The ARBS 2024 Industry Awards ceremony was a highlight of ARBS 2024, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations. At the ICC Ballroom on 29 May 2024 we recognised excellence across various categories, honouring companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.
This prestigious gala event celebrated the successes of the past year but also set the stage for future innovations and advancements. Congratulations to our award winners.
Travis, 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. An active AIRAH member, he uses their resources to stay informed and connected with his peers. His role in overseeing major projects reflects his aptitude for leadership and technical prowess. Committed to lifelong learning and industry advocacy, Travis is a key player in shaping industry standards and fostering talent development. He has taken on challenging projects, like the CSIRO Narrabri critical air conditioning systems, and contributed to essential services in rural areas. Through NRG’s Cert II Program, he’s shaping the next generation of HVAC-R professionals, while his volunteer efforts, like at Momentum Mental Health, highlight his dedication to community and industry growth.
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. This system not only coats and protects these surfaces but also restores their eroded thermal efficiency. By integrating the physics of GMG Graphene, the THERMAL-XR® process not only improves the heat transfer rate but also significantly reduces power consumption, marking a substantial advance in efficiency. Additionally, the THERMAL-XR RESTORE®, powered by GMG Graphene, offers protection against accelerated corrosion for various types of coils, thereby prolonging equipment life and further reducing energy costs.
The Panasonic acquisition of Hussmann in 2016 has significantly elevated the HVAC&R industry landscape by introducing the P series, a testament to innovation and sustainability. This collaboration harnessed the collective expertise of both Panasonic and Hussmann design teams, resulting in a product line that epitomises the synergy of advanced technology, eco-friendly design, and digital sophistication, all while adhering to the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. The P series’ development was rooted in rigorous R&D processes, ensuring its performance claims are substantiated by comprehensive testing, standards compliance, and customer feedback. This meticulous approach not only validates the P series’ efficiency and effectiveness but also its alignment with sustainable development goals, marking a significant stride towards responsible and innovative solutions in the sector.
The 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. Situated on the grounds of Sydney’s Moore Park, the new 42,500-capacity Allianz Stadium, which opened its doors on September 2, 2022, stands on the legacy of its predecessors dating back to 1899. The project was underpinned by stringent sustainability measures from the onset, such as the combined space heating and DHW system yielding an 18% annual energy saving, mixed-mode and natural ventilation strategies that collectively save 58,000kWh of energy annually, and a heat recovery four pipe heat pump system that contributes an impressive 317,000 kWh energy saving per year.
Exergenics cloud-based, machine-learning CWP Optimisation solution surpasses traditional methods like consulting engineers and black-box systems in optimising chilled water plants. It uniquely simulates every possible scenario, enabling precise forecasting of cost savings without the limitations of billable hours or the unpredictability of external hardware control. The software’s transparent and scalable approach to improving efficiency—without needing additional hardware or workflow disruptions—marks a significant Australian innovation. With operational efficiencies ranging from 3% to 20% savings in energy consumption, Exergenics has proven its value across diverse deployments. Its API-first model seamlessly integrates with any Building Management System, ensuring adaptability and ease of implementation. It’s poised to redefine how HVAC systems are designed and managed, facilitating a broader adoption of sustainable practices and smart building infrastructure within the industry.
The CO2 Safety, Repair, and Service Training Course, a collaborative effort by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre, is pioneering the upskilling of HVAC&R technicians in low emissions technology. This hands-on, interactive course offers national accreditation, enhancing technicians’ licenses with the latest in CO2 technology and safety practices. With over 220 hours of training delivered to 148 technicians from diverse industry sectors, the program stands as the first of its kind, merging industry experience with accredited training. This initiative not only fills a critical skills gap as CO2 systems proliferate but also aligns with the phasedown of high global warming potential refrigerants, contributing to a more sustainable and compliant industry.
