Towards a Circular Economy (Download Latest Version - September 2022)  A circular economy is one in which resources are circulated and used for as long as technically and economically feasible, a whole systems approach is used to increase resource efficiency and end-of-life materials are recycled and reclaimed.  This policy brief explores the challenges of developing a circular economy for the RACHP sector where most products and equipment that are in use or coming to end-of-life were not designed for circularity.  The brief covers topics such as increasing resource efficiency through design, extending product life, materials recycling and reclamation and systems thinking/energy efficiency.

This is the latest in the IOR series of Policy Briefs designed to support users of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technologies to achieve carbon reduction through effective policy implementation, financial incentives, and emissions monitoring.

Our objective is to provide policymakers with 

  • expert advice from Institute of Refrigeration professionals on effective solutions to aid the move to Net Zero
  • the information needed to ensure that policy decisions take into account the interrelation of heating and cooling needs
  • realistic and achievable opportunities, solutions, targets and goals for users in this sector
  • the necessary depth of understanding of total life cycle and sustainable operation
  • advice for non-technical specialists responsible for high-level Net Zero strategies within BEIS and DEFRA / DFE.

Each paper covers a different topic related to the critical issues and ambitions identified in the Beyond Refrigeration Template

 

Recent posts

First Keynote Announced For Adaptation 2025

8 May 2025

Expert in climate change adaptation Tim Fox will deliver a keynote talk at the IOR’s Adaptation 2025 conference detailing why cooling is now a “mission critical” service, essential to public health, food security, global commerce, and economic well-being.

Live event

Award Winning Paper on Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

7 May 2025

The paper of the Ted Perry Award Winner, Elias Eid,  is now available for download. The paper, along with the online  presentation which will be held on 15 May will focus on implementing technologies and operational strategies capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the European retail sector. 

Online event

Masterclass on the Vapour Compression Cycle

6 May 2025

Missed the 1st May Masterclass on the vapour compression cycle? You can catch up anytime on the IOR webinar channel, where you'll find the recording of this session along with the first Masterclass webinar on this topic.

Recording

IOR RACHP EngTech Section: Latest Bulletins

28 Apr 2025

Refrigerants with temperature glide, direct expansion fin and tube evaporators and what to consider when equipment reaches its end of life are the topics covered in the latest RACHP EngTech bulletins.

Publication

STEMAZING Impact Report

24 Apr 2025

IOR Members who enrolled with the STEMAZING Academy, with the support of the Institute have made a great impact promoting STEM and the RACHP Sector to young people.

Education