Temperature Matters…..absolutely!
“Across the thermodynamic spectrum, from high thermal extremes to the cryogenic depths of absolute zero on Kelvin’s scale, temperature connects us all. It regulates our comfort, sustains our health, preserves our sustenance, and supports the tools of modern life. In every degree of life, temperature matters – absolutely.” – Stephen Gill, Founder of World Refrigeration Day
World Refrigeration Day celebrates the people and technologies responsible for creating and maintaining the world we live in, a world dependent upon temperature-controlled environments. Centred around June 26, the event is supported globally by industry, professional groups, scientific and engineering associations, as well as by governments and individuals.
World Refrigeration Day Announces Theme of 2024 Campaign
We are excited to announce that this year’s World Refrigeration Day (WRD) will focus on the theme ‘Temperature Matters.’ This year’s campaign will explore the broad and vital impacts of the refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump industry, extending beyond efficient cooling and heating to encompass crucial aspects of indoor environmental quality.
This year, June 26th 2024, marks the bicentenary of the birth of Lord Kelvin, a pioneering polymath whose legacy includes the absolute temperature scale bearing his name. This milestone coincides with the 6th edition of WRD, themed “Temperature Matters.” This year’s campaign will explore the profound significance of temperature regulation in society and the critical role our industry plays in maintaining it. By examining the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, we will highlight their enduring relevance in an era characterised by escalating energy demands and climate change. This discussion emphasises the imperative of efficient temperature control in fostering sustainable development and human comfort, whilst mitigating environmental impacts.
Why Temperature Matters?
The chosen theme highlights the sector’s extensive technical expertise in providing both cooled and heated environments and raises awareness of the importance of temperature control in a variety of applications and situations that affect our daily lives.
Celebrating Lord Kelvin’s Legacy
The ‘Temperature Matters’ theme is particularly significant as it coincides with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Lord Kelvin, a pioneering figure in thermodynamics. Kelvin’s work in defining the absolute temperature scale has profound implications for modern thermal energy management, influencing both cooling and heating technologies.
Heat Pump Technologies and Decarbonisation
Lord Kelvin’s insights have paved the way for the development of heat pump technologies, which are central to low-carbon heating strategies worldwide. These technologies exemplify how principles of refrigeration are applied to heating, demonstrating the sector’s critical role in global decarbonisation efforts. World Refrigeration Day 2024 will incorporate World Heat Pumps Day to further draw attention to sustainable heating.
Cooling and Heating
This year’s campaign will spotlight the broader contributions of the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry. While the importance of maintaining cold temperatures for critical food and medicine supply chains remains undeniable, the campaign will also highlight the industry’s role in effective and sustainable heating, as well as creating healthier, comfortable environments with cleaner air supplies.
Global Initiatives and Education
WRD 2024 will showcase global initiatives and projects aimed at educating the public about the various applications of air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pumps. These technologies are integral to managing temperature in diverse environments. The ‘Temperature Matters’ theme also maintains WRD’s focus on purposefully broad topics as a means to capture global attention and discuss the wide-scale significance of the sector’s work. WRD Founder Stephen Gill said: “This makes it easier for people around the world to use this broad theme to narrow it down to local issues and target audiences. For example, while heat pumps may not be so prevalent in tropical climates, the same principles of temperature control remain crucial for comfort and health. By focusing on a universal theme, WRD 2024 aims to foster global recognition and discussion about the sector’s wide-ranging impact.”
Local Engagement and Career Opportunities
The broad theme of ‘Temperature Matters’ is designed to be universally relevant, allowing regions and industries to address their local interests and audiences. The campaign will also promote career opportunities in the refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump, and IEQ (HVACR) sector, encouraging schools and colleges to explore the diverse and impactful roles within the industry.
“Temperature Matters…Absolutely”
Announcing this year’s theme, Stephen Gill said, “The importance of temperature connects us all, no matter where we live. Temperature control is essential for more than just our comfort and health in homes and workplaces. It’s crucial for preserving food and medicines, and it plays a vital role in many industrial processes at both high and extremely low temperatures. Temperature can mean the difference between life and death; temperature matters – absolutely.”
Join us on 26th June 2024 for World Refrigeration Day to celebrate and explore why ‘Temperature Matters’ in every aspect of our lives. Together, we can raise awareness by join the global community and the conversations using the hashtags #TemperatureMatters #WorldRefrigerationDay and WREFD24.
