New research on energy use and emissions in refrigeration

19 Dec 2022

TICR arrows The project will investigate energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport, industrial and commercial refrigeration (TICR) sectors in the UK. These sectors which are major users of energy across many businesses will play a critical part in the UK’s net zero agenda. It will explore six subsectors in depth: datacentres, food and drink manufacturing sites, and chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, retail, cold stores and transport refrigeration units.

BEIS (the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) are funding this research project on the non-domestic cooling sector, to look into trends, emissions and innovation potential of decarbonising industrial and commercial refrigeration.

Its aim is to identify innovation levers to facilitate sector-wide decarbonisation and achieve net zero. The work will run for two years and outputs will include roadmaps, sector-specific guidance, training and a programme of events in 2023/4. Its roadmaps and strategies for end users will be based on a comprehensive data-driven and whole systems evidence base. These outputs will be used to drive forward sector decarbonisation strategies and policies.

The Institute of Refrigeration will be involved in project communications ensuring that the RACHP sector is kept informed of developments and has the opportunity to contribute to the drafts and consultations. The TICR project picks up on many themes of the IOR’s own Beyond Refrigeration environmental initiative aimed at end users and policymakers.

A website (www.netzerorefrigeration.uk) will be launched in January 2023 and will contain information about how businesses using cooling technologies and specialists in the sector can get involved in contributing to the research at an early stage.

Back to news

Recent posts

IOR‑Backed Project Recognised by UK Government

26 Jan 2026

The SC2 Cool project, which counts the IOR as a strategic partner, has been highlighted in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy as a case study within the theme “Championing the UK as a Global Leader in Research, Science and Technology”.

News

Government Consultation on the Role of Clean Heating Solutions

21 Jan 2026

As part of its commitment to decarbonisation, the UK Government has launched a consultation to understand what alternative technologies are available across different types of domestic and non-domestic buildings to ensure consumers have a choice of suitable low-carbon heating technology options.

News

Waste Heat and Minewater Potential for District Heating and Cooling

20 Jan 2026

How could waste heat and minewater transform district heating and cooling? Join Ted Perry Award winner Eshagh Goudarzi for a session exploring the potential of these low‑carbon thermal energy sources for heating and cooling.

Online event

Technical Updates, News on Skills & Tips on Maximising Membership

14 Jan 2026

It's all in the latest IOR Newsletter! This issue includes technical updates, progressing the skills objectives and tips on how to make the most of your membership including how to apply for Engineering Council registration.

Publication