11 Sep 2023
The 2023 Parliament Environment Audit Committee inquiry that closed on 17th August 2023 focussed on the issues of the relationship between heat and health, Government policies in relation to current and future need for cooling and what measures could be taken to increase adaptation and resilience to rising temperatures - sustainable cooling solutions and adaptation strategies that minimise overheating, reduce energy consumption and prevent overloading the electricity grid. MPs are aiming to understand how communities can better adapt to increased temperatures without relying on energy-intensive solutions, such as air conditioning units.
The IOR submitted a response drafted by members of our Beyond Refrigeration Environment Committee and Technical Committees that highlighted the importance of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps technologies to address overheating, energy management and emissions reduction matters. The IOR response has been published on the Environment Audit Committee website at https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/123183/html/
The IOR will be holding a Business Technical Briefing on Extreme Heat on 14th November in Birmingham where these issues and examples from other countries who are managing cooling in a wider temperature envelope will be discussed further. Registrations for this event are now open
Read more about IOR's Beyond Refrigeration policy work
Where are emissions coming from in transport, industrial and commerical refrigeration (TICR) and what can be done to reduce them? What new technologies are coming that will have an impact? What skills are needed for the future? Follow the TICR project, led by LSBU on behalf of DESNZ, with IOR support and involvment at www.netzerorefrigeration.uk
24 Feb 2026
A review of the IOR Constitution has been carried out to ensure it complies with current Charity Commission guidance and improve the wording for clarity. Open for consultation and comment by members until 30th April 2026.
20 Apr 2026
Keen to promote our brilliant sector to young people? The Big Bang Fair, the UK's biggest free celebration of STEM for young people is looking for volunteers!
16 Apr 2026
The IOR is hosting is first-ever Talk & Tour on 19 May; this half-day in-person event will bring together delegates from across the RACHP sector to explore the practical path to net zero.
9 Apr 2026
The IOR Education Outreach Project Manager, Matt Harvey, has been appointed to the London's Construction & Built Environment Interim Talent Board to represent the RACHP Sector.
30 Mar 2026
The Institute is marking the occasion with a special offer designed to support the career progression of section subscribers.