The application period for the F-gas Reduction Incentive Program closes March 31.

The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to facilitate the transition to natural refrigerants, today announced the completion of the first project funded through round two of the California Air Resources Board’s F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP). NASRC serves as the program’s third-party administrator.

The project supported Berryvale Grocery, a 4,000-square-foot natural food store in rural Northern California, in replacing its decades-old, high global warming potential (GWP) R-404A/R-417C rack system with an ultra-low-GWP transcritical CO2 system. The upgrade improves reliability and delivers an estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 84 gas-powered cars driven for one year. Berryvale received a $113,040 FRIP incentive to help overcome financial and technical barriers common to small grocers.

“Berryvale’s project demonstrates exactly what FRIP was designed to accomplish,” said Danielle Wright, NASRC executive director. “By supporting small and rural retailers in transitioning to climate-friendly refrigeration, we’re delivering measurable emissions reductions while strengthening the long-term resilience of essential community businesses.”

In addition to funding, Berryvale Grocery received technical assistance from NASRC, which helped the team navigate system planning considerations and submit a successful grant application.

“While the project required significant planning and flexibility, the outcome has been a more reliable, efficient and future‑ready refrigeration system that better serves our store and community,” said Berryvale Grocery team members Jeremy Snure, facility maintenance, and Sabrina Doyle, general manager.

Click here to read the full case study.

Funding remains available, and the final FRIP application period closes March 31, 2026. To apply, visit FRIPfunding.com. NASRC staff is available to provide technical assistance to all applicants. Contact program staff at info@fripfunding.com or (833) 852-3747.

About the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council

NASRC is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit working to eliminate refrigeration’s environmental impacts by facilitating the transition to natural refrigerants. NASRC collaborates with stakeholders across the refrigeration industry, including 55,000+ food retail locations, to drive a sustainable workforce, facilitate funding opportunities and catalyze continuous improvement. For more information, visit nasrc.org, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About the F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP)

A program of the California Air Resources Board, FRIP is designed to promote the adoption of climate-friendly low-GWP refrigerant technologies. FRIP is partially funded through the State of California’s General Fund and California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that allocates billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit FRIPfunding.com.

About the California Air Resources Board

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards. For more information, visit https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/. For media inquiries, contact comms@arb.ca.gov.

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“By supporting small and rural retailers in transitioning to climate-friendly refrigeration, we’re delivering measurable emissions reductions while strengthening the long-term resilience of essential community businesses.”