See cool intelligence in action

The theme of World Refrigeration Day 2026, Cool Intelligence, recognises the importance of human expertise, knowledge, innovation and skill within the HVAC&R sector.  That means, for example, applying sustainability thinking and adopting new technologies and practices. This is what Woolworths Group has done.

In 2019, Woolworths Group became the first retailer in Australia and the first supermarket in the world to issue a green bond certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation was one of the investors in the bond, which financed a project pipeline of approximately $402 million across 32 supermarkets to implement solar energy projects, LED lighting upgrades and HVAC optimisation projects. By the end of 2025 it was powering 100% of operations nation-wide with renewable energy.

The supermarket chain was also one of the first in Australia to roll out natural refrigerants at scale and has invested in training for its refrigeration technicians to upskill them.

On Friday, June 26, Woolworths supermarkets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be opening the door of the plant room and inviting visitors inside. There is also a tour planned for Darwin on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Attendees will get to check out the operating equipment, which is using state-of-the-art natural refrigerants, meet industry professionals and get a taste of the life of a supermarket fridgie.

Each session will run for approximately an hour – sign up here.

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