In association with
THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2026
THE SLATE, WARWICK UNIVERSITY
The Cold Chain Climate & Energy Summit returns to the University of Warwick in 2026, building on the success of previous years and expanding its scope to reflect the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
Formerly known as the Cold Chain Climate Summit, this year’s event broadens its focus to include the critical topic of energy, recognising its vital role in achieving net zero ambitions, improving resilience, and driving innovation across the temperature-controlled supply chain.
Bringing together leaders from logistics, storage, manufacturing, retail, policy, and academia, the Cold Chain Climate & Energy Summit 2026 will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, debate, and collaboration around the most pressing sustainability and energy issues facing our industry.
The Cold Chain Sustainability Awards are also back with new categories and the winners will be announced throughout the day. We’ll be releasing information on the entry process for this soon.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2026?
- Insightful keynotes and panel discussions featuring experts in sustainability, energy, and cold chain operations.
- A focused exhibition showcasing technologies and solutions for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
- The return of the Cold Chain Sustainability Awards, celebrating innovation and leadership across the sector.
SPEAKER LINEUP
Philip Shelley
National Lead for Net Zero Food at NHS England
Philip is the National Lead for Net Zero Food at NHS England, overseeing national food policy, the rollout of the Healthcare Cleaning and Food Standards, and future portering standards while leading on food within the Greener NHS Programme. He chaired the NHS Food Review following the 2019 Listeria outbreak and continues to work with DHSC on the National Standards for Food & Drink in Healthcare. A former National Chair of the Hospital Catering Association, he drives collaboration with organisations including the BDA, HEFMA and the Malnutrition Task Force. His contributions have earned major sector awards, and as an ambassador for Love British Food, Guardians of Grub and Sophie’s Legacy, he promotes these principles across healthcare.
Philip is the first of our expert speakers for this year’s event. More industry leaders will be announced soon…
AGENDA & KEY THEMES
Explore the critical issues shaping the future of the UK cold chain. Across three focused sessions, industry leaders will unpack the pathway to net zero, breakthroughs in transport and refrigeration innovation, and the resilience of our energy supply.
Full speaker line-up and panel details will be announced soon.
SESSION ONE: NET ZERO & FUNDING
The transition to a net zero is at a pivotal moment. With a faltering economy and just 25 years to go, will the government remain fully committed to its pioneering 2050 target and is the cold chain on track? In this session we look at the current landscape for net zero and what funding is available to businesses seeking to make sustainable investments.
Followed by:
Sustainable Business Awards
- Cold Storage Operator of the Year 2026
- Cold Chain Transport Operator of the Year 2026
- Sustainable Supplier of the Year 2026
SESSION TWO: DECARBONISING TRANSPORT
Progress in reducing emissions from transport refrigeration units is a major success story for UK decarbonisation efforts. Low emission and emission free alternatives are hitting the roads in increasing numbers. In this session we look at the journey so far and how government action could speed up the transition even further, whilst hearing from a major operator on their net zero distribution journey and examining how SME’s can keep pace with rapid innovation. We will also focus on the implication to the cold chain of new government policy proposals to increase the phase down of fluorinated gas refrigerants.
Followed by:
Technological Breakthrough Awards
- Sustainable Cold Store of the Year 2026
- Sustainable Innovation: Cold Storage
- Sustainable Innovation: Refrigerated Transport
- Sustainable Partnership Project
SESSION THREE: ENERGY SECURITY
In our final session we and look at the security of UK energy supplies to critical cold chain infrastructure. We will also examine how the government can boost effort for cold chain operators to adopt novel energy generations and storage mechanisms.
Followed by:
Sustainability Champions Awards
- Business Climate Initiative
- Cold Chain Climate Champion (under 35)
- Outstanding Climate Leadership
GET INVOLVED
- 3 Headline partnerships (2 remaining)
- 14 Exhibitor spaces (3m x 2m)
- 1 Vehicle space situated on the hardstanding at the entrance to the venue.
If you would like to showcase your business or align your brand with this event, please contact Rachel Nunn to find out more.
Bookings for the above will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
TICKETS
VENUE
The Slate holds a BREEAM “Excellent” rating for sustainable design, construction and operation. Choosing a sustainably built venue reinforces the summit’s focus on reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency across the cold chain. Hosting the event here underlines our commitment to showcasing solutions for a low-carbon future and highlights the practical role that sustainable infrastructure can play in tackling climate and energy challenges.