Refrigeration sector racing to keep up with change

Changes in technology, legislation and the workforce have placed a strain on Australia’s refrigeration sector, and created a pressing need for education and training. That’s the view of SuperCool Group Business Manager Rene Le Miere, a member of the technical organising committee for the AIRAH Refrigeration 2022 Conference, to be held from May 16–17 in Sydney and online.

The Refrigeration Conference this year has a new format, with the first day dedicated to education sessions. Why did you make this change?

After last year’s conference we surveyed the attendees. Many people expressed interest in re-enforcing their knowledge for basic engineering and design as a smaller refrigeration contractor. We also had many people speak directly to committee members on this exact issue.

The general industry basically said that keeping up with trends is quite difficult and understanding the best practice for the latest products would be an advantage. The industry now needs to play catch-up.

It was also made very clear that the industry is losing knowledge every year. We need to educate and train new people coming into the industry and also refresh concepts to enable better system design as we move to a lower carbon footprint.

Who are the education sessions aimed at?

The sessions are designed to educate and refresh the whole industry. It will help apprentices formulate key design elements, and also provide a refresher for installation and service technicians on key differences in the latest trends and how they are best executed in today’s industry.

Certain concepts will be second nature to some engineers and estimators; however, the speakers and topics will cement the concepts that are used daily while offering new ways to meet customers’ needs.

Day two of the conference will also include case studies and a panel session with policy-makers to discuss the challenges facing the industry in the near future. Basically, the conference is designed to educate and inform everyone, from the newest person in the industry to the most experienced.

What do you see as the biggest issues for the Australia’s refrigeration industry at the moment?

I believe the biggest issue is staying on top of the latest trends in each specialist sector. The refrigeration industry is extremely varied and crucial for our society. From getting fresh food and meat delivered and stored safely to keeping servers cooled so we can watch Netflix, it all requires better refrigeration techniques. The HVAC&R industry uses around 24 per cent of electricity produced in Australia and accounts for 11.5 per cent of greenhouse gases. As our world continues to warm, our need for cooling is increasing. We need to do this in ways that are smarter and easier.

How important is it for the refrigeration industry to have a meeting place?

The conference is great way to network and discuss new technologies, as well as share problems that others can help resolve. It’s a great event for everyone in the industry: technicians, engineers, system operator and owners.

For more information and to register go to airah.org.au/refrigeration2022