The impact of global warming on UK convenience stores and their challenges and opportunities to adapt

As global temperatures rise due to climate change, convenience stores face increasing challenges in maintaining optimal refrigeration and store temperatures. This study evaluates the impact of extreme heat on a small independent UK convenience store using an EnergyPlus™ model to simulate thermal dynamics during the UK July 2022 heatwave. The analysis examines air conditioning (A/C) performance, refrigeration efficiency, and indoor temperature stability under varying cooling capacities. Results show that if the A/C system was designed using EnergyPlus™ algorithms, there would be sufficient spare capacity, with the model predicting that the store temperature would stay stable even during outdoor peaks of 40.15°C. Sizing for a peak outdoor temperature of 27.7°C revealed that indoor temperatures exceeded the setpoint by 4.0°C. To enhance store resilience, strategies such as A/C sizing for higher peak temperatures are advised to adapt for future climate conditions.