In this podcast, we talked to IOR Fellow Brian Churchyard about the complex balancing act that food retailers are facing as they work towards a net zero future.  We cover environmental topics such as the interplay between direct and indirect emissions, the need to look at whole life cycle costs, as well as energy use profiles – and discuss where refrigeration fits in. What are the challenges around finding simple, cost-effective engineering solutions and what does the future look like for low carbon retail refrigeration?  Brian is passionate about the opportunities for engineers to address these types of challenges, the contribution that service engineers are making and the positive impact of a successful refrigerant containment strategy.  Brian also shares some good advice for anyone who wants to make a difference in the journey to net zero in any sector or role.   

 

The Institute of Refrigeration podcast channel is called “The Tip of the Iceberg”. It explores with industry leaders, some of the critical issues facing the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector in the UK.  It will contain news, views and insights from the business and engineering experts driving innovation and change in our sector. 

In the first episode we talked with Professor Graeme Maidment and new IOR Trustee Catarina Marques at the ASHRAE winter conference - largest gathering of refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump experts in the world.  Graeme and Cat shared what it's like to be back at international events, what they learned there about motivation and collaboration, and why international problems like reducing the carbon impact of buildings, improving diversity and addressing covid safety, will need international solutions and new ways of working.   

You can find all of the podcast episodes at https://tipoftheiceberg.podbean.com/ Please like, share and follow.

It is also available on spotify and google.

 

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About the IOR

23 Apr 2026

The Institute of Refrigeration is the professional engineering body for all individuals working in RACHP. Find out more about the IOR here. 

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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.

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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.

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Next Meeting of the Skills Alliance Announced

23 Jul 2026

The next IOR Industry Skills Alliance in-person meeting will be held in London on 24th September. Join us to help us progress in our key areas, which include strengthening apprenticeship and T Level pathways, shaping qualification design, expanding STEM and early engagement activity, and increasing the number of young people entering the profession.

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IRC Business Briefing: Keynote Speaker Announcement

22 Jul 2026

Andrea Voigt has been announced as a  keynote speaker for the 2026 IRC Business Briefing, Securing the Future of RACHP in a Volatile Electricity Market. Her presentation  will examine the true cost of maintaining an energy system amid the commercial risks of rising electricity volatility, while also highlighting the opportunities created through early adaptation and investment.

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