For the first time, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published an Activity Report which emphasizes the essential role of refrigeration at the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) announced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which provided clear universal objectives for nations across the globe.

Described as a “shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the people”, the 17 SDGs are considered the blueprint to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

Naturally, global sustainability cannot be achieved without refrigeration as it is present in most past, present, and future areas of human activity. It is absolutely necessary for life and accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s electricity; a figure that is constantly increasing.

Refrigeration for sustainable development

Recognized as the leader in its field, the IIR is the only international organization covering all refrigeration uses and technologies such as refrigeration for food and health, air conditioning, cryogenics, heat pumps or heat recovery. Its purpose is to disseminate information, contribute to the intensification of scientific and technical exchanges and encourage research and development towards sustainability in this sector.

In line with its institutional ethos “Refrigeration for sustainable development”, the IIR Activity Report 2020 provides a comprehensive overview on how the work of the Institute is intrinsically linked to the SDGs.

The Report details how the IIR has clearly set its strategy and actions within the framework of the sustainable development of the refrigeration sector. In concrete terms, this has resulted in new agreements with various international bodies and the drafting of documents of general interest to promote the role of refrigeration in this perspective.

The IIR has resolutely stepped up its efforts to become a major global player taking action to implement sustainable refrigeration in all its uses. The IIR Activity Report groups the actions of the Institute according to the following SDGs:

GOAL 1: No Poverty

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

GOAL 13: Climate Action

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Consult the full IIR Activity Report 2020 in English or French at iifiir.org/en/iir-presentation.

About IIR

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an independent intergovernmental science and technology-based organisation promoting refrigeration knowledge and associated technologies that improve quality of life in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner including:

• Food quality and safety from farm to consumer
• Comfort in homes and commercial buildings
• Health products and services
• Low temperature technology and liquefied gas technology
• Energy efficiency
• Use of non-ozone depleting and low global warming refrigerants in a safe manner.