22 July 2025
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The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) is now accepting submissions for its Beyond Refrigeration Environmental Award — an annual accolade that recognises pioneering projects making a measurable impact in reducing environmental emissions from UK cooling systems.
Aligned with the IOR’s commitment to addressing the Net Zero challenge, the award aims to highlight and share cutting-edge innovations, promote new approaches to cooling and heating, and advance technologies that deliver environmental and societal benefits.
In addition to industry recognition at the IOR Annual Dinner, the winning project will be showcased as a technical paper in the IOR’s programme — ensuring the innovation receives the visibility and platform it deserves.
The 2025 award went to the Smart Parc Energy Centre in Derby. Developed by GEA Heating & Refrigeration Solutions, it is a sustainable energy management centre, based on an integrated heating and cooling network that redistributes waste heat.
Open to companies and collaborative initiatives, the award invites entries from projects involving refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pumps. Submissions can span industrial, commercial or domestic applications. All projects must be installed, operational, and supported by robust performance data demonstrating their energy efficiency and environmental impact.
Entries should address at least four of the seven priority areas set out 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.
Full details on these priorities can be found here.
The closing date for entries is 10 November. Download the nomination form here.
