Nominations open for ARBS Awards 2026

The ARBS Awards recognise the projects, products and professionals shaping the industry. In 2026, the ARBS Awards will feature additional categories in a new two-stream format: the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards and the ARBS Future Leader Awards.  

ARBS CEO Amanda Searle says the expanded awards categories and format reflects the industry’s growing depth and diversity.

“Every two years, the ARBS Awards shine a light on the best and brightest driving Australia’s HVAC&R, building services and technology industry forward,” Searle says. “The new format for 2026 allows us to celebrate the excellence from across all areas of our industry.”

David Eynon from the ARBS Foundation says: “The ARBS Foundation is proud to support the next generation of talent with a $5,000 Foundation scholarship for each Future Leader Award recipient. This funding is designed to help emerging professionals take the next step in their careers through further education, training or research initiatives.” 

Industry Excellence Award categories

• Major Project Excellence Award: Large HVAC&R projects over $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance 
• Minor Project Excellence Award: Small Australian HVAC&R projects under $5 million demonstrating innovation, sustainability and environmental performance
• IBTech Project Excellence Award: Australian projects that successfully integrate intelligent-building principles for high-performing, sustainable outcomes
• IBTech Product Excellence Award: Intelligent building technologies and services that improve performance, connectivity and user experience through smart design or digital innovation 
• HVAC Product Excellence Award: New or enhanced HVAC products that deliver innovation, sustainability, and proven industry impact
• Refrigeration Product Excellence Award: Refrigeration technologies that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and outstanding performance in real-world applications
• Education & Training Excellence Award: Initiatives that advance skills, education and professional growth in the HVAC&R and building services industry
• Hall of Fame: Tribute to individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have left a lasting legacy in the HVAC&R and building services sector (nomination via ARBS associations). 

Future Leader Awards categories 

• HVAC&R Tradesperson Award: Two awards acknowledging outstanding tradespeople who demonstrate excellence, professionalism and dedication in the delivery of HVAC&R services
• Young Achiever Award: Emerging professional (aged 30 years or under) demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment in the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services sector
• Outstanding Female in Industry Award: Exceptional female professional who has made a significant impact within the HVAC&R, IBTech and building services industry.

Awards events

Winners for the ARBS Industry Excellence Awards will be awarded at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 6, during ARBS 2026 in Melbourne. Winners of the ARBS Future Leaders Awards will be announced the following day at the ARBS Future Leaders Forum.

You can make nominations for the awards until 5pm on Friday, January 30, 2026. 

Image courtesy of ARBS

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