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.

 

Recent posts

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IOR Industry Skills Alliance: First Meeting Date Announced

2 Mar 2026

The IOR has announced a major step forward in the development of its new Industry Skills Alliance, confirming that the Alliance’s inaugural meeting will take place on 28 April 2026 at Bitzer UK in Milton Keynes and that Andrew Bowden FInstR and Mark Harris MInstR have been appointed as Co-Chairs.

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Paper Now Available for March IOR TechTalk

2 Mar 2026

The paper for the IOR TechTalk on “Unscrambling the Refrigerant Clutter for the Future” on 5th March is now available. This is a great chance to hear the authors explore the topic in depth and put your questions to them.

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IOR Technician App Shortlisted for Award

26 Feb 2026

We're delighted to announce that the IOR Technician App has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ACR News Awards in the Training Initiative of the Year Category.

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Members invited to feedback on update and review of IOR Constitution

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.

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Copy Of WiRACHpPractical Mar26

A Practical Engineering Day in Manchester – 5 March 2026

23 Feb 2026

This training day offers delegates the opportunity to learn the fundamentals behind cooling as well as take part in a practical taster session and demonstrations for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump maintenance.

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