World Refrigeration Day is celebrated every year on June 26th to raise awareness of the vital role refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology play in modern life. Known as the “coolest day of the year,” the day highlights how these technologies impact health, food safety, energy efficiency, comfort, and the environment — while also recognising the professionals who work behind the scenes to keep the systems running.
What is World Refrigeration Day?
World Refrigeration Day is an international awareness campaign that promotes the importance of refrigeration-related technologies and industries. From keeping vaccines viable to preserving food, enabling industrial processes, and supporting climate goals, refrigeration is essential to our quality of life. The day is supported by engineering institutions, environmental organisations, and governments across the globe, and includes events, webinars, and educational initiatives.
When is World Refrigeration Day?
World Refrigeration Day is observed annually on June 26th. The date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Lord Kelvin (William Thomson), a pioneer in thermodynamics and temperature measurement, born on June 26, 1824. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Thursday, with events planned in dozens of countries under the coordination of the World Refrigeration Day Secretariat.
Why World Refrigeration Day matters
Refrigeration and cooling technologies are often taken for granted, yet they are crucial for public health, food security, energy sustainability, and global commerce. These technologies are at the heart of cold chains that deliver vaccines, protect perishable foods, support clean energy systems, and maintain indoor comfort in extreme climates. With increasing global temperatures and the need for energy-efficient solutions, World Refrigeration Day helps promote innovation and responsibility in this rapidly evolving field.
How to get involved in World Refrigeration Day
- Attend virtual or local events hosted by refrigeration and HVACR associations around the world.
- Explore educational resources that explain how cooling systems work and their role in everyday life.
- Celebrate engineers and technicians who maintain vital refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
- Share stories and infographics on social media to raise awareness using the event’s hashtags.
- Encourage businesses and schools to highlight sustainability efforts in their cooling operations.
History of World Refrigeration Day
World Refrigeration Day was launched in 2019 by British refrigeration consultant Stephen Gill and quickly gained the support of professional organisations, industry leaders, and UN environmental programmes. The date honours Lord Kelvin, whose work laid the foundation for temperature science and refrigeration. The annual event now features an international campaign with a different theme each year, focusing on areas such as education, sustainability, innovation, and food preservation.
Key Facts About Refrigeration
- Refrigeration is responsible for reducing global food loss by up to 50%, according to the FAO.
- Modern cooling systems are vital to storing vaccines, insulin, and blood supplies.
- Refrigeration accounts for approximately 15% of global electricity use.
- Natural refrigerants and low-GWP alternatives are helping the industry reduce environmental impact.
- Cold chains are essential for international trade of perishable goods and ensuring food quality and safety.
Hashtags
#WorldRefrigerationDay #CoolingMatters #CoolingChampions #HVACR #SustainableCooling
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