What does it mean to support something bigger than your brand?
Every year on June 26, people around the world celebrate World Refrigeration Day — a global awareness campaign that highlights the critical role of refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technologies in modern life. From preserving food and medicine to enabling data storage and sustainable heating, this invisible infrastructure keeps life safe, comfortable, and functioning.
What’s perhaps less visible is the small but passionate team behind the scenes — a handful of unpaid volunteers coordinating this global effort in their spare time. World Refrigeration Day (WRD) is not a commercial campaign. It is a grassroots, not-for-profit initiative. We have no paid staff, no corporate backers, and no external funding.
At this time of year, we receive hundreds of enquires concerning sponsorship of World Refrigeration Day (WRD). This article is shared in a spirit of inclusion, transparency, and appreciation — to explain what sponsorship of WRD actually is, why it matters, and how we recognise those who make it possible, and why we should all appreciate their interest in doing so.
A sponsorship model built on fairness
WRD’s sponsorship model reflects our values: it is inclusive and equal.
- A single flat rate for all: £500 for one year, or £950 for two years
- No tiers. No Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
- No preferential treatment — all are valued as equal community members with shared aims.
Sponsorship includes logo placement on our website with a direct link, and we include supporter logos in outreach wherever appropriate — from banners to toolkits to campaign materials.
But this is not about buying a logo spot, and we make no promises of advertising ROI. Sponsorship is about joining a movement to raise awareness of our essential sector — to educate, inspire, and grow public understanding of the cool skills that shape our lives.
A thank-you to those making this possible
Our sponsors — ranging from the sector’s largest multinationals to small, local companies — support WRD not for personal gain, but because they believe in giving back. They do it for the good of the whole industry. Their contribution is an act of sector-wide generosity, and they deserve far greater recognition and thanks from us all.
Their support is the sole source of funding for WRD. While we encourage and celebrate the many ways organisations across the world mark World Refrigeration Day — through events, videos, social media, and campaigns — we do not receive any financial contribution, fee, or share of profits from these activities. These celebrations are entirely independent, and the only funding WRD receives is through direct sponsorship via our website.
It’s not about logos. It’s about legacy
Sponsorship enables World Refrigeration Day to remain open, accessible, independent, and inclusive — but it’s not about ownership or central control. WRD is an awareness-driven community, not a campaign headquarters.
We do not run school programmes or organise local outreach ourselves. Instead, we aim to inspire, amplify, and empower others to take action in their own creative ways. We believe in growing together by sharing successful examples of awareness initiatives that align with our collective aims.
We also believe strongly in avoiding duplication and wasted effort. By remaining light-touch and collaborative, WRD provides a platform — not a plan. We don’t claim credit for the wonderful campaigns our community delivers. On the contrary, we want those voices to flourish.
WRD does not promote any one technology, solution, or service. There are others far better positioned to do so at national and regional levels. Our sole aim is to raise public awareness of the necessity and benefits of sustainable cooling and heating. That message transcends brands, products, and borders.
This movement thrives on what our industry can achieve when it feels empowered and unrestricted. And time and again, the results are remarkable.
If you care about the future of our sector, don’t assume that someone else — including us — is doing the awareness work for you. WRD is for everyone, sponsor or not. We encourage all individuals and organisations to get involved, contribute their voice, and share their ideas. Together, we are stronger — especially when we collaborate and coordinate, rather than duplicate.
Then join us
Become a sponsor and be part of a growing global community committed to raising awareness of cooling and sustainable heating.
Wherever you are in the world, and whatever size your organisation is — if any of this resonates with you, we’d be honoured to welcome you to the WRD sponsor family.
Let’s make this visible. Together.
📸 Here’s a look back at our 2024 World Refrigeration Day sponsors — the organisations that generously supported our global awareness efforts last year.
🙏 A sincere apology to Danfoss, who were indeed one of our valued sponsors in 2024 but were inadvertently left off this particular banner image. We’re very grateful for their support and want to be clear that they were absolutely part of the sponsor community.
👀 As you take a look at the logos, ask yourself:
- Are there organisations here you recognise?
- Are there some you expected to see but don’t?
- Are there large companies missing that should be part of this community effort?
As with all things, there are changes each year — some sponsors step away, others join — so for the most up-to-date list of 2025 sponsors, please visit our website here.
To those who supported us in 2024: thank you.
And to those considering joining for 2025: there’s still time to add your logo — and your voice — to this global movement.
What about WRD Allies?
In addition to our sponsors, World Refrigeration Day is proud to have a growing network of WRD Allies — national and international trade associations, membership bodies, and NGOs that serve the sector. These not-for-profit organisations are the backbone of our profession, providing advocacy, training, standards, and support to the communities they represent.
WRD is not a membership organisation, and we are not here to compete with those who are. On the contrary, we exist to fully support and amplify the work of these professional bodies. Allies of WRD have voiced their support for our aims and often promote the sector in ways most appropriate for their own audiences — whether through their newsletters, events, working groups, or public campaigns.
Our relationship with Allies is one of mutual appreciation and collaboration, not commercial arrangement. No fees or sponsorships are involved. A few Allies have gone even further by making significant in-kind contributions, and we are truly grateful for their continued support.
If your organisation is a not-for-profit body working to advance our sector and you’re interested in forming closer ties or exploring a shared initiative aligned with WRD’s awareness goals — we’d love to hear from you.
Recognising WRD Partners
Alongside our Sponsors and Allies, WRD Partners also play a vital role in advancing the aims of World Refrigeration Day. These are typically commercial organisations or complementary not-for-profits that support our mission in ways other than direct financial contribution.
WRD Partners may include trade magazines, digital news platforms, industry exhibition and show organisers, and others who offer practical support such as free advertising, editorial space, or opportunities to raise awareness through their networks. We also work with organisations outside the refrigeration and HVACR sector whose activities overlap with or complement our own — such as those focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, or public health.
As with our Allies, these relationships are built on mutual respect and shared purpose, not commercial contracts. There is no financial exchange, and we deeply appreciate the platforms and exposure they provide. In return, we do our utmost to support and promote their efforts whenever appropriate. Their generosity and collaboration help extend the reach of WRD far beyond what we could achieve alone.
A Shared Mission – An Open Invitation
At its heart, World Refrigeration Day is a global community initiative — built on shared values, mutual support, and a belief in the power of collaboration to raise awareness of cooling and sustainable heating.
Whether you are a commercial business, a professional association, a media platform, a training provider, or a not-for-profit working in a related space — if you believe in the importance of what our sector contributes to society, there is a place for you here.
Support comes in many forms. Some organisations contribute through sponsorship. Others support through partnership, or by standing with us as WRD Allies. Together with tens of thousands of like mind individuals around the globe as passionate about our sector as much as we are. Each of these contributions matters — and each is valued equally.
If any of this resonates with you — if you see your organisation as one that wants to help educate, inspire, and empower — then please join us.
Together, we can raise the profile of this essential sector and celebrate the cool skills shaping a better, more sustainable future. Remember: this is your day, everyone’s, not only ours.
Let’s make this visible. Together.
Thank you
Stephen Gill – Founder
