The IOR is made up of around 1950 individuals in many different roles and career stages from student to business owner.  It was formed in 1899 and exists today to promote the advancement of refrigeration and its applications for the public good.  What does this mean in practice? It means that members come to the IOR to share and learn. We avoid commercial or product/business promotion in both our education and technical output.  We offer national and local events, networks, training webinars, technical guidance and promote innovation. The IOR also takes a leadership role in promoting careers, CPD and encouraging training.  The IOR represents the sector to give it the profile and recognition for its contribution to the many positive aspects of society that it deserves.

The IOR is a professional affiliate of the Engineering Council, the UK representative body of ASHRAE, provides UK membership of the International Institute of Refrigeration, is a member of the Construction CPD Service and nominates to the BSI standards development organisation. It is a registered scientific and educational charity, owned by its members. It provides recognition of individual achievement and innovation through awards, provides free technical advice for apprentices and students and funds a variety of STEM initiatives to promote careers.

Explore our pages on Education, Events, Environment and Publications to find out more.

 

Recent posts

What We Do

What we do

23 Apr 2026

Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new  technologies and professional development.

News
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Join us

23 Apr 2026

When you become a member of the Institute of Refrigeration you are joining a group of specialist experts driving the sector forward.

News
Logo IOR Tint

Institute of Refrigeration Midlands Regional Event

27 Aug 2026

The IOR is inviting individuals working in the RACHP sector from across the Midlands to attend a regional gathering of members on 16 September 2026 which will be hosted at the Daikin Training Centre in Birmingham.

Live event
100 Schools By Christmas

Engaging with 100 Schools by Christmas

26 Aug 2026

The IOR Industry Skills Alliance has set an ambitious target to engage with 100 schools before the end of the year as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of careers in the RACHP sector.

Education
HSE

HSE Survey on the Review of the PPER 22

26 Aug 2026

HSE is reviewing the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (PPER 22). The 2022 Regulations extended employers’ and employees’ duties regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) to limb (b) workers. 

Consultation