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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
IOR Industry Skills Alliance: First Meeting Date Announced
2 Mar 2026
Members are invited to attend the launch of the IOR's Industry Skills Alliance. This event is open to individuals interested in shaping the future of the skills agenda for the RACHP sector. Find out more about the evet and the role of the Skills Alliance here.
Live event
Recording Now Available for March IOR TechTalk
9 Mar 2026
The recording for the IOR TechTalk on “Unscrambling the Refrigerant Clutter for the Future” on 5th March is now available from the IOR Webinar Channel.
Recording
EBSSA Sector Skills Plan Launched
3 Mar 2026
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) published recently their strategic Sector Skills Plan, as part of the work undertaken by the Construction Mission Skills Board.
Education
IOR Technician App Shortlisted for Award
26 Feb 2026
We're delighted to announce that the IOR Technician App has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ACR News Awards in the Training Initiative of the Year Category.
News
Members invited to feedback on update and review of IOR Constitution
24 Feb 2026
A review of the IOR Constitution has been carried out to ensure it complies with current Charity Commission guidance and improve the wording for clarity. Open for consultation and comment by members until 30th April 2026.
ConsultationSitemap
