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Dr Clayton McDowell
PANEL | Cold Chain by design - Designing cold chain facilities for operational excellence
This panel discussion will examine how intelligent facility design addresses the unique challenges of cold chain operations in Australia. The panel will explore practical design strategies that enhance efficiency, reduce energy costs, and optimise workflow in temperature-controlled environments.
Drawing on real-world experience, panellists will discuss design considerations including temperature zoning, automation integration, and layout optimisation for multi-temperature facilities. The discussion will address how thoughtful infrastructure planning can minimise temperature excursions, support scalable automation, and meet Australia's regulatory requirements while managing operational costs.
About Dr Clayton
Dr. Clayton McDowell Ph.D., is the Associate Director Sustainability for the University of Wollongong where his team is responsible for managing energy, water, and biodiversity initiatives as UOW aims to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Clayton previously worked as a Researcher at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) where he managed the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) funded Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling (i-Hub) project. This project created living laboratories within education and aged care facilities and enabled industry partners to evaluate innovative technologies within a real-world environment before taking their products to market.
Clayton is passionate about sustainable buildings and construction methods with a particular interest in improving energy efficiency and thermal control through smart construction.