The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) actively contributed to REFCOLD India 2024, held in Kolkata from October 3-5. As a premier event for the refrigeration and cold chain sectors in South Asia, organized by ISHRAE and Informa Markets, REFCOLD showcased innovations aimed at industry advancement.
IIR, as a partner in the INDEE+ and ENOUGH projects, engaged participants as a keynote speaker and panelist. Dr. Yosr Allouche, IIR's Director General, delivered a keynote on sustainable refrigeration technologies. She stressed the transition of refrigeration from a luxury to a necessity amid climate change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices for meeting global climate targets.
During a session titled "Women in 'Cool' Careers: Her Story of Cooling," Dr. Allouche highlighted the significant roles of women in the industry as part of the Women in Cooling initiative.
The INDEE+ project team hosted a session on natural refrigerant systems, detailing successful implementations in sectors such as fisheries and hospitality. Supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NTNU, the discussion included future projects aimed at decarbonizing heating and cooling in India.
The ENOUGH team led a panel on reducing food loss and waste in cold chains. The discussion addressed issues like consumer behavior, post-harvest management, and climate change impacts, offering solutions to raise awareness among farmers and enhance cold storage and integrated cold chain systems.
