IOR Newsletter
Priorities for the future
For the past few years education has been by the far highest priority for members. And most of the other priorities have linked to this. This has included tasks such as completing a review of the Apprenticeship, supporting colleges with a campaign to attract more RACHP teachers and build links with industry, providing resources for apprentices with Masterclass webinars and raising the profile of the students through awards. You will have noticed that IOR webinars such as our CoolTalk series focus heavily on maintenance for efficiency as part of our educational remit. Alongside this, the IOR has made progress in promoting our industry to schools. There is now a network of over 20 Ambassadors in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) in the IOR membership, 12 STEMAZING trained members running events in primary schools and 10 RACHP STEM Toolkits with branded games and puzzles and a new section of the fantasticfridges.com website for the 16+ age group demonstrating cooling technology, components and concepts.
Next steps
What comes next as the IOR Board review the priorities for the next two-year period is up to you, and they are open to hearing your suggestions. For example, we need to do more to address environmental concerns such as cooling resilience to extreme heat, encouraging low GWP refrigerant use ready for when the GB F-Gas Regulation is updated (still awaited!), provide guidance for users to achieve net zero, and bring more heat pump expertise in to the IOR so that our guides and events reflect the growing interest and challenges of this technology. Incoming President Lisa-Jayne Cook is co-ordinating work on revising future priorities. She will be reaching out to members and IOR Committees in the coming weeks.
New IOR Titles
Published
Waste heat - integrating heating and cooling
Thermostatic Expansion Valves (GPG126)
The Future of Heat Pumps (2) (GPG127)
Refrigerant Options (GPG128)
Get into Teaching (GNET15)
The Challenges of Heat Pumps for Domestic Heating
Heat Networks in Rural Areas
Emissions Assessment of Food Road Transport
Externally Equalised
Thermostatic Expansion Valve (GPG130)
The Future of Heat Pumps (3) (GPG131)
Heat Pumps and Refrigeration (GPG132)
Maintenance for Efficiency Part 1 (GPG133)
Noise - A Checklist (GPG134)
Automatic and Electronic Expansion Valves (GPG135)
Technical Update
From the IOR Technical Committee
Join us at our new venue
Whilst we still wait for news of what the GB F Gas Regulations will look like and how closely they will follow or diverge from the EU regulations there is still plenty of other technical activity and updates.
Topics under discussion at the IOR Technical Committee include:
• HSE GS4 Pressure Testing on Site
• BS EN 378 revisions on Tightness Testing of site installed systems Calculation of charge sizing for flammable refrigerants
• Carbon dioxide relief valve research
• Climate Change Committee Cold Chain Resilience project
• The call for cooling to be recognised as critical infrastructure as in the report “Hot Reality Living in a +50°C world” published by the Clean Cooling Network
• The Three Degrees of Change report published last year which is asking the question whether temperatures of -15°C are feasible for food products instead of -18°C.
The IOR is an active contributor to the revision of both BS EN 378 RACHP Safety and Environmental Standard and the ISO equivalent which is currently out for public consultation on the BSI website. It continues to follow the development of product standards related to ECO design regulations and has recently nominated a member to the Standards Committee on heating systems and water-based cooling systems in building.
New venue for the IOR Dinner
The IOR Annual Dinner will be held at the London Hilton Bankside on 27 February 2025. Following last year’s huge success, the Institute has decided to hold its dinner in a larger venue to allow more guests to attend. Known as the original ‘Fridge Dinner’, the IOR Annual Dinner is an ideal opportunity to network, catch up with industry friends and hear about outstanding achievements, as well as finding out more about the IOR’s future plans.
Tickets are going fast - book your place for the dinner at www.ior.org.uk/annualdinner
Webinars to maximise your membership benefits
Are you a new member? Or are you looking to advance your membership grade? We regurlarly run webinars helping you to get the most out of your IOR membership. Visit www.ior.org.uk/events to find out about forthcoming ‘Membership Matters” webinars.
Membership news and welcome
Technicians
Daniel Balas, Stan Zukowski, David Clark, James Poland, Anthony Horgan, Matthew Flood, Finbarr Ahern, Pushpender Kumar
Associates
Bulent Serter, Jonathan Stock, James Tichband, Ryan Knibbs, Martin Tanner, Ryan Brady, Matthew Gibbs, Rafael Fernandes, Paul Templeton
Pre Associates
Sam Youdan, Simon Hammond, Tait Thompson, Ayomiposi Adejumo, Connor Wilcox
Affiliates
Rebecca Boorman, John Pickering
Daniel Whitnell, Safron Lambert, Ian Marchant, David Wadsworth, Julian Ramsey, David Meacock
Members
Andrei Stefancu, Peter Barker, Daniel Scott, Robert Pople, Simon Robinson, Benedict Jones, Muhammad Abid, Roger Morgan
Marc Knibbs, Richard Creber, Benjamin Darby, Andrew Slater
Martin Fahey, Guy Irving, Noor Ahmed, Ben Whittingham, Sam Parsons, Paulo Guarascio
Nicholas Patrick, David Lewis, Simon Davis, Henrique Lagoeiro
David Crawford, Graeme Ross, Jay Vincent, Tommy Gardner, Stephen Connor, Tony Deith, Hakan Kamburoglu, Jason Morris, Edwin Fox, Dean Skerratt, Alfredo Ferro, Steve Clark, Joshua Atkin, Yupeng Wu, Michael Robinson, Timothy Stevens, James Taylor, James Wilkinson, Daniel Clubley, Robert Grieve, Andrejus Saracevas, Sean Gallimore, Paul Radford, Kyle Chester-Marsden, Christopher Smith, Xinfang Wang
Students Jasim Khan
Become a Chartered Engineer with the IOR
A new fast-track route for experienced engineers is now available. Find out more about the grades and application processes at www. ior.org.uk/membership/ engineering-councilregistration or join our next members meeting held online on 7 October 2024. More at www.ior.org.uk/events
Conference on Adapting to Rising Ambient Temperatures
Call for Abstracts Now Open
Following its launch in July 2024, the IOR is now calling for abstracts for the 1st IIR International Conference On Refrigeration Adapting To Rising Temperatures.
A first on this topic, this in-person conference will be held from 10 to 13 August 2025 in Manchester, UK.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the challenges faced by the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump sectors are becoming increasingly complex. This conference will explore these critical issues and encourage the exchange of ideas and innovation among experts dedicated to developing sustainable and resilient solutions.
Organisers are inviting contributions to the programme such as case studies, innovation, research, and expertise in addressing these issues.
It is expected to attract a diverse international audience of academics, engineers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Themes are:
• Managing Risk
• Environmental and Social Governance
• The Future Landscape of RACHP
Those taking part will:
• Explore Technical Challenges: discover how various RACHP sectors are uniquely affected and explore common solutions that could be applied across the board.
• Gain Sector Specific Insights: with valuable insights into the specific challenges and opportunities each RACHP sector faces.
• Build Networks and Collaboration
The Conference is organised by the International Refrigeration Committee of the IOR, on behalf of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).
For further information, register to receive conference updates at www.adaptation2025.com
to Temperatures
Nominate your low-carbon project for the Beyond Refrigeration Award
The IOR is now accepting entries for the IOR Beyond Refrigeration Environmental Award which is made annually to a project that demonstrates the achievements of our sector in reducing environmental emissions from cooling in the UK. It is linked to the practical application of the IOR’s Beyond Refrigeration priorities that are aimed at supporting the sector towards net zero.
To find out more and to enter your business for this prestigious award, visit www.ior.org.uk/about/IOR-awards
Contributing to UK projects on extreme heat mitigation
The Institute is now beginning to work more closely on rising ambient temperatures and other related issues with key organisations and initiatives.
In July the IOR was invited to take part in a round table discussion organised by the IMechE and the Centre for Sustainable Cooling to mark the publication of their report titled “The Hot Reality: Living In A +50°C World – Cooling As Critical Infrastructure To Survive And Thrive.” This report comprises contributions from over 35 experts worldwide, analysing the impact of rising seasonal temperatures and more frequent, prolonged, and intense heatwaves on humans and a broad range of essential services. The document also explores the pivotal role of clean cooling in helping humanity adapt to a hotter world and build resilience, while advocating for governments globally to recognise cooling systems as critical national infrastructure and to understand the risks of neglecting these assets.
The Institute has also been invited to join an advisory board supporting the work of a UK scoping study to assess the resilience of the UK’s Cold Supply Chain to rising and extreme temperatures. It will investigate the impacts of climate change on food and pharmaceutical cold supply chains in the UK. Outcomes will inform the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA4). The project will be conducting a feasibility study to identify, catalogue, and characterise the most critical and vulnerable aspects of the UK’s cold supply chain. It will also compile evidence of current adaptation measures and define the metrics and methodology to monitor developments.
There are many different ways to take part and help lead IOR work. Below we explore some of the IOR committees:
Influence tomorrow’s membership
The IOR membership committee is vital in helping people to join the Institute. The members of this group diligently evaluate new applications on a monthly basis, ensuring that applicants with an incredibly diverse range of experience get the right level of membership to reflect their role. The committee also runs a Pathways Mentoring scheme to support those new to the sector and guide them through the grading from Associate or Pre-Associate to Member. Once a year the Committee appoints Fellows of the IOR, the highest grade of membership that recognises unique leadership and contribution to the sector.
Share your knowledge
The IOR’s technical bulletins and guidance notes, written by industry experts and peer-reviewed, provide an invaluable and unbiased resource for professionals across the sector. Contributing your expertise not only supports the industry but also enhances your professional reputation. You don’t have to join a committee to contribute. You can offer a paper, slides or an article.
Shape the future of skills
The IOR is addressing the sector’s skills shortage through the work of its education committee, which has launched
IOR Board of Trustees
Graeme Fox FInstR (Chair)
Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR (President Elect)
Mike Creamer FInstR (Immediate Past President)
John Skelton FInstR (Treasurer)
Dermot Cotter FInstR
several initiatives this year to promote careers and support colleges, apprentices, and employers. This includes guidance on the STEM Ambassador programme and the educational website: www.fantasticfridges.com
Encouraging diversity is another key strategy, and the IOR’s Women in RACHP Network Group is making strides by changing perceptions.
In addition to tackling skills shortages, the IOR is preparing for the future by addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by net-zero targets. The IOR’s Beyond Refrigeration working group is focusing on climate change issues and providing a framework for technical leadership.
Contact membership at ior@ior.org.uk to volunteer for any of these areas.
Ian Fisher FInstR
Catarina Marques FInstR
Julie Murray MInstR
Paul Singh FInstR
Damian Wiszniewski FInstR
Supporting Technicians
The IOR RACHP EngTech Section has already produced six bulletins this year, concentrating on topics of interest for technicians and field engineers including maintenance and efficiency, and various aspects of heat pump technology. These technical bulletins are available for free to
download from the dedicated IOR RACHP EngTech Section area of the website. Scan the QR Code below:
2024 Candidates for the IOR Trustees Elections
Cool Talks for engineers and technicians
IOR hosts regular online Cool Talks allowing participants to hear from experts and ask them questions on topical issues. You should have received your event postcard in the post with dates and topics.
This year, there are three nominees for the two available vacancies:
• Amy Richardson MInstR
• Craig Girdlestone FInstR
• Christopher Griffiths MInstR
You will be able to read their nomination statements when online voting opens or from the IOR website.
Eligible members (Member, Fellow Associate and Technician grades) will receive an email containing a link to the voting site.
Look out for your email which should be in your inbox by 26th September 2024.
Amy Richardson MInstR Craig Girdlestone FInstR Christopher Griffiths MInstR
What’s new in STEM?
A list of some of the resources available to help you give your first school talk is shown below:
• A network of over 20 IOR members experienced in STEM. Why not ask someone to come along with you to your first talk or sound out your ideas with them?
• Build your own Fridge Lego Kit from FJB Systems provided for use by IOR members as a classroom activity or prize.
With more and more members signing up as national STEM Ambassadors and promoting RACHP Careers in schools the IOR has plenty of resources to use to get young people interested in science.
It might sound daunting going into a school classroom or careers fair but our members tell us that the young people they meet are genuinely interested refrigeration, science and career opportunities.
• Quick guide on how to get STEM Ambassador registered including how they will organise your DBS check.
• Careers in Cooling video available on YouTube that profiles different career routes.
• Fantasticfridges.com pages with games for all ages, more career profiles and quizzes.
• A fridge circuit puzzle, printable word searches and crosswords.
• Classroom task on refrigerants and global warming from the Co-op.
• Powerpoint talk on engineering, refrigeration and a maths exercise.
Check out all of these resources on our new website page www.ior.org.uk/STEM
IOR Masterclasses Shortlisted for Award
We are excited to announce that the IOR Masterclasses have been shortlisted for the RAC Cooling Awards 2024 in the Campaign of the Year Category. The RAC Cooling Awards will be held on 19 September in London.
The IOR masterclass series is designed to support colleges and employers who take on trainees (or anyone who wants to refresh their knowledge). The online classes are broadcast live and added to a video reference library. They are aimed at students in vocational colleges, particularly apprentices, to support their training and exam revision and are free for anyone to join or listen to. Book your next masterclass or catch up on previous sessions at www.ior.org.uk/masterclasses
Other educational news from the IOR
A brand new section of Fantastic Fridges
The IOR has unveiled a new section of its educational website for young people www.fantasticfridges.com. Aimed at older students aged from 16 to 18, this section provides a great tool for anyone wishing to get a deeper understanding of more complex cooling concepts. Check out our website to see our fun games and activities!
New get into teaching guidance note
Based on the experience of current teachers, this guidance provides information for anyone considering getting into RACHP teaching at a college or training centre. Full time or part time options are available.The guidance is free and available for download from the IOR website at www.ior.org.uk/technical
The incredible impact of Lord Kelvin
On 26 June, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of Lord Kelvin and his outstanding contribution to the cooling sector and science as a whole, with an engaging webinar featuring broadcasters Dr. Helen Czerski and Alok Jha. You can now watch the webinar or catch it on the IOR’s YouTube channel at www.youtu.be/QNoB8ol2H0k