Edith Meyer and Lisa-Jayne Cook from the IOR bring us this month’s blog.  A timely update!  No introduction needed from me as Edith has that perfectly covered, however I would like to thank them both very much for an informative and thought-provoking blog on AI. 

Did you know that October is Women in AI Month? Last year, IOR President Lisa Jayne Cook dedicated her presidential address to this very topic, so we couldn’t resist asking her for an update. From emerging trends to the role AI should play in education, Lisa Jayne shares her vision for how AI will shape the future of the RACHP sector, and why it’s an opportunity the entire industry should embrace.  We hope you enjoy our chat about AI. 

Happy Women in AI Month! It’s been almost a year since your Presidential Address on this topic, AI is The buzz word of the moment, with many organisations from businesses to the government, taking an active interest in it, but what led you to tackle this topic in the first place?

AI has dominated the headlines over the past year, often in a negative light.  I wanted to look at it differently.  For us in RACHP and HVACR, this technology offers real opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce energy use, and strengthen resilience.  It isn’t about replacing people - it’s about supporting us to work smarter.  What also struck me is how naturally younger people engage with digital tools.  They could be the key to helping our sector unlock AI’s potential in the right way, and I wanted to shine a light on that.

In which areas of RACHP do you feel that AI is or will be particularly relevant in the coming years?

The potential is huge, but we can already see some very clear applications emerging.  Predictive maintenance is one of the most obvious; using live data from sensors to anticipate failures before they happen, which saves both cost and disruption.  Energy optimisation is another area, with AI able to adjust cooling, heating and ventilation in real time to reduce waste without compromising comfort.

We are also seeing digital twins move from concept to reality.  By creating a virtual model of a refrigeration or heat pump plant, operators can test scenarios, optimise performance and plan maintenance much more effectively.  And beyond the plantroom, AI is enabling greater integration with smart grids, linking our systems to renewable energy and demand response.  On a practical level, AI tools are also giving engineers instant access to manuals, diagnostics and best practice guidance, which makes knowledge more accessible than ever before. 

I recently talked to someone who had AI glasses (they were amazing!). Have you come across an AI development that is particularly exciting over the last year?

AI glasses are a great example of how quickly wearable tech is moving.  While I haven’t tried them myself, what excites me is how that type of technology could be applied in our industry, imagine engineers walking into a plantroom and having live schematics or service instructions displayed right in front of their eyes.

Another area that’s really stood out for me is the progress in digital twins.  We’re now seeing practical applications where entire refrigeration plants can be modelled virtually, allowing us to test, optimise and maintain systems more effectively.  Alongside that, “human-in-the-loop” AI systems that learn from operator feedback while balancing comfort, cost, and sustainability is moving from concept to reality, and that could transform how we run heating and cooling networks.

And of course, we can’t ignore the leap forward with tools like ChatGPT.  They’ve become part of everyday life for many people, helping with problem-solving, planning and communication.  For our sector, it shows how accessible AI is becoming – and how it can support us with everything from technical research to training and knowledge-sharing.

Do you feel RACHP qualifications include AI, and if not, which areas do you believe they should be looking at?

At the moment, AI is not a core part of most qualifications, but that has to change.  Future curricula should include data analysis, AI-driven diagnostics and automation, cybersecurity for connected systems, and sustainability modelling.  These are the skills that will make a real difference to how we design, install and maintain our systems in the future.

We also need to think carefully about how we upskill the current workforce.  Not everyone has the time or the resources to go back into full-time study, so we need flexible and accessible options, from online modules and short courses to industry partnerships with equipment manufacturers. This is how we can bridge the digital skills gap, and make sure both new entrants and experienced professionals are equipped for what lies ahead.

For those of us already in the industry, is it time to upskill and get trained in AI? And if so, is training available already?

Yes, now is the right time.  And the good news is that you don’t have to become a data scientist to benefit.  There are already accessible routes to build confidence with digital tools.  Online courses cover the basics of AI and data, manufacturers are offering training on smart controls and predictive systems, and professional bodies are starting to embed digitalisation into CPD.

For us as an industry, it’s about being proactive.  The technology is already here, the question is how quickly we embrace it and make it part of our everyday working lives.

One of the perks of AI is ultimately to streamline work life. Do you think it could help & assist a diverse workforce and if so how?

I believe it can.  AI has the power to level the playing field by making knowledge more accessible and support more tailored.  Tools that act like a mentor in your pocket can help apprentices gain confidence quickly, while adaptive learning platforms allow people to progress at their own pace and in their own way.  Remote support through wearables or mobile devices also makes it possible for expertise to be shared instantly across teams, regardless of location or experience level.

Perhaps most importantly, AI can reduce some of the cognitive load of complex tasks.  That frees us up to focus on problem-solving, teamwork and creativity; the skills that really matter.  For a sector that needs to attract and retain a more diverse workforce, that’s a huge opportunity.

Finally, I really could like to add that AI isn’t here to replace us - it’s here to empower us.  If we embrace digital skills, embed them into qualifications, and support each other to adapt, we can make our sector smarter, more inclusive and future-ready.  The opportunity is in our hands, and it’s up to us to take it.