‘Cooling Matters’ is the motto of this year’s World Refrigeration Day, which is celebrated on 26 June every year. World Refrigeration Day aims to raise awareness of refrigeration and air conditioning technology. Although refrigeration and air conditioning are essential parts of our daily lives, they often remain invisible – and data centres, where cooling is vital, are no exception.

Over 1,200 individuals from 95 countries submitted their photos to support this year’s World Refrigeration Day collage campaign

Over 1,200 individuals submitted their photos from 95 countries. This was a huge increase from last year when around 400 submitted their photos. The 95 countries are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, State of Palestine, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Réunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

World Refrigeration Day Founder and Head of Secretariat Stephen Gill said “I am delighted that so many from around the world have shown their support for this campaign. Putting a human face to our industry and hearing people describe their actual careers is a fantastic way of lifting the lid on our hidden industry. We have received so many wonderful personal career stories that we intend to continue sharing them. Each story is uniquely different, describing the career of someone from a different part of the world, from a different culture and often in their own native language, and yet somehow, we can all relate to them. Their passion for their work and this sector draws us in and connects us. World Refrigeration Day unites this sector. The community spirit is evident both in the support for the campaign and also the enthusiastic greeting each story receives”.

Stephen continued “There were a few surprises when I saw the countries that submissions were arriving from. I must confess that on more than one occasion, I had to consult a map to find where a particular country was. Equally, there were a few surprises in the omissions. I don’t know why but I expected photos and stories from a number of countries that have thriving industries however none arrived; South Korea for example.

“Thank you to everyone for taking the time and trouble to submit their photos and stories. We will continue building , and adding to this collage so if anyone wishes to submit their photo and their story please do. Also, if anyone has submitted their photo only and now wishes to add their career story after reading some of the others, please do. We would love to hear from you all.”

Stephen concluded “The stories that are proving to be the most popular are those that are written in the first person and tell their career story. They are more than a factual biography. Also, length of service and impressive accomplishments although of great interest and inspirational, we have received stories from those just starting their careers, a few still less than a year. These can also be a informative and inspirational. All are welcome! World Refrigeration Day will continue to post the career stories and may update the collage again in a few months depending upon the volume of submissions coming in and level of interest. Thank you all for your support. What an amazing industry this is, full of amazing people doing amazing things. Help us put a face to this hidden industry