The IOR is pleased to announce that the UK has been selected to host the 2nd IIR International Conference in the series on Refrigeration: Adapting to Rising Temperatures (known as Adaptation 2027).

Following its successful launch in 2025, the second international conference will take place from 8 to 10 March 2027 at Austin Court, Birmingham.

As rising temperatures and intensifying heatwaves put unprecedented pressure on cooling systems, Adaptation 2027 will showcase the innovations, technologies, and strategies needed to ensure the global RACHP industry can be resilient.

This year’s conference programme will explore in more depth the technical recommendations of a new Refrigeration Design Code for Changing Ambient, which is due to be published this summer and has been jointly developed by the IOR and CIBSE with input from IMechE, FETA, and CCF. The Design Code will provide clear recommendations on both managing refrigeration plant now and, in the years ahead, and improving design standards. It takes into account predicted increases in ambient temperature based on recently revised CIBSE weather data, and their impact on system performance and reliability.

The conference programme will take an international view of adaptation strategies and bring together international experts to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, future‑proof global cooling sector.  There will be parallel streams, including research, case studies, technical papers, a series of workshops, and short courses to provide maximum interaction with experts.

The conference will be organised around three themes:

• Managing Risk - system resilience, addressing issues such as performance in extreme 5 temperatures, overheating, and the reliability of cold chains and critical infrastructure.
• Environmental, Social and Governance - how the sector is responding responsibly, covering carbon reduction, low-GWP refrigerants, whole life cycle impacts, and the wider societal need for sustainable cooling. 
• The Future Landscape of RACHP - emerging technologies and system-level solutions, including digitalisation, networked energy systems, and new approaches to design, skills, and standards.

Together, these themes provide a clear and practical framework for advancing both the technical and strategic response required across the sector.

Call for abstracts will open shortly. Visit www.adaptation2027.com to find out more about our themes and the conference’s abstract details.

To find out more about Adaptation 2027 and to receive information on the programme, presenters, and keynote speakers, register here.