From press releases...
“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, World Refrigeration Day
ATLANTA (June 21, 2024) — ASHRAE, along with other organizations, government agencies and companies worldwide, will support the celebration of World Refrigeration Day 2024 (WRD 2024), June 26.
World Refrigeration Day is an international awareness campaign established to raise the profile of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump sector and focuses attention on the significant role that the industry and its technology play in modern life and society.
The theme of WRD 2024 is “Temperature Matters” and 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. The campaign will examine the fundamental laws of thermodynamics in an era characterized by escalating energy demands and climate change. Activities will emphasize how efficient temperature control fosters sustainable development and human comfort, while mitigating environmental impacts.
"ASHRAE acknowledges the vital role of heat pump technologies in global low-carbon heating strategies, endorsing their advancement and implementation to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency in the built environment," stated 2023-24 ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE. "This year’s World Refrigeration Day theme emphasizes the crucial importance of efficient temperature control for sustainable development and human comfort, spotlighting the industry's contributions to preserving food and medicine supply chains, ensuring effective heating, and creating healthier, more comfortable environments with improved air quality.”
This year, June 26th, 2024, also marks the bicentenary of the birth of Lord Kelvin, a pioneering polymath whose legacy includes the absolute temperature scale bearing his name. 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.
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.”
On June 26, to celebrate World Refrigeration Day, Gill's organization is urging everyone to raise awareness by joining the global community in conversations using the hashtags #TemperatureMatters, #WorldRefrigerationDay and #WREFD24.
- For more, visit worldrefrigerationday.org/2024-temperature-matters/.
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WRD 2024 will showcase global initiatives and projects aimed at educating the public. ASHRAE and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have partnered to create the following web-based, interactive learning courses: Energy Efficiency Literacy for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems, 3.5 hours This course is designed to educate policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders about the benefits of air conditioning and refrigeration, the scientific principles involved, and factors that contribute to maximum energy efficiency. Refrigerants Literacy (SI), 4.5 hours This course offers a basic understanding of refrigerant types, policies, classifications, and management practices. It is aimed at non-specialists in the field, such as facility managers, policymakers, and other individuals who are involved in refrigerant issues from a non-technical perspective. It also can serve as an introduction to refrigerant basics for those new to the industry. The course is available in English, Spanish, and French languages. Refrigerant Management for New Engineers is a free university-level course developed by the UN Environment on Refrigerant Management and delivered by ASHRAE. Visit the ASHRAE UNEP Portal for more information about these courses. The 2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference, June 22-26, 2024 in Indianapolis, will highlight the following heat pump technology-related technical sessions and seminars:
In-person and virtual registration to attend the ASHRAE Annual Conference is open now. ASHRAE will release a new guide in its decarbonization series. Decarbonizing Building Thermal Systems: A How-to-Guide for Heat Pump Systems and Beyond, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is a guide that supports design engineers and building operators in commercial and multifamily buildings with decarbonization efforts. The guide covers application and sizing for various climate zones, system configuration, refrigerants, electrical requirements and control strategies for space and hot water applications. This guide will be available at ashrae.org/decarb. Since 2019, ASHRAE has been a proud supporter of World Refrigeration Day. For additional WRD 2024 resources, visit ashrae.org/unep-wrd. |
About ASHRAE
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.
As an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE and its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.
The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the opening of the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.
