NEWS & APPOINTMENTS


Heatwave puts refrigeration resilience in the spotlight as industry rethinks design for a changing climate


Recent comments from the UK Cold Chain Federation and widespread media reports of refrigeration outages have brought renewed attention to the resilience of the nation’s cooling infrastructure and the need for refrigeration systems designed for a changing climate. With industry leaders warning that much of the UK’s refrigerated infrastructure was designed for significantly lower summer temperatures, the recent heatwave has reinforced that resilience deserves to sit alongside efficiency as one of the defining measures of refrigeration system performance.


For operators of food manufacturing plants and temperature-controlled distribution facilities, where reliable cooling is becoming increasingly critical as ambient temperatures rise, the challenge extends beyond higher electricity consumption. The greater risk is that refrigeration systems begin to lose available cooling capacity at precisely the time cooling demand is highest. From an engineering perspective, resilience in high ambient temperatures is rarely


determined by a single piece of equipment or even the refrigerant itself. Instead, it depends on how the entire refrigeration system is engineered, controlled, commissioned and maintained throughout its operational life. Valgard Bertschinger, head of business development at Star Refrigeration, said: “Heatwaves naturally attract attention when refrigeration systems struggle, but they also show why others continue to operate reliably. Resilience isn’t something you add once a heatwave arrives. It needs to be built into the system from the very beginning and maintained throughout the plant’s life.” Many refrigeration systems currently operating across the UK were designed around historical weather data and summer design temperatures that reflected the weather patterns at the time. While many continue to perform reliably within their original design envelope, increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat are reinforcing the need to review the assumptions used when designing new refrigeration systems expected to operate for the next 25 to 30 years. As temperatures rise, refrigeration systems naturally consume more electricity. However, the more significant challenge is often maintaining sufficient cooling capacity to meet demand.


Mr Bertschinger said: “People often assume hotter weather is mainly an efficiency issue, but the bigger challenge is maintaining enough cooling capacity when demand is at its highest. A refrigeration system can still be running, consuming more electricity, and yet no longer have enough available cooling capacity to meet the site’s demand. Understanding that distinction is becoming increasingly important as ambient temperatures rise.”


During June’s heatwave, performance data from a number of StarCare maintained sites showed how effective system design for ambient temperatures of up to +40°C, integrated controls, and preventative maintenance helped preserve cooling capacity during the prolonged period of exceptionally high ambient temperatures. The recent heatwave has also highlighted how differently refrigeration technologies


respond as ambient temperatures increase. As ambient temperatures increase, CO2


systems experience a more pronounced


reduction in available cooling capacity and efficiency, making design margins and operational strategy increasingly important. A 10 degree rise in ambient temperature can reduce cooling capacity by around 33%, compared with 5% for ammonia systems, which generally maintain capacity more effectively under high ambient conditions. Star Refrigeration has published guidance on designing refrigeration systems for a hotter world, alongside practical advice on preparing existing refrigeration systems for prolonged periods of high ambient temperatures.


Industry leaders and government officials join ECA-BESA data centre skills roundtable


Senior business leaders from T Clarke, Crown House Technologies, Emcor, Group Metropolitan, Sudlows, Phoenix ME and other contractors joined government departments, Skills England, Barbour ABI, JTL, JIB and Oxford University at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and BESA’s latest data centre skills roundtable to address one of the UK’s biggest growth opportunities. With more than £14 billion of investment announced by the Government and an estimated £88 billion pipeline of data centre projects, demand for electrical, engineering and specialist technical skills is growing rapidly. Participants at the roundtable agreed that workforce capacity, competence and supply chain capability are becoming key factors that will determine whether the UK can deliver this investment at scale. The roundtable gave ECA Members direct access to major contractors, government departments and industry bodies shaping future skills, standards and workforce policy. Discussions covered workforce forecasting, specialist electrical skills, commissioning,


apprenticeships, supply chain development and routes into the data centre market. This has led to a substantial programme of follow-up work being agreed. Mark Lawrence, chief executive of ECA Member business T Clarke, said: “Data centres


are one of the UK’s most important growth markets, but growth on this scale can only be delivered if we develop the skilled workforce needed to support it. The roundtable brought together the right mix of industry leaders, government and skills organisations to start tackling that challenge, and I am encouraged by the commitment shown by everyone around the table to work together on the next steps.” George Hall, of ECA Member business and cable jointing and installation specialists TAG UK Services, said: “Data centres rely on specialist cabling and jointing skills, yet awareness of these careers remains far too low. This roundtable gave us a valuable opportunity to highlight the need for stronger training pathways, recognised competence standards and better workforce planning.”


4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2026 Appointments


Whitecroft Lighting appoints New IT director to drive AI innovation


Commercial lighting manufacturer Whitecroft Lighting, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Steve Wilson as IT Director, supporting the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data-driven innovation.


Bringing extensive experience in managing IT systems, Wilson will lead the strategic adoption of AI technologies, strengthen the company’s cybersecurity accreditation, and drive improvements in data and information sharing across the business. The appointment forms part of Whitecroft Lighting’s wider digital transformation programme, designed to ensure its internal technology capabilities evolve alongside the advanced lighting solutions it develops for customers. Wilson will also play a key role in shaping the IT and technology strategy across the wider


Fagerhult Group, a pan-European network of lighting companies, of which Whitecroft Lighting is a part of.


He said: “Joining Whitecroft Lighting at this stage of its growth journey is a fantastic opportunity. The business has ambitious plans, a strong heritage and a clear commitment to innovation, and I’m looking forward to helping shape the next phase of its digital transformation.


David Serif, managing director, Whitecroft Lighting said: “Whitecroft Lighting and the


Fagerhult Group are increasingly a technology and data-led business, so it’s essential that IT helps shape their strategic direction.


Ex-Fujitsu UK lead joins Airzone in strategic hire for European growth


HVAC control solutions specialist Airzone, has appointed Steven Milnes as UK & Ireland sales manager to lead the expansion of its distribution network across the region. Having spent more than two decades in the HVAC sector working with leading brands including Fujitsu General Air Conditioning, Haier and TF Solutions, Steven brings invaluable industry expertise and a deep understanding of the distribution landscape. In his new role, Steven will work closely with distribution partners to


increase market coverage, strengthen engagement with installers and provide greater accessibility of Airzone’s solutions.


Steven’s initial focus will be on building Airzone’s distribution network and creating a


route to market for installers, while ensuring all partners are fully equipped and trained on its proprietary account management tool. By building a robust and well-supported distributor base, Steven will help accelerate the adoption of Airzone’s products and support the company’s continued growth across the UK and Ireland. He said:“Having seen first-hand the opportunities in the market and Airzone’s unrivalled offering, the UK & Ireland represents a hugely untapped and fruitful region for us. With innovative products, enthusiastic distribution partners and a fantastic support network, we will undoubtedly emulate the success of our Airzone colleagues in the likes of Spain, France, Italy and America.”


Navigator appoints operations director


Ian Scarrott has joined heating and plumbing distributor Navigator MSL as the company’s new operations director. Ian brings with him many years of experience working with the likes of Knightsbridge MLA, Wolesley, Fresh Direct, Tate & Lyle and Budweiser. At Navigator, Ian will take the lead on health and safety, customer services, warehouse, logistics, stock control, facilities, insurance and fleet issues. “These are exciting times for Navigator MSL and I join at a time when as a business we are riding a wave of success and growth,” says Ian. “I hope to build on that success in my new role which is to translate our MD Tim Manton’s strategic vision for Navigator MSL into an operations and service strategy that puts world class service at the centre of our customer proposition.”


New managing director of MCS


Lisa Cooke, currently Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) chief operating officer, has been appointed to succeed Ian Rippin and lead MCS as its managing director.


Lisa joined MCS shortly after Ian in 2018 and has led the


redevelopment of the MCS installer Scheme, which is now being rolled out to thousands of businesses. Lisa will formally take up the role of managing director on 1 August and will be supported by Ian in a handover and transition period until the end of 2026. As Managing director, Lisa will shape and deliver MCS’s next long-term strategy, levering its legacy and impact to build lasting confidence in home-grown energy for households and industry alike. Lisa said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as MCS’ managing director at such a critical time. With 2026 already tracking to be the sixth consecutive record-breaking year for certified installations and the case for home-grown energy strengthening by the minute, MCS has a critical role to play in accelerating the UK’s transition to home-grown energy.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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