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

Miriam S2Cool

IOR‑Backed Project Recognised by UK Government

26 Jan 2026

The SC2 Cool project, which counts the IOR as a strategic partner, has been highlighted in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy as a case study within the theme “Championing the UK as a Global Leader in Research, Science and Technology”.

News
Pic 4

Government Consultation on the Role of Clean Heating Solutions

21 Jan 2026

As part of its commitment to decarbonisation, the UK Government has launched a consultation to understand what alternative technologies are available across different types of domestic and non-domestic buildings to ensure consumers have a choice of suitable low-carbon heating technology options.

 

News
TechTalk Feb 26 1

Waste Heat and Minewater Potential for District Heating and Cooling

20 Jan 2026

How could waste heat and minewater transform district heating and cooling? Join Ted Perry Award winner Eshagh Goudarzi for a session exploring the potential of these low‑carbon thermal energy sources for heating and cooling.

Online event
Cover

Technical Updates, News on Skills & Tips on Maximising Membership

14 Jan 2026

It's all in the latest IOR Newsletter! This issue includes technical updates, progressing the skills objectives and tips on how to make the most of your membership including how to apply for Engineering Council registration.

Publication
CallyBeaton 30941 RT Press

IOR Annual Dinner After Dinner Speaker Announced

6 Jan 2026

The organising committee is delighted to announce that broadcaster Cally Beaton will be this year’s after-dinner speaker at the IOR Annual Dinner. 

Live event