FEA launches first expansion module for Foodservice Carbon Professional course

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has launched a refrigeration module for the Foodservice Carbon Professional course. This complements the core FCP course, which explains the science of climate change, what the government is trying to do about it through legislation, and how this applies to the foodservice sector as well as how equipment can play a significant role in improving sustainability.

The module’s digital?launch, on June 24 2024, was led by Dr Samantha Mudie , who completed a doctorate in energy reduction in commercial kitchens and has worked with FEA to curate FCP course content. Her groundbreaking research showcased how energy efficient kitchens of the future may be specified, as well as highlighting many current opportunities.

The module will allow course participants to gain specialised information about refrigeration equipment and how to choose and use them to minimise their environmental impact. Students will learn the history of refrigeration equipment, how it is being improved with technological advances, and relevant legislation and standards that cover its commercial use. They will also learn how to specify, operate, monitor, and maintain refrigeration equipment to minimise its environmental impact throughout its working life.

FEA developed the FCP course in association with Hospitality Energy Saving & Sustainability to provide the whole foodservice industry, from manufacturers and suppliers to operators, with the skills they need to identify sustainable equipment and explain why it is good to pick it.

What do delegates learn in the Refrigeration Module?

The FCP Refrigeration Module is made up for five in-depth sections, expertly curated for foodservice professionals that operate in the refrigeration sector. Don't get left out in the cold.

? Scope and Application

• Delegates will be equipped with the foundations to make sustainable and energy-efficient choices, alongside the broad pressures applying to the selection and application of refrigeration, as well as gain context for the rest of the course.

? How it works

• Participants will understand how commercial refrigeration works in order to design, apply, use and maintain equipment effectively, thereby keeping its energy consumption and emissions to a minimum.

? Refrigerants

• Develop an environmental stewardship mindset by understanding the impact of refrigerants on the environment, contributing to sustainable practices in the industry.
• Stay ahead in the industry by understanding regulatory trends and technological advancements, ensuring compliance and leveraging new opportunities for innovation.

? Legislation and regulation

• Gain the ability to ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards, leading to reduced operational costs and enhanced environmental responsibility.
• Develop the expertise to accurately interpret and utilise energy labels, enabling informed decision-making and improved sustainability performance.
• Acquire knowledge of critical compliance measures to avoid legal penalties and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

? Lifecycle emissions

• Equip yourself with the knowledge to identify and select refrigeration systems with lower lifetime carbon, enabling you to make environmentally responsible design and/or purchasing decisions that enhance your organisation's sustainability credentials and potentially reduce long-term costs.
• Acquire the knowledge to optimise transportation and distribution processes for refrigeration equipment, enabling your organisation to lower its logistics related carbon footprint, improve operational efficiency, and enhance its reputation for sustainability

“The FCP course gives people working in all parts of foodservice the knowledge to address the energy challenges and demands for improved sustainability the industry is facing,” says Paul A. , chair of FEA. “We are developing more modules that will be launched over the coming year.? In conjunction with the core module, they will allow access to unique insight and information relevant to each component of the sector’s equipment supply chain.”

The FCP modules are delivered via FEA Academy, the Association’s learning management system. It consists of online modules using a mix of resources that can be completed within 12 months at the student’s own pace, and webinar tutorials. Delegates must complete the Core Module and exam, and an elective category specific module and exam before being awarded Foodservice Carbon Professional status.

The individual core course costs ￡750, with individual sector specific modules costing ￡650. A combined core/category specific module deal is also available with core and one product module costing ￡1300 per person, a saving of ￡100.

More information on the course can be found on the FCP landing page, which is at fea.org.uk , under the Learning and Development tab .

Foodservice Carbon Professional is leading the foodservice equipment industry in the development of skills, knowledge, and expertise to address the energy challenges and sustainability demands currently placing a strain on the sector.

FCP provides delegates with science-based knowledge enabling them to initiate discussions on climate change with foodservice sector clients and colleagues as well as gaining the confidence required to be able to challenge misconceptions on the impacts and causes of climate change in relation to the foodservice sector. By partnering with recognised professionals, the FEA has brought its strength to delivering a unique and comprehensive resource for the industry. To attain an FCP accreditation you must successfully complete the Core Module and an elective product specific module.

FCP is delivered by the Foodservice Equipment Association

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing 175 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. ?For more information on FEA visit fea.org.uk

Connect with the FEA team

?? John Cunningham , Chief Executive

?? Andy Threlfall C.F.S.P. MInstR , Technical and Policy Director

?? Jocelyn Shawyer C.F.S.P. , Events and Membership Manager

?? Adam Lawrence CFSP, Marketing Manager

?? Sarah-Jane Campbell , Administration Executive

Speak to the FEA

If you like to join the FEA but are unsure where your company would fit in please have a look at our Product Group Forums . We are an open and inclusive trade association that comprises of a community of like minded businesses of all sizes.

For more information on FEA visit fea.org.uk