The Industrial Refrigeration Network (IRN) Conference 2025 will focus on sustainable practices within the sector. Hosted by BITZER at the SCHAUFLER Academy in Rottenburg-Ergenzingen, Germany, on June 4-5, the English-language event will gather European thought leaders to examine future-proof industrial refrigeration solutions. The conference will focus on safe, future-proof and
BITZER's focus on propane and CO₂ compressors signals a strategic pivot towards sustainable refrigerants within the rapidly electrifying public transport sector. At Busworld Europe 2025, BITZER will present its latest compressor technologies designed for bus air conditioning and heat pump systems, emphasising both energy efficiency and the use
Training programmes in Costa Rica and South Africa are preparing technicians for the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants in the refrigerated container (reefer) industry. The refrigeration industry is undergoing a significant shift away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) towards natural refrigerants, such as CO₂ (R744) and propane (R290), to mitigate environmental impact. These
ASHRAE has established a dedicated Centre of high standards to address greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, signalling an alignment with global decarbonisation efforts. The move underscores the increasing pressure on the building sector to reduce its environmental impact. ASHRAE's new Centre of high standards for Building Decarbonization (CEBD)
RecycleForce in Indianapolis is set to receive a $500,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a move aimed at boosting the local economy and cleaning up communities. One might say it's about time someone got around to it. The EPA's
The Bathroom Association has opened nominations for its 2026 'Thirty-under-Thirty' awards, seeking to recognise and promote the next generation of talent within the bathroom industry. The Bathroom Association's 'Thirty-under-Thirty' Awards 2026 aim to highlight individuals aged 29 or under who demonstrate innovation and high
KNIPEX offers plumbers a range of tool rolls and sets designed for protection and easy access. KNIPEX is offering a range of tool rolls and bundled sets for some of its most trusted plumbing tools. The durable polyester rolls are designed to keep popular pliers protected, organised and easy to
City & Guilds and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) are collaborating to address skills gaps and enhance training standards in the plumbing and heating sector, reflecting growing concerns about the industry's ability to meet current and future demands. This alliance aims to tackle pressing
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has released its manifesto for 2025-2027, outlining its strategic priorities for the UK's plumbing and heating sector. The manifesto focuses on skills development, sustainability, conservation, and safeguarding within the industry, addressing critical challenges and proposing solutions centred on those
GEA has once again earned the highest rating – Platinum – in the globally recognised EcoVadis sustainability assessment. The machinery and plant manufacturer improved its score from 82 to 92 out of 100. For the second year running, GEA ranks among the top 1% of more than 150,000 rated companies across
KE2 Therm Solutions’ KE2 Service Tool App – now under the Distech Controls portfolio, part of Acuity Brands – has snagged a Gold Award at the ACHR News 2023 Dealer Design Awards, marking it as a pinnacle in HVACR product design. The KE2 Service Tool App secured its Gold Award in the
Reece has consolidated and expanded its services to Queensland's Wide Bay Burnett region with a new Bundaberg multisite. Reece has opened a new multisite location at 16 Lillian Crescent, Kensington, in Bundaberg, Queensland, which houses relocated Actrol and Plumbing branches, alongside new Irrigation & Pools and Civil branches.
Heat Pumps
**Star Refrigeration** is seeking to recruit industrial refrigeration engineering apprentices at locations including Aberdeen, Bellshill, Leeds, Northampton, and Reading. This three-year apprenticeship programme provides a nationally recognised engineering qualification, with successful apprentices transitioning into permanent roles as Industrial Refrigeration Engineers. According to **Star Refrigeration**, its industrial refrigeration engineers are '
BMS & Controls
Trane – by Trane Technologies – is partnering with Northern Illinois University (NIU) on a campus-wide energy-saving infrastructure programme in DeKalb, Illinois. The initiative aims to significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions across the university's facilities. The 18-month project will see Trane and NIU upgrade the DeKalb campus with energy-saving
Fans & Motors
The European Commission's final report on the Digital Building Logbook (DBL) proposes a unified approach to building data across the EU, potentially transforming HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system management and energy efficiency. This initiative aims to standardise how building information is collected, managed, and accessed across
Fans & Motors
A European Parliament report highlights the connection between air pollution and COVID-19, emphasising ventilation's importance. The report examines the impact of air pollution on health, with a specific focus on COVID-19 transmission. The report stresses that adequate ventilation is crucial for reducing the spread of Sars-COV-2, and considers
BMS & Controls
Airedale by Modine's Helix Unit Controls platform combines hardware and software for efficient HVAC automation. The Helix platform includes features such as self-diagnostics and compliance with Ecodesign standards. It also facilitates connectivity between multiple units and to ACIS or third-party BMS systems. Key components include the Vu Display,
Heat Pumps
UK homes saw a record year for certified renewable installations in 2025, installing a new small-scale renewable energy source roughly every 90 seconds. According to data from MCS, the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewables, 2025 was a record year, with 369,000 certified renewable installations in UK homes
BMS & Controls
Distech Controls has strengthened its sales leadership team with the appointment of three new Vice Presidents. Distech Controls, part of Acuity Brands’ Intelligent Spaces Group, has announced the appointment of George West as Vice President Global Market Expansion, Danny Lee as Vice President Sales for the APAC region, and Darryl
Refrigerants
Star Data Analytics (SDA) promotes its Ethos Energy Management system, which aims to deliver energy savings in refrigeration and heating applications. Ethos uses artificial intelligence to optimise the performance of refrigeration and heating equipment, identifying inefficiencies and aiming to reduce electricity consumption. This system for controls analyses real-time plant operations
Heat Pumps
The passing of Christiane Schaufler-Münch, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of BITZER SE, sees her shares transferred to THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION, ensuring the company's continued independence. Christiane Schaufler-Münch’s shares will transfer to THE SCHAUFLER FOUNDATION, solidifying its influence. This arrangement, coupled with the appointment of Christian Wehrle
Heat Pumps
Updated VAT guidance clarifies which energy-saving materials qualify for zero-rate VAT until March 2027. NIBE has announced updated guidance on VAT rates for energy-saving materials, effective from April 2022 in Great Britain. The revised rules remove both the social conditions test and the 60% test for qualifying installations in England,
Heat Pumps
NIBE's S735C exhaust air heat pump aims to capture and reuse domestic energy, improving efficiency via integration with the myUplink platform. NIBE has introduced its S735C exhaust air heat pump to the British market, a system designed to extract warm air from homes and convert it into useful
Heat Pumps
Aira, a European clean energy-tech company, has secured €150M in equity financing to accelerate the adoption of residential heat pumps across Europe. The funding aims to reduce CO2 emissions and lower energy costs for homeowners. This investment round, sourced from existing investors including Altor, Kallskär, Kinnevik, Lingotto, and Temasek, signals