IIARThe Official Magazine of the All-Natural Refrigeration Industry
The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration said it has released a “Refrigerant Evaluator Tool” to help IIAR members and others assess their refrigerant choices and evaluate their options as the Environmental Protection Agency phases out high global warming potential refrigerants. The IIAR Refrigerant Evaluator Tool can be found here: https://refrigerantcomparison.com/ John Flynn, the Chair of […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration announced that it has released a new video aimed at educating the public on the economic and environmental benefits of natural refrigerants, specifically CO2. The new video is also positioned as a B2B marketing tool, encouraging business leaders to visit iiar.org to learn more about natural refrigeration and how […]
The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an initiative in the Pacific Northwest to improve the safety of smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities – focused on facilities with under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. The initiative, which is being carried out by EPA Region 10, was developed with input from EPA region 1 and the International Institute of […]
The following fact sheet was published by the Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 to communicate details about the Region 10 compliance initiative for facilities under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. It is reproduced here for the benefit of IIAR members and non-members with facilities under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Ammonia: An Efficient Refrigerant That Must Be […]
The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an initiative in the Pacific Northwest to improve the safety of smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities – focused on facilities with under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Read a complete overview of the initiative in the Condenser Magazine article: “EPA Launches Region 10 Initiative for Facilities Under 10,000 lbs of Ammonia.” […]
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which was enacted on December 27, 2020, authorized the EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in three areas: (1) Phasing down HFC production, (2) Facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions and (3) Regulating to minimize HFC releases and maximizing reclamation efforts. The EPA has methodically executed […]
A growing number of states and federal regulatory agencies are examining the effects of perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, and regulatory frameworks are evolving due to concerns over their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts. “More than 30 states have introduced or adopted regulations related to PFAS, but until recently, refrigerants were not […]
IIAR has a wide range of benefits available to members, from professional development opportunities to industry networking, and as of July 1, members have access to even more than they did before. “Our members get access to the most reliable up-to-date information about the refrigeration industry, best practices, and ongoing education,” said Lisa Berryman, member […]
The Board of Directors of the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration, during the Institute’s last meeting in June 2024, approved an agreement with Paraguay’s Institute of Standards and Metrology. The Institute of Standards and Metrology said it will start adopting IIAR standards as Paraguay’s national standards. Paraguay has one of the largest meat and dairy […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s Education Committee announced that it has finalized the creation of a one-pager fact sheet regarding the AIM Act phasedown, to quickly illustrate the scope of refrigerants currently being used, based on their global warming potential. The IIAR AIM Act Fact Sheet can be downloaded as a PDF from the […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to move forward with regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which will restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons. The agency is currently working on Subsection (h), which focuses on managing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and substitutes. Tristam Coffin, co-founder of Effecterra and president of sustainability, policy, and technical services, […]
The refrigeration industry is experiencing regulatory pressures to transition away from HFC refrigerants at all levels. “While federal regulations under the AIM Act are a key factor in the shift away from HFCs, policymakers in California, New York, and Washington are sending an even stronger signal to move to future-proof refrigerants as quickly as possible,” […]
There are multiple regulatory requirements surrounding the use of ammonia in industrial refrigeration applications, including emergency release reporting requirements. Under the requirements, accidental releases must be promptly reported and managed, but it is important for users to avoid both under and over reporting. “According to EPA regulations, a facility must report any leak or leaks […]
For regulators and their industry partners, developing relationships can benefit both groups as they work towards improving safety, ensuring compliance, and shaping future regulatory requirements. As an association, IIAR is focused on advocacy and ensuring the industry has a voice. “If we don’t use our voice, that voice isn’t going to be heard,” said Lowell […]
Cybersecurity is taking on greater importance in the refrigeration industry due to the increasing integration of smart technologies and the growing threat of cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards and financial losses. “Industrial refrigeration systems are becoming more and more automated. The internet is touching almost every part of the business now,” […]
In February 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed new rule that would expand the reach of its emergency response standard. OSHA stated it has undertaken the rulemaking because it believes current OSHA emergency response and preparedness standards are outdated and incomplete. According to OSHA, current regulations do not address the full […]
ob Burdick, the Vice President of Bassett Mechanical from 1967 – 2002, longtime IIAR member, first chairman of the IIAR piping committee, and one of the original authors of the IIAR piping handbook, has passed away. Most of Bob’s working life was spent at Bassett Mechanical, where he became a specialist in ammonia refrigeration. He […]
ore than 1,900 attendees participated in the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo in Orlando, Florida, setting a new record for attendance. The event provided the latest information on industry issues, technical knowledge, and networking, as well as an opportunity to see new equipment for those involved in the […]
The IIAR Award for Presentation Excellence was presented to two deserving individuals during IIAR’s annual meeting. Todd Jekel, University of Wisconsin Madison, received IIAR’s 2024 Award for Presentation Excellence for the English presentation of his paper titled “Application and Considerations for Internal Relief in Industrial Refrigeration Systems.” Jekel is a longtime contributor to NRF research […]
IIAR has signed memorandums of understanding with the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC). Schrift said MOUs are important in documenting a board-approved framework that allows IIAR and other organizations to work together on mutually beneficial projects. “In general, IIAR signs MOUs with organizations that share a vision […]
he Natural Refrigeration Foundation’s Fun Day during the annual conference featured golf, cornhole, and pickleball, raising $77,000 to support the foundation’s scholarships and research projects. All of the events reached their maximum capacity. “We had 100 golfers, and we had more that were interested that were not able to participate because we were capped by […]
The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) will be merging with the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) to help build awareness of industrial refrigeration careers and increase the number of technicians entering the industrial space. “We believe we will be better together moving forward,” said Jim Barron, executive director of RETA. Michael Hawkins, manufacturers’ representative […]
atural refrigerants, including ammonia and CO2, require robust emergency response and management protocols to address potential risks and ensure safety. As the refrigeration industry continues its transition towards natural refrigerants, prioritizing emergency response and management is paramount, and the industry, state and federal governments and local jurisdictions are all working to ensure they’re prepared. “There […]
n March 11th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Final Rule that makes changes to the agency’s Risk Management Program (RMP). The move is the latest in a series of rulemakings related to RMP over the last 10 years and reinstates several requirements similar to those mandated by […]
he Environmental Protection Agency has issued proposed rule changes to the Risk Management Program Rule as part of the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule. The final rule provisions took effect on May 10, but there are future phase-in dates for some provisions. Douglas Reindl, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of […]
he use of natural refrigerants is increasing as governments, investors, and end users work to reduce the use of high-global warming potential refrigerants. Europe has been at the forefront, promoting the use of natural refrigerants through regulations and incentives, but challenges remain in other areas. Those involved in refrigerants globally said it would take increased […]
The industrial refrigeration industry is working to build a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive environment, and this year’s annual conference created opportunities for those in the industry to learn more about promoting diversity and inclusion. “Diversifying our workforce not only broadens the talent pool but also provides our industry the opportunity to flourish with […]
