Beyond Refrigeration

- the challenge to achieve net zero heating and cooling for the UK

The IOR Annual Conference on 21-22 April 2021 will focus on this theme with case studies, key notes and workshops covering the different Beyond Refrigeration topics. Find out more about the Conference here.

Join our Working Groups on 19th May at 2pm - explore these themes in more depth and discuss what tools and guidance end users will require to make progress towards a net zero 2050. Register to take part here

The purpose of Beyond Refrigeration is to provide a focus for activity to address climate change issues and provide a framework for technical leadership from the Institute of Refrigeration.

We all know that Climate Change is an issue of critical importance to everyone in all sectors. In the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump sectors the IOR can offer technical expertise to help members and their customers (the users of cooling equipment) to make appropriate decisions and to inform national and international policy development.

This infographic is a starting point, identifying seven areas that need to be addressed, it does not specify how they should be addressed - yet. This is because we want to open this discussion and encourage experts to share views so that suitable solutions can be proposed.

Our sector is willing and ready to take an active role in addressing the issue of climate change. The IOR as a non-commercial, non-profit making technical organisation, recognised as a world-class source of up to date, independent advice in the sector. IOR members have the expertise, practical experience, and professionalism to make a valuable contribution to the policy debate on how the UK can achieve low carbon heating and cooling. Uniquely, they also are responsible for providing the solutions to industry for current and future cooling needs - and for making sure that theoretical solutions work in practice and in the long term.

The IOR will, therefore, be carrying out a programme of activity to address the areas identified through:

Providing a forum for experts to further develop recommendations for how to address these issues. The reports of this work will be presented in draft at the IOR Annual Conference in April 2021 and more widely to the IOR membership during the year with drafts, technical papers and guidance notes.
Preparing Technical Guidance to implement solutions
A Communications Campaign to promote best practice
Engagement with Policymakers to develop a National Cooling Strategy that is relevant and achievable and supports the adoption of the best technical solutions for the future.

“These key areas are designed to focus our thinking, our discussions and our activity. We want to engage with our members who have the expertise to make these changes happen, with other technical experts who will support decision making and with policymakers who can put in place legislative frameworks and mechanisms to create lasting and effective change.” IOR President 2020, Kevin Glass FInstR

We welcome comment from members, policymakers and anyone else with an interest in the future of cooling. Contact us to join one of our working groups or post your comments on our linked-in page. Download Beyond Refrigeration - the challenge to achieve net zero heating and cooling here.