The Beyond Refrigeration Environmental Award supports one of the IOR’s core missions: addressing the challenges of reaching net zero. The award will help share cutting-edge innovative projects, raise awareness of new ways of doing things, and promote the advancement of technology for the benefit of society.

In addition to receiving recognition from industry at the IOR Annual Dinner, the winning project will be presented as a technical paper as part of the IOR’s programme, ensuring that their innovative solution gains maximum exposure.

The first project to win the IOR’s Beyond Refrigeration Environmental Award in 2024 was a game-changing solution to the management of ageing commercial refrigeration assets. The award was won by Sustain. James Warburton from Sustain said: “I view the Institute of Refrigeration as the foremost authority in the cooling industry, prioritising both foundational principles and future advancements. Their initiative to acknowledge substantial environmental progress within the industry is truly commendable… The recognition has facilitated meaningful dialogues across various avenues, while also providing opportunities to collaborate with prominent figures in the industry.”

The award is closely tied to the practical application of the IOR’s Beyond Refrigeration priorities. It is open to companies or collaborative projects and the award entries can come cover refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump projects across industrial, commercial, or domestic applications. Eligible projects must be installed and operational, demonstrating robust data on performance, energy usage, and environmental impact.

The application should address at least four of the seven critical areas outlined in the IOR’s Beyond Refrigeration framework: maximising system performance, using best technology, balancing heating and cooling, reducing the need for cooling, intelligent energy use, developing the best people and skills, working together and whole system lifetime. Detailed information on these priorities can be found at www.ior.org.uk/beyondrefrigeration

Submit your innovative project today for the award and be part of the solution – download the nomination form at  www.ior.org.uk/about/IOR-awards/beyond-refrigeration-environment-award