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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.
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"What really stuck with me (...) was the urgency, the sense that everyone knows adaptation can’t wait", says Lisa Waters after organising last week's International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures. From key conference insights to the experience of exchanging ideas with delegates from 18 countries, she shares her reflections in this article.
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IOR Recognises Student Research at Adaptation 2025
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Institute of Refrigeration President, Lisa Jane Cook FInstR, presented certificates and prizes in recognition of three outstanding research papers presented by students at the IOR-organised First IIR International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures.
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Joining Us At Adaptation 2025?
6 Aug 2025
We are looking forward to welcoming over 110 delegates to the first IIR Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures, organised by the IOR.
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