ASHRAE joins organizations, governments and industry partners around the globe in recognizing World Refrigeration Day (WRD 2026) on June 26. This year's theme, "Cool Intelligence," showcases the innovation, expertise and advanced technologies that are transforming refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems to operate more efficiently, sustainably and intelligently.
World Refrigeration Day is an international awareness campaign that raises the profile of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump industry and highlights the essential role cooling technologies play in supporting health, food security, economic development and quality of life worldwide.
The 2026 theme recognizes that "intelligence" in cooling extends beyond technology alone. From artificial intelligence and advanced controls to data-driven system optimization and the expertise of engineers, technicians and operators, intelligent cooling solutions are helping address some of today's most pressing energy, environmental and resilience challenges.
"Intelligence in cooling goes beyond algorithms and automation, it is about applying knowledge, innovation and technology to create healthier, more sustainable environments," said 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. "This year's World Refrigeration Day theme highlights how AI, digitalization and human expertise are working together to create smarter, more sustainable cooling solutions. ASHRAE is proud to support the professionals and technologies that are advancing the future of refrigeration around the world."
To mark World Refrigeration Day, ASHRAE is encouraging industry professionals to explore the latest refrigeration guidance and technical resources, including the 2026 ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration (I-P) and 2026 ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration (SI), now available for preorder.
ASHRAE also continues to support global refrigeration education and capacity-building efforts through the ASHRAE-UNEP Portal, which provides access to technical resources, training materials and guidance designed to help industry professionals advance sustainable cooling practices worldwide.
As part of its ongoing commitment to industry advancement, ASHRAE will spotlight emerging refrigeration technologies during the 2026 Annual Conference, June 27– July 1 in Austin, Texas.
Featured sessions include the following:
• Application of Thermal Storage for Refrigerated Warehousing
• Cooling without Compressors: Emerging Caloric and Electrochemical Approaches
Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is open now.
ASHRAE has proudly supported World Refrigeration Day since its founding in 2019.
