World Refrigeration Day has announced “Cool Intelligence” as its global theme for 2026 as preparations begin for the event on 26 June. The theme highlights the role of cooling and sustainable heating in protecting food, safeguarding medicines, supporting healthcare, enabling digital infrastructure and maintaining comfortable living environments.
According to the organisers, “Cool Intelligence” refers to the intelligent design, installation, operation and maintenance of cooling and sustainable heating systems. The concept covers both technology and human expertise, including system selection, correct installation, energy efficiency and consideration of climate, energy constraints and human needs.
The announcement says digital tools and artificial intelligence are playing a growing role in controls, monitoring and optimisation, but as support for skilled professionals rather than a replacement for them. It also links the theme to rising global demand for cooling and sustainable heating across cities, industries and communities, with an emphasis on efficient and appropriate systems, lower environmental impact, resilience, reliability and responsible expansion of access.
World Refrigeration Day said the theme also reflects applications already in use worldwide, including cold chains for food, healthcare for medicines and vaccines, buildings and cities, digital infrastructure and heat pumps for lower-carbon heating. Further materials and information on how to take part are expected to be released in the coming days and weeks.
Read the interview Stephen Gill on World Refrigeration Day and His Industry Journey.