What's new

Prof Don Cleland of Massey University, J&E Hall Gold Medal winner, came back to the UK on 2nd February to give a presentation of new work around relative humidity, quality control of produce and cold storage.  This fascinating presentation in front of members in London was recorded and you can see the slides and hear Don's excellent explanations and answers to members' questions by logging into the recorded webinar at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/597935870 

Our next presentation will be on 1st March on secondary refrigeration systems in transport, and you can preregister

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/895508670

The IOR will launch a new set of updated Cold Store Design Codes covering scope & design, refrigeration system and building & insulation on 1st March 2012 in Birmingham.  The launch event will introduce the new IOR recommendations in the codes, as well as providing information on case studies of initiatives to improve cold store operation, such as the ICE-E European Cold Store Efficiency project.  The attendance fee of £60 includes advance copies of the three new Codes (normal price £80). 

Speakers will cover: Designing for Efficiency, Defining client requirements, The building and insulated envelope, Ian Forbes, Refrigeration system options, Maximising Efficiency in Performance,  Barriers to energy efficiency technologies,Operational guidance and safety considerations.

Full programme and booking information at http://www.ior.org.uk/cold-store-design-and-efficient-operation

Calling all apprentices – the 2012 SkillFRIDGE competition is looking for the industry’s most promising talent to be named the UK’s best refrigeration and air conditioning engineer.

During the competition, organised by SummitSkills, entrants will be assessed on a series of challenging practical tests reflecting their day-to-day work. The highest scoring competitors from the 4 heats will be invited to take part in the UK grand final in the autumn of 2012.

Register on line at http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk

The closing date to register for the competition is 15 March 2012. Call 07834 868948 for more information or visit www.skillmande.org.uk

It has been reported that 15-20% of the world energy consumption is produced by cooling and air conditioning systems. In order to help reduce this figure the COOL-SAVE Project has been launched with an objective to reduce energy consumption in the European food and drink sector.

Some of the project's outputs and results are expected to be:

• Analyse the efficiency of those cooling systems belonging to the food and drink industries
• Set common strategies that reduce the electrical energy consumption of those cooling systems
• Elaborate a guide of good practices so that the sector can establish measures that significantly reduce electrical consumption through the implementation of improvements in the cooling systems

To help achieve these outputs and results the project is proposing to audit a number of cooling plants. If your company is involved in the food and drink sector, and is interested in taking part in the audit process, download and complete this template letter and return it to davidfb@quercusidi.es

For further details of the project download the project abstract or contact David Fraile at davidfb@quercusidi.es

Recorded Webinars of some key IOR events are now available for download. Great if you missed a meeting or cannot travel to London or Birmingham for presentations.  

How to view an IOR Webinar - Download the viewer code first at www.GoToMeeting.com/codec first. When you go into the webinar page on the IOR site, select your choosen theme. You will be directed to the Go To Webinar site where you will be asked to give your name and email and can then view the recorded presentation and view the slides. Make sure you have the volume turned up or are using a set of headphones to hear the recording.  Webinars currently available: 

• Presidential Address "Managing Innovation" Andy Pearson, FInstR
• Development of an adsorption gas-fired heat pump Bob Critoph, University of Warwick
• Free Cooling using air as a refrigerant in supermarket cabinets Steve Shipp MInstR, Anthony Lomas MInstR
• Improved part load performance of single screw compressors James Creed
• REAL Skills Europe refrigerant leakage e-learning and EU policies Graeme Maidment, David Cowan, Andrea Voigt
• Geothermal heating and cooling of supermarkets John Skelton FInstR

Go to the IOR webinar page to view at www.ior.org.uk/webinars 

Dont forget to book now for the IOR annual dinner. A highlight of the year with support from companies, sponsors and indviduals to celebrate the achievements of your industry and your Institute over the past year.   IOR President Dr Andy Pearson will give his annual address and awards for innovation will go to outstanding individuals in the field of research, application of new technology, lifetime achievement and presentations to members.

Individual tickets priced from £110+vat including wine and drinks reception as well as food and entertainment.

The dinner takes place on 23rd February 2012 at the five star Grange St Pauls Hotel in London.

Book now 

Don Cleland, winner of the IOR's J&E Hall Gold Medal for international achievement will come to the UK to present his work on Thursday 2nd February 2012 in London.  The paper which can now be downloaded covers the subject of air relative humidity in a refrigerated facility, and how moisture loss can effect food storage quality.   Download the full paper here.

If you cannot join the London meeting but would like to take part in an online live webinar broadcast, contact us for details.

The Papers and Publications Committee invite members to submit ideas and potential authors to suggest papers for the next session of evening papers. If you have some interesting research, information about new applications or innovations which would be of interest to other members please do come forward.

The Committee will review brief outlines for papers (no longer than 500 words) at their meeting in early January. Outlines should indicate which themes will be covered in the paper, what readers will learn from this and how this work is “advancing the science and practice of refrigeration and air conditioning”.  Outlines should be submitted by 10th January and must include:

• The names and any designations (eg M Inst R, C Eng) of authors
• A full and final title for the presentation
• An brief outline of no more than 500 words
• email, telephone and postal contact details

A prize of £500 is offered for the best paper presented in the season, and the presenter is awarded the Kenneth Lightfoot Medal at the Annual Dinner. 

Submit your idea or outline here

Two Council seats will become vacant on 1st April 2012 and full Members, Fellows or Associate members are invited to stand for election.  If you are interested joining the Council, which is the Board of Trustees of the Charity and are available to take part in the quarterly meetings please make your submission to the Secretary by 31st December. All submissions must be supported by two current Members, and be accompanied by a signed declaration, statement and photography.  Download and return the form below if you are interested in standing for election. 

At the recent AGM the member voted overwhelminginly in favour of introducing a new grade of membership for Technicians - who will be entitled to use the designation TMInstR after their name. The new grade will combine the benefits of IOR and Service Engineers' Section membership at a rate of just £49 (plus a one off joining fee on application). Applicants must have three years relevant experience and must hold a recognised F Gas qualification (category 1).  

IOR President Andy Pearson stated in a letter to members "For the Institute this represents recognition of the important role played by service engineers in refrigeration and air conditioning science and practice; an opportunity to ensure that the most appropriate range of technical benefits is made available to those applying for IOR membership and a clearer point of entry for those joining the industry as a service engineer."

More details of how technicians should apply for this new grade will be available shortly.

Sustainability in the RAC and Heat Pump industry is being driven by many often conflicting factors – technical advancement, customer demand, legislation and international policies. For both economic and environmental reasons it has never been more important for the refrigeration industry to move toward a more sustainable future.

On the 12th January the SIRAC network will be holding an Innovation Review Meeting where the conclusions and results from three years of work between industry and academic researchers on accelerating the adoption of alternative technologies will be shared. The topic to be discussed are:

• An overview of research priorities for the UK
• The role of behaviour in understanding the process of innovation
• Development stages and potentials of new technologies
• Routes for success from micro innovation to market transformation
• Maximising funding opportunities for research through collaboration
• How will the SIRAC network operate in the future to support innovation

To see the full programme and to book your place at this free event visit www.sirac.org.uk

On the 2 February 2012 the International Refrigeration Committee will be holding a business briefing in response to the Governments Office for Science report, “The Future of Food and Farming: Challenges and Choices for Global Sustainability”.

The meeting will investigate the ways in which HVAC&R technology can be used to respond to the challenges of the future of food and farming. It will explore key questions for policy makers and businesses in the UK refrigeration and cold chain industry such as what role might refrigeration play in shaping that future? And what are the implications for the refrigeration industry of the future?

View further details and book your place here

We invite you to join us once again for this spectacular black tie event. 2012 sees us relocating to a stylish new venue in the heart of the City with a change of date to later in the month. The 5* London Hotel has all of the amenities you would expect from a leading venue – a sophisticated ballroom, five star cuisine, range of bars and clubs – set in a backdrop of contemporary style and flair. http://www.grangehotels.com/hotels-london/grange-st-pauls-hotel/grange-st-pauls-hotel.aspx

The flagship IOR Annual Dinner is the longest running networking event in the refrigeration and air conditioning calendar. Meet new contacts and catch up with your fellow professionals.

The dinner will feature:

• Champagne reception
• 3 course menu including wine
• Raffles and auction
• After dinner speaker
• Presentation of awards
• Bar until 1am followed by access to the exclusive on site nightclub
• Discounted hotel accommodation
• Tables of 10 and 12 or individual bookings accepted.

Make a note of the new date Thursday 23rd February 2012 now! And be sure to join us to celebrate your Institute and your profession. Click here to find out more.

If you missed the presentation on 1st December you can now view and hear James Creed of J%E Hall talk about this innovation in compressor design and control.  Download the viewer at www.gotowebinar.com/codec first and then follow the link below to see our latest webinar

http://www.ior.org.uk/ior_general.php?r=webinars&ch=/ior_general.php

Heard about REAL Zero and REAL Skills Europe but not sure what its all about?  At a recent practitioners day speakers gave an overview of the history of the IOR initiative, current tools and learning programmes available from REAL Skills Europe and the context of emissions projections and future policy options at a European and Global level. Listen to all three presentations on our recorded webinar here (NOTE YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THE VIEWER FROM www.gotowebinar.com/codec first before you open the link below or it will be blank). 

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/894382846

As a registered user of the IOR website we regularly send you news and information relevant to your interests. You are currently registered as a NON MEMBER on the site. This means you have restricted access to important publications such as guidance notes and technician bulletins. 

IF YOU ARE A MEMBER

Please contact us so that we can issue you a Member password for the site to give you access to the free downloads and discounts you are entitled to. Please state whether you are an IOR, SES or ACHPI member.

IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY A MEMBER

You may like to consider joining the IOR - we have specific membership packages for service engineers, air conditioning installers, students and overseas residents as well as an immediate on-line joining procedures for Affiliate members. Find out how you can join now.

IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE IOR NEWS

If you no longer require access to www.ior.org.uk and would like us to stop sending you updates and news, please let us know and we will remove your website registration details.

The full REAL Skills Europe programme is now open to all with a comprehensive e-learning and assessment package, supported by guidance notes and f gas monitoring tools up and running.

So far over 550 people have registered for the programme from a wide range of countries within and outside of the EU including the UK, Germany, Greece, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Australia, USA and South Africa. 100 of these have already passed at least one of the assessed modules.

The training has been well received. A typical comment from a user “I see each part of Guidance Notes as logically connected. They appeal to imagination, for example by showing visually 13 of the most common leaks and how to prevent and repair them using quite simple methods”.

The key aims of the project were to help industry take practical steps to reduce refrigerant leakage by:

• Raising awareness and understanding of F-Gas legal obligations and responsibilities across Europe

• Sharing refrigerant leakage and containment information and best practice from the five partner countries

• Providing free software tools to assess the financial and environmental impact of leakage in various languages

• Offering free information and guidance on refrigerant containment and how to reduce leaks in various languages

• Providing multi-lingual e-learning and certificated assessments as a CPD tool for technicians

The programme draws on the material originally developed by the IOR’s REAL Zero project and benefits from the inputs of a pan-European group of over 50 stakeholders and partners, giving access to new ideas, methods and technologies.

It complements and builds on mandatory F-Gas training by taking a more proactive approach to refrigerant management, focusing on the prevention of leaks through the application of best practice in design, installation, commissioning and service and maintenance.

As we now enter the second stage of the project we keen to extend take up of the tools and learning programmes and gain wider recognition for professional development of technicians and consultants as well as helping to achieve even more reductions in refrigerant leakage.

The project website at www.realskillseurope.eu provides free downloads and more information about how you can access the award winning REAL Skills training.

The EC Consultation on the review of the F Gas Regulations was issued in September.  The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) is preparing a response to the consultation and has invited comment from industry. Its current view is that future legislation should focus on policy measures which support the progress already achieved by industry in reducing emissions such as improved enforcement, clearer technical specifications and encouraged investment in compliance and containment.  

The ACRIB draft response is available at www.acrib.org.uk/fgasreview for comment.

For copies of the Commission effectiveness report and to respond direct to the consultation yourself (deadline 19th December) see http://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/articles/news_2011092602_en.htm  

If you missed last month's IOR evening paper or the venue is too far away to attend you can now join in by viewing the recorded webinar. Last month Steve Shipp and Anthony Lomas explained how they are using air to provide free cooling in retail applications. You can also listen to the question and answer session at the end of the presentation.

Technical requirements - the first time you want to view one of our webinars you will need to download the viewer code at www.GoToMeeting.com/codec before clicking on the links below

View the webinair now at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/453826262

Congratulations are due to Stuart Millar of South Eastern Regional College and A & N Shilliday & Co Ltd, and his training team, for placing with a bronze medal in the World Skills 2011 held in London last week.  During a gruelling 5 day public event, Stuart competed against 19 young engineers from across the globe.  Whats more the event was held in front of an audience of thousands of school children and teachers who took over the ExCel centre to view skills from the construction, building services, engineers, transport, it, fashion and catering industries.  

Next to the refrigeration competition stand HRP provided a range of "have a go" activities to encourage young people to try their hand at related skills such as pipebending and leak finding (using nitrogen of course!). A real ice rink was there for those who completed their tasks to show the kids that refrigeration technololgy can be fun as well.

VIP visitors to the World Skills London event included David Cameron, Boris Johnson, ministers and members of the Royal Family.

Our thanks to all of the judges, sponsors, employers, organisers and trainers for giving UK refrigeration skills such a high profile on the world stage. 

See more about Stuart and the competition here

If you missed an IOR evening paper or the venue is too far away to attend you can now join in by viewing the recorded webinar.  This month Professor Bob Critoph of Warwick University explains progress in the development of a gas-fired heat pump system intended to replace conventional condensing boilers. The adsorption machine uses ammonia refrigerant and active carbon adsorbent with a predicted annual average COP of 1.35. You can also listen to the question and answer session at the end of the presentation.

Technical requirements - the first time you want to view one of our webinars you will need to download the viewer code at www.GoToMeeting.com/codec before clicking on the links below

View Prof Critoph's webinar now "Development of an adsorption gas firect heat pump"

View a repeat of last year's Presidential Address by Dr Andy Pearson "Managing Innovation"

In October of this year the Grimsby Ice Factory was named one of the Top Ten Endangered Buildings for 2010 by the Victorian Society. The Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust was formed in July 2010 to save the Ice Factory and find a sustainable use for the building. Members are working towards a solution which will not only preserve the fabric and machinery of this important building, but contribute to the future of the docks, the contiguous streets and neighbourhoods, and the greater town and region.

The IOR is joining the trust but we need members to support this individually too. The fee is very small and the work very important. Join herehttp://grimsbyice.co.uk/application.html 

"It is easy to forget how reliant we are on mechanical refrigeration for our continued existence on this planet but the J&E Hall refrigeration compressors still in place at the Grimsby Ice Factory are a reminder of the early years of refrigeration. They are the oldest of their type still in existence and amongst the largest ever made.

The Grimsby Ice Company factory is an irreplaceable piece of our industrial refrigeration history". Guy Hundy, Past President of the IOR.

Find out more about the factory site here http://grimsbyice.co.uk/

The IOR's REAL Skills Europe project won in the Cooling Industry Awards' new category of International Achievement of the Year in October this year.  The commendation stated that this new award was instituted to recognise the increasingly global nature of the cooling industry and this mult-language e-learning and management programme proved an unanimous choice of the judges.  

REAL Skills is the culmination of a two year project building on the IOR's REAL Zero leakage reduction campaign. It takes the experience and guidance of that project and expands, updates and translates it for the RAC industry in other European countries.  The judges were impressed with "the breadth, depth and the ambition of the project".  The project partners include Limburg Catholic College in Belgium, National Technical University of Athens, RAC&E Technology Centre in Duisburg Germany, National Refrigeration Forum of Poland, the Estonian Environmental Research Centre, French technical association CeTIM and UK Partners London South Bank University and Institute of Refrigeration.

For details of the e-learning programme and free guidance notes and tools see www.realskillseurope.com 

The IOR Service Engineers Section is making a lifetime achievement award to recognise an individual's commitment  to a career in service, maintenance or installation.  

Last year's winner Charlie Darling, of Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,  was described as an employers dream with a broad spectrum of skills in both refrigeration and air conditioning and someone who is genuine, hardworking, trustworthy and loyal.  Many customers request him by name to attend their site and new trainees want to be mentored by him.  Many people suffer setbacks in their life but this individual has shown an extraordinary determination to succeed in our industry having initial been forced to retire from the Royal Air Force due to ill health. 25 years later he is highly respected by his employer and by his peers.

Make your nomination now. Deadline is 1st November. The winner will be announced on 23rd February 2012 at the IOR Annual Dinner in London.

Twenty four-year old Shaun Bann from Godfrey & Lappage Services Ltd has won the 2011 SkillFRIDGE UK national championship after three days of intense practical competition at Leeds College of Building in September.  The finalists were faced with a complex installation and commissioning of a refrigeration system into a simulated cold room. Shaun, a student at the College of North West London, beat three other competitors to take the gold medal after judges scored him most highly against strict criteria including correct refrigerant handling and accuracy of pipework installation, electrical circuitry and operating temperatures.     A silver medal was awarded to John Forteith of Forteith’s Food Service, North Glasgow College and BEST. Steven Burge of Cosham Refrigeration and Eastleigh College took the bronze medal. Full details of the competition and photos are available at www.skillfridge.org.uk  

Shaun will be a guest at the new SummitSkills Awards for Excellence on 7th October to meet industry representatives at World Skills London.  Speaking after his win, Shaun said: “I hadn’t been used to working under so much pressure and I was worried about how well I had done, so I was amazed to hear my name read out as the winner. I’d like to thank all at Godfrey & Lappage Services for their support – and I hope this can inspire more young people as I didn’t succeed in school but have worked hard to be practically skilled.”  

2011 is an important year for refrigeration skills competitions with the WorldSkills event coming to London at ExCeL London on 5th - 8th October. This will be  the world's largest, international skills Competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill. The competition takes place at ExCeL London and is expected to attract 150,000 visitors tol see 1,000 Competitors from more than 50 countries/regions competing in 46 skill areas. Visitors can Have a Go at dozens of skills ranging from electronics to plumbing, web design and fashion to cabinet making - including a buliding services area sponsored by HRP. This is our opportunity to inspire future generations of skilled, high-quality professionals. Do encourage your local schools and colleges to take part. More at http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/

If you live or work outside the UK, you may be interested in the new leaflet from the IOR which outlines the benefits of individual membership of the Institute for those overseas. The networking and technical information whilst produced with references to UK legislation is useful for all refrigeration and air conditioning professionals. So, if you are working abroad and want to tell the people you meet about the Institute or if you want to use the IOR to establish contacts with colleagues in your own country download the leaflet to find out more.

IOR International Membership Leaflet

The Ted Perry Award is now calling for entries. This award is given for research, by a post graduate student, of a practical nature related to the field of refrigeration and air conditioning, and is designed to encourage interest amongst bright and promising students. The prize includes a cheque for £500, an engraved tankard and a set of ASHRAE Databooks on CD.

The Award is open to anyone submitting a piece of work on an engineering topic related to refrigeration and undertaken as part of a degree course or doctorate. The winner will be presented with their award at the Annual Instiute Dinner on the 23rd February, and, depending on the nature of the winning piece of work, may be asked to prepare and present a paper for the Institute's Proceedings.

For further details and to download a nomination pack, visit the awards page of the IOR website. This award is sponsored by Enviros and the Perry Family. Deadline for nominations 1st November.

The next SIRAC Network event will be hosted by SELEX Galileo at their Luton reseach centre on the 20th October. SELEX Galileo is a leader in defence electronics markets, with a distinctive strength in airborne mission critical systems and association air conditioning requirements as well as a wide range of homeland securities applications.

The company invests 15% of revenues into research and development, as part of its strategy to stay at the forefront of technology. It has established a number of recognised centres of excellence in technology development, as well as partnerships with governments, academic institutions and research centres.

Presentation will be given on such topics as: Typhoon aircraft cooling systems, helium leak detection, recovery and reclaim innovation and developments in micro cooling. The usual SIRAC Networking will take place as well as a tour of research facilities.

To reserve your place and see the full programme visit www.sirac.org.uk

Nominations for the 2011 J&E Hall Gold Medal are now being accepted. This internationally respected award recognises practical contribution to the development of RAC technology. Nominations can be made for individuals or teams with recent outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas:

• Practical applications of innovative designs
• Projects which have made an original contribution to the field
• Systems which demonstrate substantial potential and evidence that they will be completed successfully
• Outstanding and significant work in a new or unusual area

To find out more about the J&E Hall Gold Medal, and to download the nomination form click here. Nominations must be received by 28th September 2011

The Institute of the Refrigeration is interested in hearing what you have to say about conferences and events. Please take a few moments to complete a brief online survey. The survey should take around 5 minutes to complete and all those taking part will be entered into a free prize draw.

Share your views here. Closing date 15th September.

A webinar has been recorded of the President, Dr Andy Pearson, repeating his presidential address to members originally given in October 2010 as the first paper in last years' series.  The President recorded the first of our new webinar series this month. Follow the link below, enter your name and email, and you can then view the presentation, hear the voice over and listen to the question and answer session at the end. This is a repeat of the presentation last year. 

Make sure you have the volume turned up or are using headphone so you can hear the presentation and send us your comments on this new service which will make the regular evening presentations more accessible to all members in the future.

Download the viewer code first at www.GoToMeeting.com/codec

Then follow this  link to watch now - Managing Innovation - the 2010 Presidential Address presented by Dr Andy Pearson

The first IOR International Branch has been established in Mauritius by a group representing 12 IOR members. An inaugural AGM took place in Curepipe on 20/7/2011 with the following members present: Mr Bundheea A.N, Mr chaytun, Mr Mubarak, Mr Indra Divesh, Mr Ravising dunoo, Mr R Gerard, Mr Mohun, Mr Desire Neil, Mr Daren, MR Boodhun, Mr Geany, Mr Daumoo.

The following officers were elected:

• Mr Bundheea A.N - Chairman & membership officer
• Mr Desire Neil - Secretary
• Mr Geany - Social event programe manager

The Branch propose holding a conference on 7th September this year and an annual dinner in December.

The IOR is keen to encourage more overseas members to take part in activities in the future.

The IOR has been nominated and shortlisted in three of this years Cooling Awards categories:

• Institute of Refrigeration and Morrisons: Real Zero Partnership to Reduce Leakage has been short listed for Environmental Collaboration of the Year
• Real Skills Europe: Institute of Refrigeration, London South Bank University & International Partners have been short listed for the new category of International Achievement of the Year
• Institute of Refrigeration, BRA and the Carbon Trust Retail Code of Conduct has been short listed for  Low Carbon Achievement of the Year

To find out more about these initiatives please see the links above. The award winners will be announced in September this year.

In order to meet the immediate requirements of refrigeration contractors and their supermarket clients, a standardised course in CO2 servicing and maintenance has been developed by BRA and IOR members. 

A BRA statement confirms that this short course will provide a common training platform across the industry until a national City & Guilds CPD qualification in CO2 has been adopted.  This City & Guilds is due to launch later this year. 

The harmonised short course will be offered by training centres already involved in the delivery of CO2 essential skills. Supported by several of the major retailers, the generic content will permit those completing the BRA course to work on a range of stores, overcoming the previous requirement for supermarket-specific training.

The course includes training support material, booklet, training/assessment rig specifications, standardised assessment and multiple choice theory questions.  Individuals who are successful in passing the assessments will received a completion certificate issued by their training provider.

For a list of training providers offering the course see http://www.feta.co.uk/bra/bra-03.htm

On 18th July the Carbon Trust is launching a new Expert in Energy series of free monthly low carbon business guides, web advice and webinar sessions to help businesses save money and reduce their energy use. They’ll be looking at the energy saving potential of a different topic each month from Refrigeration to Energy Management and Renewables. Supporting guides and advice have been written by experts but are delivered in a straightforward, objective and easily digestible way. This month the featured topic is Refrigeration, so although it may be of interest to you to see what recommendations Carbon Trust are making to run an efficient refrigeration system, please do also consider sending on to your customers as the advice will be most relevant to them.

Carbon Trust are also running a free webinar session (open for registration now) on ‘How to run an efficient Refrigeration system’, next Wednesday 20th July, 11:30am and still have spaces available. Again, please pass details on to customers who may find this of interest.

Some of the country’s largest commercial refrigeration users are backing the new voluntary code of conduct for carbon reduction and energy efficiency. Produced in conjunction with the Carbon Trust, the Code of Conduct for Carbon Reduction in the Retail Refrigeration Sector is designed to reduce global warming emissions from refrigeration systems by 20 per cent over the next five years.

The working party that conceived and produced the Code included representatives from Sainsbury, Asda, Marks & Spencer alongside specialist industry bodies the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and the British Refrigeration Association (BRA). It is hoped that all retailers – large and small – will encourage their refrigeration teams and suppliers to work towards the best practice standards set out in the document.

The Code sets high standards for all aspects of design, installation and operation of refrigeration systems including training, skills, inspection and testing along with containment of refrigerant gases.

IOR President, Andy Pearson commented ““This new Code is another voluntary step towards greater ‘professionalisation’ of refrigeration design, installation and operation.”

The overall strategic aims of the Code are set out for senior managers to convince them of the value in adopting the measures; more practical issues are dealt with in the best practice section for operators, who are focused on day-to-day cost and performance issues; and essential technical standards and specifications are covered in the section for refrigeration engineers. The Code encourages engineers to go for registration with the Engineering Council at Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician status - registration is available through the IOR's (find out how you can register for the engineering council here).

To read and download the Code of Conduct in full go to: www.retailrefrigerationcodeofconduct.org.uk

The REAL Skills Europe project, based on the IOR's REAL Zero programme, launched its new e-learning programme this week.  The culmination of a two year EU funded project, REAL Skills Europe e-learning draws on material from Germany, Poland, France, Belgium, Estonia and Greece as well as UK expertise on measuring and minimising refrigerant leakage.  As part of the launch the e-learning, which is IOR CPD certified, is free for the first two months.

Print off a flier about the programme here

Register for e-learning here

Find out more about REAL Skills Europe here

Speaking from a gathering of trainers at the IOR forum on 4th July IOR Past President Jane Gartshore commented on the 4th July F gas deadline – “For many engineers F Gas may have been the first time they have had any formal training or held a recognised qualification. The feedback from employers is that the skills and knowledge levels throughout the industry have definitely increased as a result, enabling contractors to provide a better service and communicate more effectively, especially at engineering to end user level. The IOR is keen to maintain this momentum and is working with industry and training providers to develop and promote ways of achieving this.”

From 4th July this year all individuals working within scope of the F Gas Regulations have been required to hold an F Gas Certificate (ie City & Guilds 2079 or CSkills J11).  In addition, companies need to hold a full F Gas Company Certificate from one of five certification bodies.  Companies who previously held an interim certificate which identifies the relevant qualifications all of the engineers within scope, and who have not yet gained their full certificate will be "identified and followed up" according to DEFRA's F Gas Support.  See www.defra.gov.uk/fgas for information about the regulation and key obligations.

The ACHPI (Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Institute) was recognised with "Highly Commended" in the category of Training Excellence at the first National Heat Pump Awards in June this year. The event is designed to give the heat pump industry the opportunity to highlight and praise the very best in product design, system installation and technical training. There was strong competition with over 60 entries evaluated in total across the 10 award categories. The awards were organised by Heat Pumps Today magazine. ACHPI was established in 2009 as a subscription service for this under represented sector. For more details of the winners see: www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk  for information about ACHPI see www.ior.org.uk/achpi

The Department for Innovation and Skills is asking sectors to consider the skills challenges of the future and how industry groups such as the Institute can help address these. 

• Making training more accessible
• Ensuring training is cost effective in terms of people's time
• Keeping skills up to date with rapidly changing technology and regulations
• Helping individuals work out what additional skills they need to do their job in the future

Would you use an on line database of all UK refrigeration and air conditioning training (including vocational qualifications, manufacturers courses, training material and e-learning), with courses mapped to legislation and job functions?

Do you think innovative approaches such as e-learning or training newsflashes will play a greater role in addressing our skills needs in the future?

Comment to miriam@ior.org.uk. Please add your name, type of business and organisation.

The RAC Student of the Year Awards are now open for entries. If you have an engineer in training, who you think should be competing with the best refrigeration and air conditioning students in the country, make sure you nominate them now.

• Show the industry your company trains the best
• Celebrate your star students' success
• Gain maximum exposure in RAC and RAC Engineer
• Highlight your commitment to new talent and developing the best available training
• Be in with a chance of them winning up to £750

Entry easy online, just visit the student of the year page at www.coolingindustryawards.com. The deadline for entries is 29th July. If you have any queries please contact Jo Kirkpatrick on 020 7728 3715 or at jo.kirkpatrick@emap.com.

Welcome to the second of your Institute of Refrigeration technical service e newsletters for engineers.  This month we have published four new bulletins which as a student member you can download for free.  The material is written by practicing engineers, training providers and technical advice to help keep members up to date with the latest industry developments. 

Your can download the new bulletins now (make sure you have your log in handy - request a password reminder here) :

• Safety on site - risk assessments and COSHH
• Review of qualifications and training
• Hydrocarbon refrigeration awareness
• Service matters news on training awards and F Gas training review

Dont forget there is a library of over 80 bulletins covering everything from AC Efficiency Inspections to Refrigerant Phase out at www.ior.org.uk/service-engineers which you have free access to until March 2012.

If you like what you see tell your friends to sign up for FREE one year's membership - contact Lisa@ior.org.uk for details.

And there are still places on the leakage reduction e-learning launch and demo meeting on 4th July in London. A full programme and registration information is at www.realskillseurope.eu

The IOR Technical Committee has issued a safety alert after discussion with the HSE following a recent incident.  The incident occured whilst an engineer was working on a chill store plant in a food distribution depot. The engineer received severe burn injuries when a significant amount of refrigerant was suddenly released while he was in the process of removing a valve cap from a DN 15 (½”) charging valve. The valve was installed on the low pressure side of an ammonia system. The HSE retained the valve for examination and testing.

Full details of the conclusions and recommendations following the investigation of this incident and available in the guidance note which is free to download here.

A Trainers Forum will be hosted by the Institute of Refrigeration on the morning of Monday 4^th July 2011 for training providers and training managers to discuss the changing education market in the wake of the passing of the F Gas individual certificate deadline. 

With increasing interest in specialised short courses and certificates such as F Gas training, braising and demand for improved skills in the handling of alternative refrigerants, the IOR felt it was an appropriate time to bring together those interested to discuss the impact on training provision.   

The programme will feature session on the forthcoming City & Guilds CPD units in Carbon Dioxide as well as a national Carbon Dioxide introductory short course endorsed by end users. Brief updates on initiatives such as the ACRIB SKILLcard, REAL ZERO e-learning and support for students will also be given.  Delegates are being invited to highlight other issues important to them during the day and these will be discussed as a group. The full programme for the Forum and booking details are available at  www.ior.org.uk

During the afternoon the IOR will launch its new Europe-wide e-learning programme based on REAL Zero called REAL SKILLS EUROPE.  Speakers will include Paul Hill, talking about how implementing REAL Zero tools and techniques across Morrison’s’ have improved awareness and reduced leakage.  Developers will demonstrate the e-learning programme modules and assessments and those taking part in the launch can enrol to be part of a two month free trail.  The REAL SKILLS EUROPE launch event is free and is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the latest in leakage reduction. Register at www.realskillseurope.eu/events.  Similar launch events will be taking place in Estonia, Germany, Greece and Poland throughout the summer.

The IOR has held a number of training events in the past with themes such as Training for Profit and NVQ developments.    These events provide a useful way of catching up with latest industry news as well as meeting other training specialists as part of the IOR’s remit to encourage professional development within the industry. 

The IOR's Service Engineers' Section has reissued its comparator, and this time is including carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon refrigerants alongside ammonia and common HFC refrigerants.

A comparator is essential for diagnosing faults as it provides the pressure temperature relationship for common refrigerants. It will tell engineers the saturated condensing temperature essential for assessing subcooling; and the saturated evaporating temperature needed to set the expansion valve. The temperature glide of zeotropic blends such as R407C and R404A can be seen from the comparator. For more guidance on using a comparator see the Service Engineers' Section Service Matters 1 bulletin.

The new comparators are available individually at £4 each (£5 for non members) and discounts are available for bulk orders from training providers.  See the link to the IOR shop.

Receive a free comparator when you join the IOR Service Engineers Section here

The Sustainable Innovation in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Network will be holding an event dedicated to data centre cooling which will be hosted by Airdale International at their Leeds offices.

Speakers will present on such topics as the Data Centre Alliance, using heat to increase cooling and the technology behind the award winning product the TurboChill Free Cool.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the Airedale laboratories and take part in a SIRAC networking exercise.

For full details of the event programme and to book your place visit http://www.sirac.org.uk/OPRYH4708341

There is no charge to attend but you must pre-register on the SIRAC website.

Read about the latest developments in the IOR REAL Zero project - REAL Skills Europe - with the latest newsletter available to download here.

REAL Skills Europe is a cross European programme to enhance skills in refrigerant leakage reduction. It is based on the IOR's REAL Zero material and campaign. Join us at a free launch event to find out more about ths REAL Zero initiative, see a demo of the new e-learning material and find out how you can take part in a free trial of the interactive e-learning modules.

The draft Programme for the launch event will include an introduction to the international project, the latest on leakage reduction initiatives based on REAL Zero in the UK, demonstration of four new e-learning modules and a discussion of practical strategies to reduce leakage.

For those attending there will be the opportunity to enrol for the free piloting phase of the training making a saving of 100 euros. Spaces are limited, please register now via the REAL Skills Europe website to attend.

www.realskillseurope.eu

Effective service and maintenance of air conditioning and heat pump installed systems is critical to ensure reliability, reduce running costs and prolong the life of equipment -  thus saving the customer money in the long term. ACHPI, the IOR's the air conditioning and heat pump institute has published a bulletin which outlines some common service issues related to air conditioning equipment and details effective responses including blocked or dirty filters, moisture contamination, leakage, gauges, infra red controllers and instruction manuals.  The four page bulletin also has linkes for useful additional information. It is published free to members of the IOR, ACHPI and SES and at a £10 charge to non members. Download here.

If the UK is to meet it’s commitments on carbon reduction it will require to take some fairly significant steps – we cannot get to where we need to be through a business as usual strategy.  The seminar will consist of a series of national case studies presentations by speakers from Europe, outlining the measures used by their Governments to encourage the rapid uptake of heat pumps for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.  It will include a presentation by the European Partnership on Energy and the Environment of their “Heat Pump Manifesto” and it will conclude with an open forum on the lessons learned from the day, focussing on the best practices from across Europe which we believe could work in the UK context. 

An important output of the briefing will be a summary of findings to be made available through the International Institute of Refrigeration and direct to members of the IOR's International Refrigeration Committee.

The programme will include key notes speakers and series of National case studies. See below for full programme and booking details (free to members of the IRC).

Heat Pump Technology - learning from European experiences flier

It will be illegal to work on equipment containing or designed to contain F gases after 4th July this year if the technician does not hold a recognised F Gas Certificate. There has been considerable debate in the industry and trade press as to whether the industry will be ready for this deadline, inspite of the F Gas qualifications having been available for two years.  Although many individuals and companies have achieved their necessary certificates, there are no definitive numbers as to how many people or companies are within scope of the regulations and therefore it is difficult to estimate how many are still to be trained - or how many may miss the 4th July deadline.  There are over 60 training providers nationwide offering the qualifications (City & Guilds 2079 or CITB/CSkills J11-14) and three Company F Gas Certification bodies set up. 

For more information on the legal implications and fines see www.defra.gov.uk/fgas 

For up to date news and lists of training providers see www.acrib.org.uk

 The April evening paper will focus on Ammonia Heat Pumps for District Heating with a presentation from Kenneth Hoffman and David Pearson of Star Refrigeration. From the 1980’s several large high temperature heat pumps have been installed in the Nordic countries. A significant portion of electricity in these countries is produced by low carbon-emission hydroelectric power. The majority of the heat pumps have been using Fluorocarbon’s like R22 and R134. The recent development of the high pressure single screw compressor has made it possible to use the natural refrigerant ammonia for these applications. Achieving a district heating system with a GWP = <1, Ammonia’s thermodynamic properties offer unparallel efficiencies (15% better than R134a) when used in high temperature heat pumps.

This paper will describe the challenges faced in this innovative project. Members can download the paper for free from the image above. The presentation takes place on Thursday 7th April at 5.15pm at 33 Queen Street, London EC4 and is open to members and non members.

Two REAL Zero leakage reduction workshops will be held in Scotland in March. The events, being organised in association with the Carbon Trust, are being held on the 28th March in Aberdeen and 29th March in Glasgow. The workshops have proved popular in the past and have filled quickly, so book now to secure your place. 

What you will learn?

• How to evaluate direct emissions in carbon dioxide emission and financial terms
• How to carry out site audits to identify ways of reducing potential leakage
• How to use site survey, refrigerant use monitoring and reporting templates
• How to advise on F Gas compliance for systems and records

  Book now to receive the full programme and training package:

28th March 2011 in Aberdeen,  29th March 2011 in Glasgow , Download a flier here

The following 2011 Awards were presented by the IOR at the Dinner:

• J&E Hall Gold Medal - Prof Donald Cleland of Massey University New Zealand
• Lightfoot Medal for best paper - Andy Campbell and Oliver Riley for "Building Services for Low Carbon Supermarkets"
• Ted Perry student research award - Shane Smyth of University College Dublin
• Service Engineers Section Lifetime Achievement - Charlie Darling of Adcock Refrigeration

For full details see the awards and nominations page

 The search begins for the UK’s top RAC engineer

Calling all apprentices – the 2011 SkillFRIDGE competition is looking for the industry’s most promising talent to be named the UK’s best refrigeration and air conditioning engineer.

During the competition, organised by SummitSkills, entrants will be assessed on a series of challenging practical tests reflecting their day-to-day work. A semi-final will be held before a UK grand final in September.

This year will see SkillFRIDGE finalists competing side-by-side with those from SkillPLUMB, SkillPIPE and SkillELECTRIC at a prestigious event that will also feature the UK final of construction competition SkillBUILD.

“Taking part in SkillFRIDGE is not only highly motivational for employees but also drives them to achieve higher standards back in the workplace,” said Neil Collishaw, head of skills competitions and awards at SummitSkills. “Past competitors have gone on to become an even greater asset to their employers and a inspirational role model for their peers.”

The closing date to register for the competition is 24 March 2011. Call 01908 303972 for more information or visit www.skillfridge.org.uk 

 Ina Colombo of London South Bank University will give a presentation to members and guests on the topic of Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration with Heat Recovery for Retail Applications on 3rd March. The presentation and accompanying paper will provide access to the findings from an applied research study on a booster carbon dioxide (R744) system with high and medium temperature heat recovery. Click on the icon to download the paper  which is a free exclusively to members of the IOR, includes a description of the conceptual design and a computer model along with its validation based upon some experimental results. The energy consumption and carbon emission reduction using this novel system has also been investigated and Ina will report on results achieved using an existing supermarket as a case study.

The event is open to members, non members, students and members of the CIBSE ASHRAE Group. Free of Charge.  5.15 for 5.45 start at London South Bank University, Borough Road.

A few  years ago, IOR Member Andrew Gigiel, wrote an article for the International Refrigeration Committee, on what the world would be like without refrigeration and how important this technology is to modern life as we know it. There has been some recent debate about the importance of our sector which is informed by this useful article.

Download the article here

Welcome to the Institute of Refrigeration technical service for AC and Heat Pump technicians. We recently published three new bulletins which as a student member you can download for free. The material is written by practicing engineers, training providers and technical advice to help keep members up to date with the latest industry developments.

Just click on the links below:

• EER and COP efficiency ratings explained
• Filtration systems and filters
• ACHPI News on air conditioning energy efficiency inspection latest

If you have forgotten your password you can request a reminder here.

Tell us what you think of these bulletins and if there are any other topics you would like us to cover in the future.

This presentation will detail how and why hydrocarbon refrigerant was selected for Waitrose’s innovative programme of new store and major refits. The authors will provide insights in the concept adopted for store refrigeration as well as how it has been integrated with the building services. Results of significant carbon and cost savings achieved through almost total leakage elimination and improved store energy efficiency are presented. The paper will also explain how the issues of safety are being addressed in equipment ranging from display cabinets to chillers, and specific procedures developed to allow engineers to work on systems on a shop floor. Click on the icon above to download (requires member password) or join us on Thursday 3rd February at the Metropole Hotel, Birmingham at 5.15pm to hear from the authors and ask questions.

Refrigeration is one of the most energy-intensive technologies used in the food supply chain. The 'Improving Cold storage Equipment in Europe' (ICE-E) project has been set up to help cold store users reduce energy usage in cold stores. By spending 10-30 minutes completing the survey organisation are able to compare the performance of their cold store to the ever expanding database.

The survey is now available at: http://coldstoresurvey.teknologisk.dk/pages_open/login.aspx

The January paper will cover the topic of Linear Compressors with a team of authors from the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford on 13th January. With disruptions to postal services members may not receive the pre-print before the presentation, so you can download this here now.

About the presentation - Linear compressors, with clearance seals and flexure bearings, have been used for many years to power Stirling cycle cryocoolers, and the same technology, with the addition of valves, can be used for vapour compression systems, with the potential for using ammonia.  This paper describes the development of linear compressors, and outlines their future potential.

If you know an engineer who goes the extra mile, who has helped bring on trainees or has made a special impact on your customers let us know who they are.  The Service Engineers Section is looking for someone who exemplifies the best in our industry to help raise the profile of the role that engineers play in our industry. 

The winner will receive a cheque for £400 and an award at the IOR Annual Dinner in February, together with the deserved recognition of the industry. Help us to celebrate the best in our industry by sending in your nomination by 10^th January 2011 using the nomination form and rules.

The ACR Show 2012 is the new dedicated exhibition for the air conditioning and refrigeration industry and will take place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, from 13-15 March 2012. The exhibition, which will also include one of the largest seminar programmes ever mounted in two separate auditoriums, will take place in hall 19 of the NEC. Other features, including a heat pump arena, are also planned.

ACR Show is backed by ACR News magazine. Find out more.

The IOR recognises the importance of encouraging the next generation of RAC professionals, therefore, anyone studying a nationally recognised qualification in refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pumps can have one years free membership of the IOR or it's specialist groups.

All you have to do to receive your membership is complete a brief survey which can be accessed by following this link or pasting this address http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5LT2CJC into a browser. It's as simple as that, no catch and no payment.

Apprentices and students can take this opportunity to benefit from  all the IOR has to offer. Please forward the survey link on to any students who may be interested in the high quality information and networking opportunities.

REAL Zero is introducing a new newsletter designed for those at the sharp end - the technicians and engineers responsible for the efficient and reliable operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. At the request of employers this newsletter will address reducing leakage through day to day service and maintenance work - simple things from filling in the F gas records accurately to replacing valve caps can make a big difference in the long term. The system operator may bear the legal responsibilities for fixing and preventing leakage but the engineer holds the key to making sure effective action is taken. The newsletter will also feature summaries of industry inititives and additional resources to help tackle the leakage issue. 

Download the first issue here  and register at www.realzero.org.uk to receive future issues

The Victorian Society, (www.victoriansociety.org.uk  a national charity campaigning for the Victorian and Edwardian historic environment has named Grimsby Ice Factory as one of the ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales. The building is considered to be at risk after years of neglect. Grimsby’s Ice Factory produced its last ice twenty years ago and the ice-making machinery can still be seen inside this vast and increasingly derelict industrial building. It’s one of the reasons why the building is listed at Grade II*, but it’s also why the factory is so hard to save.

‘There are no other buildings like this in England, but for the Ice Factory to have a future it needs to find a viable use, and soon, before its condition gets worse.’ Dr Ian Dungavell, Director of the Victorian Society. Local campaigners have formed The Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust with the sole aim of bringing this distinctive local landmark back to life.

Great Gift have stated that the "at risk" category strengthens their determination to find a practical use for the Ice Factory before nature takes its toll. While it is vital that some of the ice making equipment is preserved in context, the Ice Factory is a vast industrial space which must be adapted to the needs of the new century.

Do you have memories of the Grimsby Ice Factory or stories to tell relating to the early development of the refrigeration industry in the UK?  Would you like to help the campaigners save this important historical building that recognises the contribution of refrigeration to engineering and to national development?  Find out more at http://grimsbyice.co.uk/

The IOR is keen to use technology to help members network and share knowledge on developing refrigeration technology.  We have now set up a number of Linked In pages where members can make comments on key developments and make connections with fellow members.  We are currently inviting views on strategic issues for retail refrigeration but there will be plenty of other topics such as leakage, fgas regulations, training issues, standards developments etc to keep up to date on.  Do sign up for any of our three Linked In groups that you want to be involved in:

Main Institute of Refrigeration page http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=3606545&sharedKey=2348B506952B

REAL Zero page http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=3606588&sharedKey=7DB3F97BDF7E

Careers in Cooling page http://www.linkedin.com/groupInvitation?groupID=3606653&sharedKey=36A0B57CC110

Student membership is available for those new to the industry who want to develop their contacts, knowledge and experience in the sector. No matter what role you want to take up within the RAC and Heat Pump industries the Institute of Refrigeration can help and support you in your professional development.

The IOR is a central meeting point for people from all over the world to promote, improve and learn more about refrigeration and air conditioning. As a student member you will benefit from:

• Access to a network of professionals with a wealth of technical and practical experience of applying and developing this technology.
• Quality, practical and up to date information on technical developments (including information specifically for Service Engineers’ Section and Air conditioning technicians.
• Independent updates on legislation, standards and government consultations.
• Certified continuing professional development opportunities – including the REAL Zero leakage reduction training courses, evening meetings and website list of advisers
• Newsletters sent in regular mailings and enews updates on topical issues
• Free national and local Networking meetings with others who have the same business and professional interests at local branch meetings, annual dinners, conferences and free evening lectures.
• Advance notice and reduced-rates for IOR seminars and events.

Student Membership is available to those on nationally recognised courses or undertaking student research projects. Student membership is free for the first year (up to 31st March each year) with a reduced rate of £27* per year thereafter.

Students who gain sufficient practical experience and responsibilities in a work environment are eligible for advancement of their membership in due course and could go on to gain full Membership or Associate recognition.

Apply now to join our community of Student Members

Taking an active role in our industry is essential, if we want our professional and industry bodies to truly represent us. Each of us really do have an opportunity to make a difference. What is more, we can share knowledge and learn at the same time. Find out more about how you can become more active as a member of the IOR here or see the benefits of our different categories of membership.

To get the most out of your membership you need to take an active part in what is going on. There are lots of ways of meeting other members, developing your professional skills and making your views known:

• Go along to an evening paper presentation
• Get involved with your local branch
• Offer to give a paper based on an interesting case study or research project
• Take part in the Annual Dinner or REAL Zero training
• Join the SIRAC research network and go along to free regional meetings
• Respond to requests for input via the e-news shots
• Make a nomination for the annual IOR Awards to gain recognition for your achievements
• Ask technical questions of the Technical Committee
• Give a talk to your local school or college on Careers in Cooling
• Offer to give a tool-box talk based on SES or ACHPI Guidance Notes
• Sign up for Company membership of the International Refrigeration Committee
• Join the work of a Committee
• Stand for election to Council

The campaign was launched by the IOR Marketing Committee in September 2009 to raise awareness of the role of refrigeration and air conditioning in modern life, highlight steps being taken to mitigate its environmental impact and promote the sector as a career choice.

The Cooling Industry Award judges stated "It is a rare accolade to win the same Cooling Award category in consecutive years, but the Institute has walked off with the marketing award again this year with its campaign to entice young engineers into the industry. The judges were impressed by the fact that the IoR had grasped the nettle of the low numbers of school leavers moving into air conditioning and refrigeration. The Careers in Cooling campaign bids to ‘catching them young’ by raising awareness of the rac industry and its importance to daily life among young people aged 14 to 21. The campaign set out to position the cooling industry as the career of choice for those with an interest in technology and environment, using a professionally produced short film to promote the diverse careers that are available in rac, from a woman working in sales administration to a professor of engineering. In the words of one participant, ‘my job can change the world.’

The movie is part of a specially designed internet site, with links to educational resources such as Fantastic Fridges, which explains the science behind refrigeration and air conditioning. But Careers in Cooling is more than just a promotional campaign, and so the IoR has recruited a network of volunteers to provide information at careers fairs and to act as ambassadors for the industry, including fi ve individuals who are now approved to visit any school to talk about race engineering as a career. Judges said the campaign “sets an example that should be followed by the rest of the industry”.

The campaign continues to work to improve the calibre and interest of students in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump careers and reposition the industry as a provider of positive environmental solutions. It was funded by the IOR Centenary Fund for Education and Training

See www.careersincooling.org

The REAL Skills Europe project will develop e-learning material based on the IOR's REAL Zero guidance and training notes. With partners in Estonia, Germany, Greece, Poland and Belgium as well as the UK, the project will provide a pan-european approch to refrigerant containment.  This newsletter gives an overview of the project as it progresses towards the launch of the e-learning material in mid 2011.  Download the newsletter now.

Project leaders are keen to gain input from stakeholders and there is an on going consultation process in place on training needs and guidance at www.realskillseurope.eu.

Become part of a network of refrigeration professionals and benefit from free technical downloads, invitiations to meetings, news updates and discounts on publications.

Affiliate Membership is open to any individual with a professional interest in refrigeration and air conditioning. Annual subscription fees are £63 plus a £20 joining fee. You can join immediately as an Affiliate Member on line here. There are no criteria for membership but you will not be able to use the designatory initials MInstR after your name or take part in IOR Council elections. Find out more

Full individual Membership or Associate Membership provides recognition of your expertise and level of responsibility in refrigeration and air conditioning practice. Applications are considered individually based on experience and qualfications by an independent Membership Committee.  Find out more

Student Membership is available to those on nationally recognised courses or undertaking student research projects. Student membership is free for the first year with a reduced rate of £27* per year thereafter. Find out more

For Service Engineers the Service Engineers Section subscription service offers special quarterly mailings with practical technical information and advice for an annual fee of £30* (UK residents). Find out more 

For Air Conditioning and Heat Pump professionals the ACHPI is an affiliated group of the IOR launched in 2009 for those involved in air conditioning and heat pump installation. Subscribers receive special quarterly mailings with practical technical information and guidance. The subscription fee is £30. Find out more 

An industry-wide analysis of the F Gas Regulation in the UK carried out by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) has found that the single most significant barrier to effectiveness of the Regulation is the lack of visible enforcement, policing and mechanisms to guarantee compliance or report non-compliance.  

“The consensus of industry, many elements of which have made considerable investment in compliance, is that containment works, but improved enforcement is necessary to fully achieve the emissions reductions possible under the Regulation,” stated Mike Nankivell, Chairman of the ACRIB F Gas Implementation Group.  

An ACRIB position paper reviewing F Gas Regulation in the UK, based on industry’s practical experience to date has been endorsed by the various industry groups represented by ACRIB. In addition to calling for increased support from UK Government in raising awareness of leakage issues amongst equipment owners, the ACRIB position paper emphasises that sufficient time is necessary to fully assess the positive impact of industry initiatives to reduce leakage such as the IOR’s REAL Zero.  

ACRIB Chairman, David Bostock, said: “We can see in the many positive steps taken by supermarket groups and retailers to comply with the Regulation that there has been a definite reduction in emissions from these sectors. We now need increased Government support in raising awareness of leakage issues and ensuring compliance across all industry sectors.”  

The paper makes seven key recommendations which industry believes will increase the effectiveness of the F Gas Regulation in the UK.  

• The introduction of mandatory individual registration and public databases of company certification scheme members   
• That refrigerant suppliers be responsible for ensuring that only appropriately certified individuals can be supplied with F Gas refrigerants.
• An awareness campaign aimed at equipment operators covering enforcement in combination with a ‘non-compliant’ operator reporting service. 
• Government to ensure that standards are maintained by the UK’s two bodies appointed to issue individual training certifications. 
• Government actively monitor all three company certification bodies to ensure common standards industry-wide.  
• Company certification bodies be authorised to carry out greater verification of applicants. 
• More active enforcement and increased policing of operators’ legal obligations under the Regulation to take place.

ACRIB is calling for an open dialogue with all relevant policy makers into its findings, and recommends that they form the basis of UK input into the EU review of the Regulation in July 2011.  

The ACRIB full position paper including an executive summary, “Assessment of the effectiveness of the EU F Gas Regulations in the UK based on experience of application by the stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in the UK” is available to download here.

The IOR REAL Zero initiative broke new ground with the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in 2009 when it addressed directly the technical issues related to reducing refrigerant leakage. It led to a series of guidance notes, published articles, new refrigerant logging tools and training courses which although launched in 2009 continue to be popular today. Raising the profile of such a controversial issue as refrigerant leakage and its impact on the environment had to be handled very sensitively. The Institute of Refrigeration was successful in using the research and tools developed to highlight what the industry is doing to improve containment and therefore has focused on improving our environmental image and most importantly reducing our environmental impact.

But how successful has the project been? As well as the main published outcomes there has been follow up research on leakage reduction, two international projects led by the IOR and a series of Carbon Trust events. International and UK recognition of these efforts has been achieved through the Cooling Awards Gold Award, acknowledgement through international organisations such as EPEE and AREA and interest from as far away as California and Japan. But the proof of success has to be measured in terms of real carbon savings achieved.

One year on from the initial research and investigations which underpinned the REAL Zero approach, the IOR has conducted follow up analysis of what has been learned and what actions have taken place. The collated results are very encouraging. Follow up activity conducted in March this year focused on seeking updated information from the original refrigeration equipment sites surveyed 12 to 18 months ago. The sites were asked for information on refrigerant use and actions carried out as a result of their work with REAL Zero.

In total 27 systems at 10 of the original 24 sites were reviewed. Feedback showed that the REAL Zero concept has changed practice on these sites and as a result there has been significant reduction in leakage related to that equipment.

The carbon savings realised equates to nearly 8,000 tonnes CO2(e) per annum, based on a net reduction in refrigerant leakage of 4,900 kg over a corresponding 12 month period. This represents an impressive 43% reduction in annual leakage, averaged across the 10 sites.

“REAL Zero originally projected around 25% improvement in refrigerant use across the sample sites, so these results at 43% have really exceeded all expectation. But it doesn’t mean that there isn’t still more that can and must be done to reduce emissions. The IOR has always seen REAL Zero as a process rather than a one off initiative. The industry is making massive steps in recognising the financial, practical and environmental benefits of refrigerant containment and these results show its commitment to achieving even further improvements in the future.” Prof Graeme Maidment F Inst R, REAL Zero Steering Group Chairman

The IOR REAL Zero training is just one element of the project which continues to gain momentum. Through a series of one day workshops at various UK locations held with the support of the Carbon Trust, we are helping to embed this knowledge within industry. The events are open to equipment owners, service and maintenance managers and contracting companies. The next series of workshops are taking place on: 9th September in London, 19th November in Manchester and 1st February in the Midlands. Registration including the assessment and certification fees is just £50+VAT. So far over 50 individuals have experienced the one day event and worked with the project team to improve our collective knowledge on why leakage occurs and how to prevent it.

Full details of the REAL Zero guidance notes, training materials and courses are available at www.realzero.org.uk

The REAL-SKILLS-EUROPE project has been established as a EU Leonardo Funded Transfer of Innovation project to develop tools and techniques to help reduce refrigerant leakage through improved education and training.  The first project newsletter has now been published and gives an overview of current activity and future work packages including:

• a multi-lingual website, containing information and tools to help minimise refrigerant emissions and improve our knowledge of refrigerant management techniques
• a pan-european multi-lingual e-learning education system
• recognition and certification of training in all participating countries
• opportunities for individuals to become specialists in reduction of refrigerant leakage

REAL-SKILLS-EUROPE is lead by a consortium of European educational institutions, teaching, membership and research organisations, which perform leading roles in their own countries in training and supporting RAC professionals, research and innovation. They are all well placed to involve a range of stakeholders including the current providers of RAC VET. The project is managed by the IOR as a development of the UK based REAL Zero work.

Help shape this European training programme by taking part in the online training survey.

Download the newsletter now or visit the website to sign up for future updates at www.realskillseurope.com

The Carbon Trust Refrigeration Road Map introduces the main energy saving opportunities for refrigeration use in the retail sector and demonstrates how simple actions save energy use, cut costs and increase profit margins.

Developed in association with the Institute of Refrigeration and British Refrigeration Association in 2010, the Road Map is key reading for anyone involved in the design, specification, purchasing or innovation in retail refrigeration.

Download your copy here (this will take you to the Carbon Trust website and you will need to register with them if you have not already done so to obtain your copy)

National Heat Pump Award scheme has been launched by ACR Today to reward and celebrate the best new advances in heat pump technology and outstanding applications in buildings and industry.

Launched with the backing of key organisations and leading companies, the new annual awards will provide a national showcase for the latest developments in this rapidly developing area of sustainable technology. To find out how you can enter for the new awards www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk

Wondering how your fridge works? The Institute of Refrigeration has an education website with information all about the processes which are used to create "cooling" or refrigeration.  At the site you can:

• explore an animated refrigeration circuit demonstrating basic thermodynamic principles and pressure, temperature and gas relationships
• follow the development of the refrigerator from the use of natural ice to widespread use of domestic cabinets
• Find out about the three states of matter and how matter changes from one state to another by researching the gas laws and the scientists who discovered them
• explore the impact of refrigeration on global warming and ozone depletion and find out what is being done internationally to mitigate this impact
• find out how the development of many industries and most countries has been influenced, at least in part, by refrigeration. 

Enter the world of FANTASTIC FRIDGES

The professional qualifications – CEng and IEng - are well known, and have for some time been available to suitably qualified members of the IoR. The professional qualification of EngTech is also available and although not yet widely adopted in this industry it looks set to become more prominent for a number of reasons.

Surveys have repeatedly shown that individuals with the letters – EngTech - after their name (e.g. John Smith EngTech) have improved career prospects. They achieve higher earnings than their unregistered counterparts and further more, the EngTech award demonstrates to existing and potential employers and clients that the holder has experience, drive and commitment.

The EngTech professional qualification is open to anyone that can demonstrate the required professional competences and commitment, including, individuals without professional qualifications who can demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary competence through substantial working experience. Getting registered may be more straightforward if one has the relevant educational or vocational qualifications, or have completed an advanced apprenticeship, but the IoR recognises that one can develop the knowledge and skills in other ways and therefore, there is a route to suit all competent individuals.

If you are an individual developing the skills and experience that make you a valuable member of your team and this industry; if you find yourself working in a role where your understanding and application of engineering principles make a real difference, and want your efforts to be properly recognised and appreciated, then you should be seriously thinking about gaining the professional title (EngTech, CEng, or IEng) that demonstrates your personal and professional commitment to society, this profession, and to the environment.

For more information about how IOR members can register via CIBSE for the Engineering Council see our Professional Development pages

IOR, SES and ACHPI member annual subscriptions are now due.  Members can pay their subscription using our secure on line shop on this website. You must be logged in order pay on line. 

If you know you are registered as a member to use this website (when you log in the message will come up "logged in as a member" ) you can go direct to the payment log in screen http://www.ior.org.uk/ior_membership_renewal.php

If you have registered as a member on the website in the past but cannot remember your password you can request a reminder here

If you have not registered as a member on the website apply for a password now

If you pay by direct debit you will have received a receipt recently. Contact the IOR if you wish to set up or amend direct debit payments.

A list of Refrigerant Handling and F Gas Training centres is available on the ACRIB website or you can search the two recognised awarding bodies:

City and Guilds  for Level 2 Certificates in F Gas (known as 2079)

CITB Construction Skills  for F Gas qualifications J11

Full information about the F Gas Regulation and ODS Regulation training, certification and interim qualifications for companies and individuals are available in F Gas Support Guidance Note 5.

For queries contact DEFRA F Gas Support at www.defra.gov.uk/fgas

New government guidance has been published by on:

• Availability and Permitted Use of Recycled HCFCs
• Other Proposed Amendments to the EC Ozone Regulation

The guidance clarifies the permitted use of recycled and recovered HCFCs ( eg R22). It also explains the new legal obligations due to come into force in January 2010 which bring end user requirements somewhat into line with the F Gas Regulation requirements eg changes to the leak checking frequency.  The free guidance (RAC9) and help desk service for detailed queries are available from F Gas Support.

As part of the IOR Carbon Trust funded REAL Zero project, four self study training booklets are now available:

• Environmental, cost and legal aspects of refrigerant leakage; covering elements such as calculating the financial and environmental aspects of refrigerant leakage and making a case for leakage reduction.
• Reducing leakage through appropriate maintenance and service; covering system maintenance regimes, how to reduce leakage potential in existing systems and maximising effectiveness of direct and indirect leak test methods.
• Minimising leakage in new systems; covering relevant system design, installation and commissioning issues
• Reducing leakage through site specific surveys and advice; covering a recommended site survey methodology, proformas for site audit reports and strategies for equipment owners.

The self study training booklets are suitable for everyone including service engineers and end users.  The first two booklets are available free of charge as downloads. There is also an option to take on line assessments and apply for an IOR CPD (continuous professional development) Certificate. End users interested in using the services of someone who is familiar with the REAL Zero approach to leakage reduction and has passed the assessments will be able carry out an on line search for individuals on the REAL Zero website in the near future. To find out more about the training booklets see the REAL Zero website.

The European Ozone Depleting Substances regulation explains the restrictions on new equipment and states that "There will be a ban on the use of virgin HCFCs from 1st January 2010 and a ban on the use of all HCFCs, including recycled materials, from 1 January 2015."

The IOR has a brief guide which helps to outline options for owners of industrial equipment on its site here.

There are also requirements regarding leak testing and qualification of personnel.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions for clarification can be viewed at http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ozone/faqs.htm

A DTI booklet on how the regulation effects users and maintainers of equipment can be download from the site below:

The IOR project to develop a simple measure of refrigeration system efficiency has successfully produced an IOR System Efficiency Index. The tool is available for use by designers, engineers and purchasers of complex refrigeration systems, to indicate their comparative efficiency (rated A-D). A set of guidelines running along side the index outlines how it can be used and how you can improve your rating. A Wizard will take you through all of the steps to calculate your proposed (or actual) system efficiency using some basic measurements. This free tool was sponsored by the CArbon Trust as part of its commitment to helping the refrigeration sector improve its energy use and encourage purchasers to make energy efficient decisions. Register to download the index free of charge from this site.

Members of the Institute of Refrigeration are able to register with the Engineering Council EC(UK) as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician depending on their level of qualifications and experience.

Through a special arrangement with The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), applications from IOR members will be processed by CIBSE. As a licensed body of the Engineering Council UK, CIBSE facilitates the Registration process. They may therefore nominate those who are appropriately qualified and professionally competent for the UK Chartered Engineer register. Applications are assessed against the standard Engineering Council professional requirements and subject to assessments or interviews as necessary.

Registration with the Engineering Council provides IOR members with independent verification of their competence and commitment to professionalism, as well as the right to use designatory letters after their name (C Eng, I Eng, Eng Tech). Standard application fees apply, but the registrants are not required to pay membership fees to CIBSE for their registration to be considered.

For full details and application forms see the Professional Development Pages on this website

One of the most popular outputs from the REAL Zero project has been the set of guides for service engineers on leak testing. These colour illustrated booklets are handy and clear and will help focus activity on fixing and preventing future leaks.  

The guides in A4 format are available as free PDFs from the project website at www.realzero.org.uk. However we have had a lot of requests from employers and training providers for hard copies of the booklets so that they can distribute them even wider within the industry.  As a result we are now able to offer printed versions.

The two pocket guides (10cm x 13cm approx) contain 16 pages each with illustrations of common leaks to look for during leak testing and guidance on how to carry out effective leak testing, checking leak detectors work, and recording checks for F gas regulations. You can see the contents of the guides laid out as A4 publications at the REAL Zero site.

If you are interested in buying copies the Pocket Versions please see the IOR shop below -

To order an individual set of 2 guides

To order larger quantities

UK Government helpline can deal with individual queries about the F Gas Regulations and have a range of useful guidance notes at:

Telephone Helpline: 0161 874 3663

Email: Fgas-support@enviros.com

Website: www.defra.gov.uk/fgas

Address: F-gas support, PO Box 481, Salford, M50