-
Technical
Cooling systems generate large amounts of waste heat, but most of that heat goes unused. A new research project led aims to transform that by identifying and mapping waste heat from urban cooling applications, using Birmingham as a case study.
The Waste Heat Assessment and Resource Mapping (WHARM) project, funded by the EPSRC through the Reef-UKC network, will produce a georeferenced database on energy-intensive sectors such as data centres, supermarkets, cold storage facilities and industrial sites to better understand their waste heat generation and the potential for reuse on site or “export” to neighbours. EPSRC is a funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK, supporting innovations that drive a sustainable and resilient economy. WHARM is a partnership between LSBU, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Star Refrigeration, and Skilled Mapping.
Project Objectives:
- Identify, map and characterise waste heat from cooling systems in Birmingham.
- Produce economic models to quantify the levelised costs of capturing and upgrading waste heat to different temperature levels.
- Engage with stakeholders to identify challenges such as high costs, uncertainty over business models, and mismatch between heat supply and demand.
- Support local authorities and businesses in making informed decisions when assessing waste heat opportunities.
Recent posts
IOR Industry Skills Alliance: meeting fully booked
2 Mar 2026
Fully Booked - wait list open. The launch of the IOR's Industry Skills Alliance for individuals interested in shaping the future of the skills agenda for the RACHP sector. Find out more about the event and the role of the Skills Alliance here.
Live event
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.
Consultation
Recording Now Available for March IOR TechTalk
9 Mar 2026
The recording for the IOR TechTalk on “Unscrambling the Refrigerant Clutter for the Future” on 5th March is now available from the IOR Webinar Channel.
Recording
EBSSA Sector Skills Plan Launched
3 Mar 2026
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) published recently their strategic Sector Skills Plan, as part of the work undertaken by the Construction Mission Skills Board.
Education
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.
NewsSitemap
