Leading the Charge in Sustainable Ice Design: SSR’s Expertise with CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

As the sports and entertainment industry continues to prioritize sustainability, ice arenas across the United States are facing a critical shift in how they manage refrigeration. At SSR, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation—guiding teams, universities, and communities through the adoption of CO₂-based ice systems that are safer, greener, and future-ready.

Why the Shift to CO₂?

Historically, ice rinks relied on synthetic refrigerants like R-22, which offered excellent performance but came with significant environmental costs. With mounting pressure from the EPA and state-level regulations, the industry is moving away from high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants toward natural alternatives.

CO₂ stands out as a compelling solution. It’s non-toxic, non-flammable, and has a GWP of just 1—making it the benchmark against which all other refrigerants are measured. Unlike ammonia, which is efficient but toxic and flammable, CO₂ offers a safer operating environment without compromising performance, especially in cooler climates.

Retrofit Ready, Future Focused

CO₂ systems are particularly well-suited for retrofits. They often fit within existing mechanical rooms and require fewer operational changes than ammonia systems. As technology advances and more manufacturers enter the market, CO₂ equipment is becoming more accessible and cost-effective.

While ammonia may still be a viable option for new construction, SSR is equipped to help owners and operators weigh the pros and cons of each system. Our team conducts lifecycle cost analyses, evaluates safety protocols, and ensures every solution aligns with the client’s goals and regulatory requirements.

SSR’s Proven Experience

SSR has emerged as a trusted partner in CO₂ ice system retrofits, with multiple successful projects under our belt:

• Professional Venues: SSR replaced an aging R-22 system with a CO₂ plant, helping the facility avoid costly and complex ammonia upgrades while embracing a more sustainable solution.
• Collegiate Venues: SSR studied multiple refrigerant technologies and equipment configurations to best conform with complex site conditions. Working with specialized contractors, SSR performed a life cycle cost analysis and worked with the school to choose CO₂ for their collegiate arena—SSR provided design and engineering expertise to make it happen.
• Industry Momentum: While SSR did not work on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ CO₂ project, their adoption of the technology has sparked widespread interest. SSR has since been approached by other professional teams to explore similar CO₂-based renovations.

Partnering for Sustainable Ice Design

From NHL arenas to collegiate facilities, SSR brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative approach to every project. As the industry evolves, we’re proud to lead the way in sustainable ice system design—especially through our work with CO₂ refrigeration technology. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing rink or exploring options for new construction, our team is equipped to guide owners, architects, and operators through every phase of the transition to natural refrigerants with confidence and clarity.

Let’s build greener, safer, and smarter ice facilities—together.