ASHRAE will mark World Refrigeration Day 2026 on June 26, highlighting the role of innovation, professional expertise and advanced technologies in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems. This year’s theme, “Cool Intelligence,” focuses on improving system efficiency, sustainability and intelligent operation.
The campaign promotes awareness of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump industry and the role of cooling technologies in health, food security, economic development and quality of life. The 2026 theme covers artificial intelligence, advanced controls, data-driven system optimization and the expertise of engineers, technicians and operators.
“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 encouraging industry professionals to review its refrigeration guidance and technical resources, including the 2026 ASHRAE Handbook—Refrigeration in I-P and SI editions, which are available for preorder. The organization also provides technical resources, training materials and guidance through the ASHRAE-UNEP Portal.
ASHRAE will feature emerging refrigeration technologies at its 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled for June 27–July 1 in Texas. Sessions will address low-GWP refrigerants, system redesigns for emerging standards, thermal storage for refrigerated warehousing, refrigeration system optimization, and caloric and electrochemical cooling approaches. Registration is open for in-person and virtual attendance.
Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is open now.
