Taking place on 14 November in Birmingham, the event will look at how we need to change how we plan, design and maintain RACHP systems to adapt for challenges to system resilience caused by climate changes being experienced now in the UK.  Technical difficulties of larger design envelopes, higher load demands, balancing environmental objectives and adapting existing stock of systems will be discussed at this one-day event.

A panel discussion will look at what practical steps those in the RACHP sector should adopt. This discussion will emphasise the significance of maintaining net-zero objectives when planning for more challenging design conditions.

Book your place here

 

Programme

10:00 Welcome from Conference Chair Andy Pearson, Chair of the International Refrigeration Committee

Keynote presentations

10:10 Adapting industry to withstand rising temperatures and future heatwaves. Laura Kent, IMechE and Ruth Shilston, Mott MacDonald

10:40 The economic impact of extreme heat.  Leyla Sayin, Centre for Sustainable Cooling, University of Birmingham

Lessons from hot places - What can the UK learn?  

11:10 The development of Jordan's national cooling strategy. Sawan Baaresh, Royal Scientific Society 

11:40 Designing refrigeration equipment for warmer climates. Yosr Allouche, International Institute of Refrigeration

12:10 Lunch 

13:00 What practical measures can businesses take to mitigate extreme heat?

Discussion chaired by Andrew Bowden, Managing Director of J&E Hall. 

  • How can energy demand management be utilised to achieve net zero? Anastasia Mylona, CIBSE
  • How should we improve design? Conor Eaton-Smith, K2 Engineering Cooling
  • What is the role of maintenance and servicing? John Bonner, City Facilities Management 
  • How can academia support businesses in tackling extreme heat challenges? Catarina Marques, London South Bank University

Adapting to extreme heat - paving the way forward 

14:00 New blend refrigerants for higher ambient temperatures. Koura Global

14:30 How refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment design will need to adapt to cope with climate change. Kashif Nawaz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

15:00 The Heat Action Platform - reducing the human and economic impacts of extreme heat. Owen Gow, Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center.

15:30 Conference Close - Lessons from the Briefing. What happens next?

 

Site tour 

Optional post-conference site tour of the Mondelez-Cadbury UK factory at Bourneville. The tour will include a visit to the refrigeration plant and an explanation of the manufacturing process.  

 

 

Recent posts

ISA Website

IOR Launches Industry Skills Alliance

13 Feb 2026

This new strategic education and skills forum is designed to align training provision with the needs of employers across the sector and to act as the industry’s authoritative voice to awarding bodies, government, and policy stakeholders.

Education
BathCollege2018

Funded Training for Aspiring Trainers

18 Feb 2026

Have you considered a career in technical teaching? BESA is currently offering a Skills Legacy Programme to help fund teacher training for 100 engineers to become trainer or assessor.

Education
Im A Scientist

Interested in STEM Outreach but Short on Time?

17 Feb 2026

The I’m a Scientist initiative might be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you work in STEM (engineering is included!) you can take part in this programme designed to connect professionals with students aged 10 to 18. 

Education
IOR Fellows 26 1

IOR Announces New Fellows

16 Feb 2026

The Institute of Refrigeration announced at the IOR Annual Dinner that two members have been recognised as Fellows for their leadership and contribution to the RACHP industry. Their achievements include a scope of different areas, including promoting skills, technical development and international outreach.

News
LJC

IOR President Focuses on People and Skills at the Annual Dinner

13 Feb 2026

During her speech at the IOR Annual Dinner on 12th February 2026, IOR President Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to placing members and skills at the forefront of its agenda.

Live event