#None #International Institute of Refrigeration #World Refrigeration Day #sustainable refrigeration

Addressing Global Challenges with Sustainable Refrigeration

On June 26, 2025, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) made a strong appeal on World Refrigeration Day, urging countries to recognize refrigeration as a vital part of global infrastructure necessary for health, food security, energy efficiency, and climate sustainability. The IIR pushed for the establishment of National Refrigeration Committees aimed at coordinating sustainable refrigeration practices across various applications. This encompasses everything from advanced cryogenic technologies and cold chains for food and healthcare to air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Importance of National Refrigeration Committees

The proposed National Refrigeration Committees will serve as cross-sectoral platforms that gather all relevant stakeholders—including government officials, private industry leaders, and experts from academia—to foster collaboration in developing effective national strategies around refrigeration. The IIR emphasized that refrigeration is essential not only for bolstering food systems and public health but also for industrial development and climate action.

Gathering insights from the World Refrigeration Day High-Level Event, held on June 18 in Paris, where representatives from over 60 countries met, the call for these committees aims to establish a unified front to tackle the increasingly critical issues surrounding refrigeration. Key figures such as Yosr Allouche, the IIR’s Director General, stressed that this is a pivotal decade in which sustainable refrigeration will significantly influence societal structures. By advancing this agenda, the hope is to incorporate cleaner energy choices and food security initiatives into national policy.

Global Support and Innovations

Furthermore, the event brought together national leaders from diverse regions like Indonesia, Nigeria, and the European Union who highlighted how refrigeration can support clean energy and economic inclusion. With the formation of National Refrigeration Committees, ministries, academia, and the private sector can coordinate coherent policies and investment strategies, leading to a well-trained workforce ready to implement these changes effectively.

In addition, the event received notable attention from international organizations like UNESCO, UNIDO, UNEP, and the World Bank, detailing the importance of sustainable cooling actions. They advocated for innovative approaches that not only comply with global commitments— such as the Kigali Amendment—but also promote environmental sustainability through early actions in emerging sectors, particularly in developing nations.

Launching New Initiatives

A significant takeaway from the IIR's announcement was the rollout of the Global Refrigeration Outlook, a flagship report that aims to guide future policy, scientific inquiries, and finance within the refrigeration sector. Industry leaders, including Carrier Transicold, Daikin Europe, and Mayekawa, shared scalable innovations featuring natural refrigerants and innovative cold chain solutions. They underscored the necessity of supportive policies and stable investment to bring these advancements into wider application.

As discussions about climate change and energy access become increasingly urgent, refrigeration has emerged as a global system issue that holds the potential to drive equitable social gains. Through collaborative efforts, it is hopeful that the refrigeration industry can advance to become a cornerstone of sustainable development and resilience in our rapidly changing world. The IIR encourages all countries to join this transformative journey and elevate refrigeration's status to a priority in national and global agendas.

This call to action comes at an ideal time, as understanding the multifaceted role refrigeration plays in society is becoming clearer. With the right focus and commitment, governments and stakeholders can work together to ensure that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand for the betterment of our communities and the planet.