The IOR Environment Working Group has identified a number of key areas for supporting the path to net zero (www.ior.org.uk/beyondrefrigeration). However, underlying any cooling and many heat pump operations is a vapour compression system that uses a refrigerant as a working fluid.  Equipment owners, operators and advisors are making purchasing decisions that influence the selection of refrigerant and equipment being installed now and in use well into the future.  To support net zero targets the IOR recommends that equipment designers, purchasers, owners and operators implement a policy that requires the selection of a refrigerant with the lowest GWP possible.

With the on-going phase down and quota restrictions on HFC refrigerants having the greatest impact on the availability of higher GWP refrigerants as well as certain use bans under national regulations, there are very good commercial and environmental reasons for moving to low GWP refrigerants.

The latest IOR Beyond Refrigeration Policy Brief explores practices and policies that will incentivise the use of low GWP refrigerants.  Read this and other policy briefs at the Beyond Refrigeration website pages.

The IOR Guidance Note 37 “Refrigerant Selection”  gives a more complete explanation of all the criteria that should be adopted in selecting the most appropriate refrigerant for the application.

 

 

Recent posts

New Bulletins Notification 3

New Technician Good Practice Guides Available

6 Nov 2025

Topics of the new bulletins include direct expansion water-to-refrigerant evaporators, electrical safe isolation and determining the wattage of electric heaters.

Publication
F Gas Consultation Now Available 1

GB F Gas consultation launched by DEFRA

5 Nov 2025

The outcomes will be used to shape future legislation for our sector. Take part in this consultation to make the views of the RACHP industry heard. Industry groups will be coordinating a response through ACRIB (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board).

News
TechTalk Oct 25

Talk on the Future of Compressors Now Available

5 Nov 2025

The talk by Prof. Ahmed Kovacevic, FREng on emerging technologies in compressors and their systems is now available from the IOR website.

Recording
AGM2025 2

IOR’s Committees Share Achievements and Plans

3 Nov 2025

On 29 October, the IOR members met to share their reports on activity, plans and strategies for the future. Seven IOR committees met, including Membership, Education, Environment, Technical, Engineering Technician Group, Women in RACHP, and the Dinner Committee.

Live event
IOR Election Results Announced 1

IOR 2025 Election Results Announced

29 Oct 2025

At the IOR Annual General Meeting held on 29 October 2025, election results were announced. Stephen Gill FInstR was voted President-Elect, and Stephen Benton FInstR together with David Bostock FInstR were elected as Trustees to the IOR Board.

News