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

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
Programme Card 2026

New 2026 Programme Card of IOR Events

5 Jan 2026

Members should have received the latest IOR Programme Card, highlighting events that will take place over the coming months. We're kicking things off in January with two events!

 

News
EU Review

Review on EU Energy Labelling

18 Dec 2025

The European Commission is reviewing the energy label and ecodesign regulations for commercial refrigeration to assess how these Regulations have performed and to identify potential improvements.

News
MattHarveyMiriam

New IOR Education Outreach Manager

11 Dec 2025

The IOR is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Harvey as its new Education Outreach Manager to lead education outreach initiatives with schools, vocational colleges, and employers.

News