NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference puts ‘Driving Natural Refrigeration’ in the spotlight
The Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference (IRN) took place at the SCHAUFLER Academy in Rottenburg-Ergenzingen on 10 and 11 June 2026 with the theme ‘Driving Natural Innovation’. BITZER, the specialist for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump technology, hosted the independent IRN Conference for the third time at the company’s international training and education centre, the Schaufler Academy. Alongside the IIAR keynote, the programme included technical discussions and case studies on industrial refrigeration and heat pump technology. The keynote by Yesenia Rector, Vice President of the IIAR, was one of the highlights of IRN 2026. She spoke about experiences and developments relating to natural refrigerants and explained their importance for modern industrial refrigeration and heat pump technology. At the same time, she showed how natural refrigerants have evolved alongside technological and regulatory requirements so that they can also be used reliably, efficiently and safely on a large scale. This highlighted new opportunities for contractors and planners. “The Tech Talks by the sponsors also provided valuable impulses for professional exchange on how the uses of natural refrigerants are continuing to evolve in Europe and the opportunities this creates” said Bernhard Blaeser, head of industrial refrigeration at BITZER. Further presentations provided insights into the speakers’ work as well as new trends from
A keynote by Yesenia Rector, vice president of the IIAR, was one of the highlights of the Industrial Refrigeration Network Conference
their organisations. In line with the theme ‘Driving Natural Innovation’, the focus remained on natural refrigerants and solutions for industrial refrigeration and heat pump technology. The IRN was launched in 2024. The conference brought together manufacturers, contractors, planners, users, researchers and students, as well as representatives of industry associations, for technical exchange on industrial refrigeration in Europe.
Scheme launched to help gas boiler installers transition to heat pump installation
Mitsubishi Electric has announced a new collaboration with Alto Energy aimed at helping heating engineers expand into the rapidly growing heat pump market through a simplified MCS umbrella scheme. The scheme is designed to remove many of the barriers that can prevent experienced gas boiler installers moving into heat pump installations, by providing access to training, technical support, MCS-compliant system design and commissioning. As demand for low-carbon heating solutions continues to grow, this initiative gives installers a practical route into the renewable heating sector without the immediate need to secure their own MCS accreditation. Through the scheme, installers can benefit from MCS-standard project design and commissioning, automatic grant applications and ongoing technical guidance. The programme enables installers to focus on what they do best, delivering quality installations, while Alto Energy manages the compliance, commissioning and certification process required for MCS sign-off and successful grant application. Joanna Crown, product marketing manager at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “We know there
are thousands of highly skilled heating engineers across Britain who are looking to take advantage of the growing heat pump market. Our collaboration with Alto Energy provides a straightforward pathway into renewables, combining training, technical support and MCS compliance to give installers the confidence to start installing heat pumps and to growing their businesses.”
Under the scheme, installers submit project details to Alto Energy, which then provides a bespoke system design and quotation. Once the installer completes the installation, Alto Energy commissions the system to MCS standards, provides sign-off and, where applicable, manages government grant applications and associated paperwork.
Key benefits include: • Access to MCS-compliant installations without maintaining independent MCS accreditation
• Support to help homeowners access available government grants • Dedicated technical guidance covering design, installation and troubleshooting • Insurance-backed guarantee support • Full MCS sign-off and compliance with industry regulations • A straightforward route into the renewable heating sector through Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan heat pump range.
Matt Townsend, sales director at Alto Energy, said: “Many installers are keen to enter the heat pump market but can be put off by the complexity of accreditation, compliance and administration. This scheme removes these obstacles. By combining training, design expertise, commissioning and certification support, we’re helping installers build new revenue streams while supporting Britain’s transition to low-carbon heating.” The initiative reflects both companies’ commitment to developing the installer base needed to support the UK’s decarbonisation goals and increasing demand for renewable heating technologies.
Installers joining the scheme will have access to both Alto Energy’s specialist renewable heating expertise and comprehensive training programmes, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and support required to deliver successful heat pump projects.
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2026 Appointments
CIBSE welcomes new President for 2026–2027
CIBSE has announced the appointment of Dave Cooper as its President for 2026–2027, following his inauguration at the CIBSE Annual General Meeting 2026, held at CIBSE’s headquarters in London recently.
Dave Cooper succeeds Vince Arnold, bringing more than four decades of experience in the lift and escalator industry. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as an engineer, educator, author and advocate for safety, making a significant contribution to both the industry and CIBSE. A longstanding and highly respected member of the Institution, Dave has played a pivotal role in the development of multiple editions of CIBSE Guide D: Transportation Systems in Buildings, one of the industry’s most influential technical publications. His contributions to engineering and professional practice have been recognised through the award of a CIBSE Silver Medal and an MBE. He continues to hold a wide range of positions across industry, academia and charitable organisations. He has been a Professor at the University of Northampton and is currently serving as a Visiting Professor at the University of East London. He also sits on the executive committee and membership panel of the Society of Vertical Transportation, chairs The Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management Lift Panel for Authorising Engineers, serves as Middle Warden of the Worshipful Company of Engineers and chairs both The Rumford Club and the Trustee Boards of the Lift Industry Charity and the Lift Symposium Educational Trust. Dave said: “It is a tremendous honour to serve as President of CIBSE for 2026-2027. As our industry continues to evolve, we must ensure that the buildings and systems we design today remain resilient, adaptable and fit for the future. I look forward to working with CIBSE members across the world to help drive that ambition forward.”
Stiebel Eltron expands technical and sales team
Stiebel Eltron has made four new appointments across its technical and sales development functions, with investment in technical knowledge and customer support at the heart of the expansion. Jacob Ebbrell and Kalvin Foulkes join the company as technical advisors, based at STIEBEL ELTRON’s head office in Bromborough. Jacob brings a practical engineering background and several years of experience in both installation and systems management. Kalvin holds a degree in Physics and has built his career in technical engineering roles across the white goods sector. Both will be responsible for providing technical support to installers and end users, working through issues from first contact through to resolution. The appointments come as the company invests in building its technical capacity to match growing demand. Alongside the technical hires, Dominique Morelis joins as Sales Development Manager and Lorna Goodwin as Sales Development Coordinator. Dominique brings a strong commercial background in channel sales, affiliate partnership management and public sector tendering. Lorna brings more than seven years of sales and account management experience
at Premier Guarantee and Barbour ABI, and 17 years in customer-facing roles at Lloyds Banking Group.
Dominique and Lorna’s combined experience will be instrumental to driving new business growth for the company. John Felgate, managing director at Stiebel Eltron UK, said: ‘These appointments reflect the strength of the momentum we’re building at Stiebel Eltron UK.
Carrier announces leadership transition
Carrier Global Corporation has announced a leadership transition for its Climate Solutions Europe segment. Thomas Donato has been appointed President, Climate Solutions Europe, succeeding Thomas Heim, who is stepping down from the role. Heim and Donato will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for the company’s employees, customers, and partners.
Donato is a highly accomplished global business leader with extensive experience leading large industrial technology businesses, managing complex global P&Ls, driving transformation, delivering growth and building high-performing teams. Most recently, he served as chief executive of Bosch Power Tools and previously held senior executive leadership positions at Bosch Rexroth, Rockwell Automation and ABB. “We are grateful to Thomas Heim for his many contributions to Carrier and for the leadership he demonstrated throughout the successful integration of Viessmann Climate Solutions and the transformation of our European business,’ said David Gitlin, Chairman and chief executive, Carrier. ‘We are excited to welcome Thomas Donato to Carrier and confident that his extensive global leadership experience will help build on this strong foundation and lead Climate Solutions Europe through its next chapter of growth.
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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