23 Feb 2022
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.
23 Apr 2026
The Institute of Refrigeration is the professional engineering body for all individuals working in RACHP. Find out more about the IOR here.
23 Apr 2026
Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new technologies and professional development.
23 Apr 2026
When you become a member of the Institute of Refrigeration you are joining a group of specialist experts driving the sector forward.
20 May 2026
The Tinsley Fund was set up in memory of Mike Tinsley and offers targeted financial help for people facing barriers to entering or progressing in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
20 May 2026
The deadline for the RAC and IOR National Student of the Year Cooling Industry Award has been extended to 29 May, which means there’s still time to put forward the exceptional students you know and help them gain the recognition they deserve.