Zero Zone Integrated CO₂ Rack System Powers Walgreens’ Net-Zero Energy Store | ATMO America Summit 2025

Zero Zone is proud to be a key contributor to Walgreens’ first-ever net-zero energy store in Evanston, Illinois, a project that sets a new benchmark for sustainable retail. At the core of this achievement is our Genesys™ CO₂ Transcritical Rack System, an integrated solution that delivers refrigeration, HVAC, and hot water—all powered primarily by onsite solar energy.
Unveiled at the ATMO America Summit, this installation showcases how our rack system supports Walgreens’ ambitious carbon reduction goals while maintaining high performance and reliability. The system’s transcritical CO₂ technology not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves energy efficiency across the store’s operations.
Key Rack System Highlights:
- Integrated design: Combines refrigeration, heating, and cooling in one compact rack system.
- Natural refrigerant: Uses CO₂, a low-GWP refrigerant, aligning with Walgreens’ sustainability goals.
- Energy synergy: Works in tandem with solar panels and battery storage to minimize grid dependency.
- Scalable innovation: Demonstrates how Zero Zone rack systems can support net-zero strategies for large-scale retail.
This project is a testament to how Zero Zone’s engineering and innovation are helping retailers transition to cleaner, smarter energy solutions.