January 2024
IOR Newsletter New IOR Titles Published
Skills Matters The matter of skills is more critical than ever as our sector needs to recruit new people to fill vacancies and retrain others to meet the demands of new technologies and refrigerants. The IOR is co-ordinating work on some of these issues through its Education Committee with projects that will:
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Raise awareness of Refrigeration Careers and support members in STEM work with schools (we now have 18 STEM ambassadors within the IOR) Provide information on refrigeration fundamentals through new FantasticFridges.com materials due to launch in February and a new series of basics webinars for students Help employers to recruit and train people from outside the industry into technical roles Encourage partnerships between colleges and industry to improve training capacity Make the sector more visible for under represented groups such as female engineers Gain additional funding for the RACHP Apprenticeship Provide guidance on skills for achieving efficient heat pump performance Propose a new Design Engineer Apprenticeship
Many of these topics are already the subject of IOR Education and Training Guidance Notes which can be downloaded free from the IOR website, but there are also regular network and working group meetings driving these initiatives forward. In February the IOR is planning an open meeting to look at how we are working to tackle the skills crisis, what is available from the IOR and how you can help.
www.ior.org.uk ior@ior.org.uk +44 (0) 208 647 7033
Challenges of and Options for Refrigerant Selection The Future of Heat Pumps (part 1) Legislation and Technology GPG123 Expansion Devices (part 1) GPG124 Insulating Copper Refrigerant Pipework in DX Refrigeration GPG123 Student Handbook for RACHP EngTech Apprentices The History of Food Refrigeration and Process Engineering and its Role in Food Refrigeration Research Why Mentoring? GNET14
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Editor: Miriam Rodway The Institute of Refrigeration is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation No 1166869
Transport Industrial Commercial Refrigeration moving businesses towards net zero
SUPERMARKET
STORE
The latest on the net-zero project In 2024 the transport, industrial and commercial net zero refrigeration project (TICR) that the IOR is a partner in, is planning to produce a series of End User Guides, Technology Roadmaps and publish Emissions Benchmarks. Each of these will be specific to one of the six key sectors the project covers: supermarkets, transport refrigeration units, datacentres, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The IOR’s role will be to work closely with businesses and associations in these areas to review the interim results and underpinning assumptions, so that the final documents reflect the needs of each sector. This year we started a series of TICR Talks where experts carrying out the research could share their findings and get industry feedback. You can see the recordings of the webinars held on datacentres, cold stores, supermarkets and transport on the project website. In 2024 the TICR talks will continue with themes such as how to provide effective benchmarks for refrigeration energy consumption, what end user training and awareness is needed, and which technological developments have the most potential for energy saving. Sign up at (www.netzerorefrigeration.uk) for news. The TICR project was set up by Government Department DESNZ and is being managed by London South Bank University. Its aim is to get better data on the direct and indirect emissions from hard to identify areas. Refrigeration crosses so many different applica tion s and is essential to so many processes that information about national emissions can be hard to obtain and difficult to measure. The project results are likely to have important implications for future policies to support our industry and to drive change amongst end users.
Have your say! Skills shortages and the lack of availability of suitable training are emerging as a key issue following site investigations. Answer the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ TICRnetzero and help us understand the reasons behind these trends.
IOR and the Global Cooling Pledge The IOR has signed up to the Global Cooling Pledge launched at the COP28 and led by the Cool Coalition on behalf UNEP, alongside 63 national governments including the UK and dozens of industry supporters. “The Global Cooling Pledge as a commitment to working towards net zero by 2050 very much aligns with the aims and objectives of the IOR and in particular our Environment Committee’s work on looking at our sector’s involvement Beyond Refrigeration to incorporate alternative cooling methods and heat recovery. The Trustees are proud to be supporting this pledge and look forward to helping policymakers develop meaningful and workable initiatives as we collectively strive to achieve the ambitious targets” said IOR President Graeme Fox FInstR Find out more about the Global Cooling Pledge at https://coolcoalition.org/global-cooling-pledge/ NEWSLETTER
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Focus on Extreme Heat at the IRC Business Briefing The IOR’s International Refrigeration Committee (IRC) held a Business Briefing in November focusing on the challenges of Extreme Heat. Dr Andy Pearson, chair of the IRC, summarised the day by saying that the effect of raising average ambient temperatures can be as damaging as the increases in peak temperatures in terms of system energy use, and plant should be designed with adaptive controls that adjust operating conditions rather than failing completely. A panel comprising representatives from CIBSE, designers, system operators and academia shared insights and experiences of extreme temperature challenges particularly with regards to design and how we need to adapt to increasingly extreme and frequent heatwaves. The IRC provides a valuable link between UK Government, industry, academia and the International Institute of Refrigeration and the topic of extreme heat has been identified as one of global concern following the COP28 meetings.
Skills needs for efficient Heat Pumps IOR Education Committee Survey to investigate the skills and training needs associated with experienced RACHP technicians working in domestic or small commercial heat pump installation, service and maintenance.
With the spotlight on more widespread use of heat pumps as part of the net zero agenda, there has been a lot of debate and press articles about whether there are enough skilled installers and whether heat pumps will achieve the predicted efficiencies. Government incentives focus very much on re-training heating engineers and those from a plumbing background to install heat pumps. At the IOR we are asking what this means for our industry and what the role will be for RACHP technicians and businesses in the future when more heat pumps are in use. The IOR will be sharing the survey results with others such as BESA, HPA, ACRIB to encourage a collaborative approach. The survey was distributed to IOR members who include those in our RACHP EngTech section, students, RACHP designers and engineers and the training community. 69 responses were received. On the whole, the responses showed there was a need for training or skills in a wide range of areas grouped under the headings of: Understanding when and where to use different types of heat pumps Sizing, set up, controls and commissioning to achieve and maintain maximum efficiency Water side management (flow rates, water quality, noise and G3 qualifications) Specific Legislation and Regulation (eg MCS sign off) Handover and ongoing use / maintenance by building or homeowner
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The IOR is now considering how these results might be used to develop a generic Skills Specification for Heat Pumps that covers more than just installation, and could be used by employers, manufacturers or training organisations to develop CPD training courses for existing technicians and employees. 2
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Rewarding Careers and Commitment This year 11 of our members celebrated over 50 years of membership with the IOR
Congratulations to the following long-standing members
We recently asked some of our longest standing members to tell us about their careers and why being a member of the IOR was so important to them. Geoffrey Hammond MInstR, who has been a member since 1971, confirmed that his background in cooling and his membership of the IOR remained useful throughout his career. He said “The sort of thermodynamic methods I learnt from my time in the refrigeration industry (and the National College) has underpinned the core of my teaching and research over the bulk of my academic career.” Michael Nash MInstR first joined the IOR in 1973. He attended Willesden Technical College and joined Lightfoot Refrigeration as a 16 year old for a five-year apprenticeship. He formed his own company IMA and although he retired as a Director recently he still continues to provide technical and design back up “My company has ongoing contracts in Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Senegal and has trained and now employs refrigeration engineers in Gambia, Kenya and Ghana. How many members have achieved so much?”
These members celebrate their membership anniversary this calendar year 30 years of membership
Barun Guha MInstR, who joined the industry in the late 1960s talked about the great rewards of a career in cooling. His membership of the IOR has proven invaluable in staying abreast of technological advancements and has afforded him excellent networking opportunities. He added “the updates the IOR have always provided in terms of new technologies and their application has been invaluable to my business, and I have enjoyed various dinners and events that have allowed me to consolidate relationships with colleagues and key decision makers.” Robert Somerville MInstR shared that his IOR membership has been pivotal for his career “Whilst at RSA my membership of the IOR has over the years directly resulted in RSA being appointed for commissions involving refrigeration.”
WK Brown MInstR, T Chant AMInstR, Stephen Davey MInstR, Andrew Drake MInstR, Neil Hewitt MInstR, P Kennett FInstR, S McGregor MInstR, John Minard MInstR, Paul Moseley FInstR, Stephen Newton AMInstR, Nick Rivers MInstR, Mark Roxburgh MInstR, Mike Smith FInstR, Malcolm Thomson FInstR 40 years of membership Tony Coleman MInstR, Mike Creamer FInstR, DR Fell AMInstR, Steve Jones AMInstR, AA Khan MInstR, Graham Lane AMInstR, RG Lifton MInstR, Rono Tanay Sinha-Roy MInstR 50 years of membership PR Jones MInstR, Michael Nash MInstR, Michael Sanderson-Walker FInstR, David Virgo MInstR
Time to consider becoming a Fellow of the IOR? Fellows are acknowledged as prominent leaders in their respective fields, demonstrating a sustained dedication to both their sector and the IOR, while making noteworthy contributions to science and technology. If this describes your career in RACHP, you might like to consider applying for recognition as a Fellow of the IOR. There will be a webinar on 17th January to explain the application process and criteria and it is open to all members. NEWSLETTER
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IOR Board of Trustees Graeme Fox FInstR (Chair) Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR (President Elect) Mike Creamer FInstR (Immediate Past President) John Skelton FInstR (Treasurer) Ian Fisher FInstR Catarina Marques FInstR Paul Singh FInstR Damian Wiszniewski FInstR Julie Murray MInstR Dermot Cotter FInstR
IOR Board of Trustees Election Results At the AGM on 2nd November two new members were elected to the IOR Board of Trustees: Dermot Cotter FInstR and Julie Murray MInstR. Two new officers were also appointed: Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR President-Elect and John Skelton FInstR Hon Treasurer.
Lisa Jayne-Cook
John Skelton
Dermot Cotter
Julie Murrey
Chairing the AGM, IOR President Graeme Fox FInstR thanked all four candidates who stood for election to the Board of Trustees for their willingness to volunteer to serve on the Board. He confirmed that all who had stood would been encouraged to take part in IOR activities and committees. He also thanked Nick Rivers MInstR, whose term as Hon Treasurer had come to an end, for his contribution.
Four ways you can make a difference Would you like to contribute to the future of the industry? Are you concerned about a technical topic or skills issue? The IOR has many different groups working on issues affecting the whole sector and more volunteers are always welcomed. Depending on your time and availability, there are a range of different opportunities to take part: • • • •
Share your technical knowledge by offering to give a talk to a local branch, a local college or online at one of our Cool Talk practical webinars. Contact Lisa Waters for more details. Write up a good practice guide for the IOR RACHP EngTech Section. We have templates and examples and our panel will help review and advise on any drafts you want to share. Take part in surveys or share our social media posts. Your comments will help to influence content of initiatives and by helping to promote the IOR’s work on social media you will raise the profile of the IOR (we have a guide to social media available at www.ior.org.uk/technical/rachp-publications) Join a Committee or working group. Membership and RACHP EngTech groups are currently looking for volunteers to take part in our online meetings reviewing documents and sharing views.
Damian Wiszniewski FInstR, Membership Committee Chair says “Engaging with industry experts, participating in collaborative initiatives, and staying attuned to the latest advancements have shaped my expertise. It’s not just about climbing; it’s about ascending with a backpack full of technical knowledge.” Ready to make the commitment? Contact us at ior@ior.org.uk to get involved. 4
NEWSLETTER
Bringing Fresh Talent to the Industry Could you be STEMAZING?
Promoting
So far six IOR members have completed the STEMAZING training programme that helps them plan and deliver fun and practical science sessions with children in schools and online. We have had such great feedback from them on the impact this is having on young people that the IOR Board has decided to sponsor an additional six training places this year. If you or a female colleague you work with is interested in taking part contact us at ior@ior.org.uk to find out more.
diversity and nurturing talent Guidance on Mentoring The IOR Education Committee has published a guidance note on setting up in-house mentoring schemes designed to address help skills shortages. The document focuses on the benefits of internal mentoring schemes and how they can help organisations develop their staff, enhance business opportunities, and serve as a positive influence for the entire industry. The guidance is free to all and can be downloaded at ior.org.uk/technical/rachp-publications
IOR Podcasts The IOR’s Tip of the Iceberg Podcast tackles environmental issues facing our sector linked to the Beyond Refrigeration net zero work. The latest issues focus on global cooling initiatives launched at the COP28. The Women in RACHP network brings you the States of Matter podcast where women in the sector discuss the opportunities and challenges they have encountered.
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IOR Membership News New IOR Members elected since September 2023 Daniel Allen Pre-Associate Andrew Alty Affiliate Roxanne Bartram Pre-Associate Steve Brough MInstR Member Richard Coar MInstR Member Neil Cooke MInstR Member Mark Crabtree MInstR Member Chris Farley MInstR Member George Gaughan AMInstR Associate Member Paul Hardy AMInstR Associate Member Liam Henderson AMInstR Associate Member Craig Mathieson MInstR Member Claudia McWhirter Pre-Associate Katie Millington Pre-Associate Nicholas Reynolds Pre-Associate Mark Riley MInstR Member Philip Turner MInstR Member Nigel Upson MInstR Member Rachel Wales MInstR Member
Update your details with the IOR As life becomes more hectic, it’s easy to overlook updating your email address and mobile number with the Institute. To ensure you stay informed with the latest updates from the IOR, such as technical bulletins and event notifications, please take a moment to share your current contact details with us at ior@ior.org.uk. Don’t miss out!
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Advancement If you have been a Technician, Associate of pre-Associate or Affiliate for a few years and your job role has changed you may be eligible to apply for grade advancement. There is no cost to have your membership reviewed – just add the extra information online in the www.ior.org.uk/membership online form and the Membership Committee will advise further.
Ron James MInstR We are sorry to announce that Ron James passed away in November 2023. Ron was well known to many who he taught during his time at Grimsby Institute and at South Bank Polytechnic. He was the author of numerous IOR technical papers and expert on areas of fluid flow, controls and humidity as well as replacing ODS refrigerants. In the past he had been a member of the Technical Committee, BSI Standards Committees, Chair of an International Institute of Refrigeration Commission and on the IOR Executive Council. He was also a Chartered Engineer and member of IMechE and CIBSE.
Forthcoming Events Towards Net Zero Industrial Refrigeration and Food and Drinks Manufacturing (TICR Talk) 17 January 2024 - Online Cool Talks - Energy Efficiency 18 January 2024 - Online Waste heat from the London Underground: an investigation of the potential benefits of integrating heating and cooling 1 February 2024 - Online Tackling Skills Shortages 7 February 2024 - Online Towards Net Zero Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturing (TICR Talk) 14 February 2024 - Online IOR Annual Dinner 22 February 2024 - London Challenges and Opportunities for Heat Pumps in the Domestic Housing Market 7 March 2024 - Online
Women in RACHP - a Day of Practical Engineering 7 March 2024 - Wetherby
Beyond Refrigeration Award for Environmental Achievement The winner of this new IOR award will be announced at the Annual Dinner this year. The award recognises projects that are helping the industry move forward towards net zero and can demonstrate real savings. The winner will be invited to give a technical talk on the IOR programme later in the year.
Emissions Assessment of Refrigerated Food Transport in the UK 11 April 2024 - Online International Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain 9-11 June 2024 - Tokyo, Japan Installer LIVE 25-27 June 2024 - Birmingham World Refrigeration Day and 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Lord Kelvin 26 June 2024
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