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Technical
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
About the IOR
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.
News
What we do
23 Apr 2026
Find out what the IOR can do for you: technical queries, safety codes of practice, new technologies and professional development.
News
Join us
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.
News
Apprenticeship Funding Changes
30 Jul 2026
The Government has announced a significant change to apprenticeship funding that will make it easier and more affordable for employers to invest in the next generation of talent from 1 August 2026.
Education
Bookings Open For Adaptation 2027
28 Jul 2026
Bookings are now open for the 2nd IIR International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures. Taking place in Birmingham (UK) from 8 to 10 March 2027, the conference programme will take an international view of adaptation strategies and bring together international experts to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, future‑proof global cooling sector.
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