ARBS has announced the finalists of its 2024 Industry Awards to recognise the achievements and innovations within the HVAC&R and building services industry.
The ARBS Industry Awards Gala Dinner will be held on 29 May 2024 at the ICC Sydney Grand Ballroom, where the award winners will be announced. The event will be hosted by Australian actor and Logie Award winner, Rob Carlton.
Young achiever award finalists
- Matt Bond, Grosvenor Engineering – Mr Bond’s ascent in the HVAC-R industry from a service technician in 2016 to National Service Delivery Manager at Grosvenor illustrates his impact and leadership
- Mark Elliott: Devlin Engineering & Management – since joining Devlin Engineering in 2017, Mr Elliott has progressed from a recent university graduate with minimal experience to a respected HVAC&R designer and a leader admired for his expertise, integrity, and optimistic outlook on the industry’s future
- Travis Schick, NRG Services – Mr Schick, celebrated as a ‘Top 20 Technician under 25 NextGen 2023,’ has made his mark in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry through technical excellence and leadership
- Mitchell Stevens, Superior Air Conditioning – Mr Stevens’ deep engagement in the HVAC&R industry is exemplified by his active membership in organisations like AIRAH and AMCA, reflecting his commitment to best practices and industry trends
Product excellence – HVAC award finalists
- CoolAutomation: The Predictive Maintenance Application Suite is transforming HVAC system management with remote, smart diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities
- Graphene Manufacturing Group: The THERMAL-XR® COATING SYSTEM distinguishes itself in the HVAC&R industry by its innovative approach to enhancing the thermal conductivity of both new and corroded heat exchange surfaces
- Plasma Shield: Sustainable HVAC, Premium IAQ – PlasmaShield offers a performance-based ventilation design approach, enabling substantial cost and emissions reductions while maintaining air quality
- Wilo Australia: Recognised as the world’s first smart pump, the Wilo-Stratos MAXO series advances heating, cooling, and water applications with its energy-saving features and intuitive operation, including Green Button Technology
Product excellence – refrigeration award finalists
- A-Gas Australia: Refrigerant Recovery – A-Gas Rapid Recovery® emerged in Australia in 2018, revolutionising the recovery of used refrigerants and aiding in the prevention of environmental damage
- Fluke Australia: The Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager stands out as an innovative solution for the HVAC&R industry, combining leak and vibration detection with acoustic imaging technology
- Hussmann Oceania – P series Refrigerator – The Panasonic acquisition of Hussmann in 2016 has elevated the HVAC&R industry landscape by introducing the P series, a testament to innovation and sustainability
- REFCO Manufacturing: The TRITECTOR by REFCO is an innovative three-in-one handheld device designed for refrigeration engineers to efficiently detect leaks across a spectrum of refrigerants, combustible gases, and tracer gases
Project excellence award finalists
- A.G. Coombs: Allianz Stadium, Mechanical and HVAC Services – this project involved the collaborative efforts of LCI and A.G. Coombs, as part of the Cox and John Holland Group team, to design and construct the Allianz Stadium, a venue that revolutionises energy efficiency and operational flexibility for Venues NSW
- Benmax: Canberra Grammar School Music Centre and Auditorium – Benmax’s delivery of the mechanical services for Canberra Grammar School’s new music venue is a 3,100sqm subterranean structure that integrates geothermal technology with a modular polyvalent GSHP system, achieving a 50 per cent reduction in energy usage and eliminating fossil gas emissions
- NDY: Murdoch University Boola Katijin – Boola Katitjin is Murdoch University’s new academic hub and merges sustainable architecture with cutting-edge mechanical services, like its mixed-mode ventilation system, to significantly cut energy consumption
- University of Wollongong: The Building Insights Facility (BIF) at the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre integrates comprehensive testing capabilities for HVAC systems, façade thermal performance, indoor environment quality, and housing modules within a single innovative setup
Software/digital excellence award finalists
- Exergenics: Exergenics’ Cloud-Based Chiller Plant Optimisation Software surpasses traditional methods like consulting engineers and black-box systems in optimising chilled water plants. It simulates every possible scenario, enabling precise forecasting of cost savings without the limitations of billable hours or the unpredictability of external hardware control
- Fujitsu General Australia: The AnywAiR iO system, a collaboration between Fujitsu General Australia and Nube iO, marks a significant advancement in the HVAC&R industry by integrating cutting-edge Wi-Fi and IoT technologies for commercial building management
- Sensibo: Sensibo’s pioneering integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its smart AC products enhances user experience by providing tailored recommendations and automated schedules based on individual behaviour, significantly optimising energy use
- Siemens: Building X is a smart platform, cultivated from Siemens’ extensive HVAC and building services expertise, centralises and streamlines building operations data on a singular cloud-based interface, enhancing user experiences and operational performance while bolstering sustainability
Outstanding industry education/training award finalists
- Beijer Ref Academy: The Beijer Ref Academy CO2 Safety, Repair, and Service Training Course, a collaborative effort by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Center, is pioneering the upskilling of HVAC&R technicians in low emissions technology
- Box Hill Institute: Pacific Island Training – Box Hill Institute’s HVAC Centre of Excellence has revolutionised HVAC&R training through a collaborative program that equips Pacific Island trainers with state-of-the-art skills and sustainable practices
- Holmesglen Institute: Holmesglen’s HVAC Centre of Excellence, developed with the Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA), is at the forefront of HVAC&R education, featuring a state-of-the-art simulated learning environment that prepares students for the intricacies of modern, sustainable systems
- Superior Training Centre: The RAC Assessment Project has unified HVAC&R training across Australia with standardised assessment instruments for the UEE32220 course, saving significant development costs for TAFE colleges