to recertify.
Bulk Applications: To submit multiple stores for certification at once (either newly constructed, operational, or recertifications), stores should complete the “Bulk Application Form.”
The Bulk Application form is subdivided into tabs based upon the classification of each store (i.e., newly constructed, operational, or recertification). All supporting documentation indicated for each store classification is still required when submitting a Bulk Application. However, this application format allows for a streamlined submittal process, simultaneous review of all applications, and consistent certification expiration dates, if store certification requirements are met.
Additional guidance on the submission of a Bulk Application is provided under Step 2 below.
Remodeled Stores: If the store has been remodeled or retrofitted, please contact Kersey Manliclic at (202) 566-9981 or GreenChill@epa.gov to determine which application materials are required.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
For helpful guidance on completing the application, please refer to the materials listed below.
- GreenChill Installation Leak Tightness Guidelines (pdf)
- GreenChill Store Certification Protocol for Combined Systems (pdf)
- GreenChill Store Certification Protocol for Separate Sub-Cooling Racks (pdf)
- GreenChill Store Certification Protocol for Prep Room Refrigeration (pdf)
- GreenChill Protocol for a Refrigeration Rack with an AC Load (pdf)
- Greenchill Store Certification Protocol for Condensing Units (pdf)
- GreenChill Store Certification Protocol for Self-Contained Cases as the Primary System (pdf)
- GreenChill Store Certification Bulk Application Guidance (pdf)
Step 3: Submit your Application.
The application and all required attachments should be emailed to GreenChill@epa.gov.
Step 4: Await Notification from EPA.
Once your application is received, EPA will send an email confirming receipt* and will immediately begin the review process. Please let us know if receipt of our decision is time sensitive and we will do everything we can to adhere to your needs. After a decision is made, EPA will notify you via email. Please note, GreenChill reserves the right to deny store certification based on a company's Clean Air Act Title VI enforcement issues.
*If you do not receive an email confirming receipt within two weeks, please notify EPA by emailing GreenChill@epa.gov.
Step 5: Store Certificate and Plaque
If your store achieves certification, you will receive a Platinum-, Gold-, or Silver- Level Certificate from EPA, along with press release guidance and an order form for a plaque. You may purchase as many plaques as you wish. Note: When referring to any EPA GreenChill Store Certification award, please include the year in which the award was received.